Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
JUNIOR parliamentarians have pledged to meaningfully contribute to national development in line with the country’s vision to attain an upper-middle income society by 2030.
This Tuesday saw members of the Junior Parliament meeting the Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, to discuss pressing issues and take stock of key achievements in their respective constituencies.
“Children in schools are now afraid of taking leadership positions because of what they are going to face outside the gate. There are gangsters in most schools in my constituency, and if you are a prefect, head boy, or head girl, you become the main target. Even little children are being initiated into these gangs to cause havoc,” a junior parliamentarian said.
“Children in my constituencies are being forced by their parents to sell food stuffs at the market while they are supposed to be in school. There is also rampant drug abuse, especially in Mufakose, but we appreciate efforts by the police to curb the drug menace,” a parliamentarian said.
“Many people including children, are committing suicide due to various factors including gender based violence,” another junior parliamentarian said.
The youths are also coming up with local solutions to various challenges in various communities.
“As members of the Junior Parliament, we came up with an action plan which involves door to door campaigns, and this has been helpful. We are also raising awareness on the issue of child marriages, which has robbed children of a brighter future,” a junior parliamentarian said.
“In an effort to tackle climate change, we have embarked on a more practical approach, planting indigenous trees in the constituency. We have also launched a recycle initiative, and we aim to recycle over 5 000 bottles per month, and the proceeds from the sales will be channelled to underprivileged students,” another junior parliamentarian said.
The government underscored the importance of engaging youths in issues affecting them.
“We met last year with the junior parliamentarians, and they were giving us an update of their work and the challenges they are encountering. I am very happy for their determination in coming up with solutions. This engagement is in line with Vision 2030, working together with children and the youth to lay a strong foundation in building our nation,” Senator Tawengwa said.
The dialogue offers a platform for children to voice their opinions on matters of national interest.
