Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
HARARE – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the country’s junior parliament must not just be a talk show, but a platform for serious discussions that impact national policy formulation.
He was speaking as he presided over the 33rd session of the Junior Parliament at the Parliament Building in Mount Hampden this Friday.
The President emphasised that the junior parliament forum should be one that looks into important topics that have a bearing on the livelihood of the country’s young generation.
“I applaud the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Education for the leadership and guidance it continues to provide to you, our young people, and the Junior Parliament in particular. This forum must not be reduced to a mere talk show, but the output of the Junior Parliament must inform our national development priorities as well as programmes and projects,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the newly launched junior alumni parliament network should serve as a think tank, while encouraging the youths to take up opportunities in vocational training.
“The launch of the Junior Parliament Alumni Network is a development worth celebrating. The platform should ensure that the leadership nurtured in this August House remains a voice in national discussions concerning children and the youth. The alumni should serve as a think-tank and mentorship engine that prepares young people for the future ahead,” the President noted.
“Technical and vocational skills are critically important in our quest to realise our national vision. I urge you, our young people, to take full advantage of the opportunities that my government is offering, as we improve the quality of our living standards.
The Head of State also reminded the junior parliamentarians that youth service, patriotism, loyalty and volunteerism are key components of the ongoing national development agenda.
