President Mnangagwa rallies youth to champion national development at Opening of 33rd Junior Parliament

By Tinashe Mukori

New Parliament Building, Harare – June 20, 2025

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa today officially opened the 33rd Session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe with a stirring address that reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the empowerment, protection, and active participation of the country’s children and youth in national development.

In a ceremony that coincided with the commemoration of the Day of the African Child, President Mnangagwa lauded the Junior Parliament as a vital democratic platform fostering intergenerational dialogue and national inclusivity. Speaking before a packed chamber at the majestic New Parliament Building in Mt. Hampden, the Head of State challenged young Zimbabweans to embody patriotism, innovation, and responsibility as architects of the nation’s future.

“This annual gathering continues to be the hallmark of democratic expression, participation and inter-generational dialogue for the children and youth of our beloved motherland,” he said, emphasising that the brave spirit of the 1976 Soweto Uprising should inspire Zimbabwean youth to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

Children’s rights at the core of national planning

This year’s commemorative theme – “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010” – was described by the President as a call to action for all stakeholders, from government to households, to uphold the well-being and rights of every child.

President Mnangagwa highlighted the strides made under the Second Republic, citing the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), which now supports over 1.5 million vulnerable children, and the expanded National School Feeding Programme, particularly in drought-prone regions. These efforts, he said, are improving both school attendance and learner performance across the country.

“Our transformational and inclusive development policies are leaving no child and no place behind,” the President declared.

Strengthening youth engagement and safeguards

He also praised the rollout of policies such as the Child Protection, Disability and Youth Policies, as well as the newly launched National Youth and Adolescent Protection and Safeguarding Policy. These, he explained, are central to ensuring dignity, safety, and inclusivity for all young people.

“Under my administration, children’s dignity, safety, and potential are being promoted and protected,” he affirmed.

Of particular note was the launch of the Junior Parliament Alumni Network, which the President described as a strategic development aimed at ensuring continuity in youth leadership and mentorship.

Driving skills development and innovation

Underscoring the importance of technical skills, President Mnangagwa urged young people to embrace vocational and digital learning opportunities. With the government expanding and modernising Vocational Training Centres nationwide, and launching the Digital Skills Development Programme aimed at training 1.5 million youth, the President emphasised the importance of equipping the next generation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“Our young boys and girls must be well prepared for the jobs of the future… We must transform vocational centres into digital learning spaces and repurpose underutilised facilities like post offices into community innovation hubs,” he said.

Youth Service and patriotism as cornerstones

Calling for a culture rooted in service, responsibility, and loyalty, the President reaffirmed the role of the rebranded Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme in cultivating national values.

“Youth service, patriotism, loyalty and volunteerism are key components of our ongoing national development agenda,” he said, calling on young people to reject drug abuse, peer pressure, and other social ills that threaten the nation’s fabric.

A listening government, a shared future

President Mnangagwa concluded his address with a pledge that his government remains responsive to the voices of young people and will continue to plan, budget and act in ways that reflect their needs and aspirations.

“As the young people of our great nation, I urge you to conduct yourselves responsibly. Always love and defend our country and listen to the wise counsel of your parents, guardians, teachers and elders,” he said.

He extended warm congratulations to the newly elected 33rd Child President, Lionel Mazarire; the Speaker of the Junior Parliament, Michael Ndambani; and all other young parliamentarians, wishing them a productive tenure.

With that, the President formally declared the 33rd Session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe open – a symbolic affirmation of his administration’s trust in the youth as key partners in nation-building.

“God bless you all. God bless Zimbabwe.”

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