Story by Providence Maraneli
Government continues to reaffirm its unwavering commitment towards protecting and promoting children’s rights, with this year’s World Children Day commemorations being taken to rural Beitbridge this Thursday.
It was a day to remember for the people of Malala in Beitbridge with villagers, traditional leaders, government officials and members of the diplomatic community braving the heat of the border lying area to attend this year’s World Children’s Day at Malala Primary School.
For children the commemoration demonstrates government’s unwavering commitment to affording equal chances to children in both urban and rural areas.
“Today is our day and I am so happy that it has come to those of us who live in the rural areas,” one of the pupils told the ZBC News.
Another said, “This is the day we that was set aside for us and we are happy the government has organised the celebration.”
Stakeholders who gathered for the commemorations lauded the Second Republic’s stance on upholding children’s rights
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe for the unwavering commitment to the advancement and development of children,” said a representative from UNICEF.
A traditional leaders’ representative noted the need to protect children from drug peddlers.
Through the National Development Strategy One (NDS1), government has committed itself to care and protect vulnerable children, including those with diabetes.
“The pursuit of a world where the rights of children are protected is not an event but a process. The government of Zimbabwe will work with different organisations and governments to make sure that we uphold children’s rights,” said Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
The commemorations, running under the theme: ‘Renewing our Promise for Children’s Rights’ saw the Vice President light the Beitbridge Border to mark the celebrations.
