SADC Countries celebrate World Children's Day
16 Nov 2024
The unification of children from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is being recognised as a significant step towards developing resolutions aimed at addressing the issues affecting future generations.
In an interview on the eve of the World Children’s Day commemoration for the SADC region, Dr Joan Matji, the UNICEF representative to Botswana emphasised that the event is celebrated across 190 UN member countries worldwide.
Dr Matji noted that since 2021, only four countries in the SADC region: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, had commemorated the event. This year, participation increased with the inclusion of children from Mozambique, Malawi, and South Africa.
“This event focuses on the children rather than just national responses,” Dr Matji explained.
She highlighted that the selection of participants prioritised those living with disabilities and children from remote, less developed areas.
To precede the main event, various activities across the country engaged over 2 000 children in discussions regarding their vision for the future. Through these engagements, key issues emerged, including the need for access to assistive devices and inclusive education for children with disabilities. Many children called for a modernised curriculum that catered to the 21st-century learner.
Dr Matji stressed the importance of a functional child justice system in Botswana, one where children feel safe to report violations against them and can expect immediate action against offenders.
“We must assess the key issues and calls to action that the children proposed at previous events to see how governments have responded,” she stated.
Reflecting on the past events, Dr Matji expressed optimism, saying, “I must say we are not doing badly at all.”
Botswana has marked progress with the launch of its first child justice system and the development of a roadmap outlining the roles of various sectors to ensure a proper judicial process for children, especially those in conflict with the law.
Concerns were also raised regarding the responsible use of electronic devices and the internet, with Dr Matji emphasising the need for safeguards to protect children from online harassment.
Looking back at the four-year commemoration history, Dr Matji acknowledged the positive response from SADC leadership regarding children’s rights and issues.
“The level of political commitment to children’s issues is highly commendable,” she remarked.
However, challenges remain. Post-COVID-19, numerous children have either dropped out of school or never returned, highlighting the need for future preparations for the youth.
In alignment with the African Union’s focus in 2024 on advocating better education, Dr Matji noted that this year’s World Children’s Day was similarly centered on education-related issues. She addressed the need to improve pass rates across SADC countries and to boost foundational literacy and numeracy, emphasising the importance of early childhood education.
Dr Matji pointed out the alarming rates of violence experienced by children, both at home and school, stressing the importance of creating safe, friendly educational environments.
The recent establishment of the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education was greeted with enthusiasm by UNICEF, marking a significant governmental commitment to child affairs in the region.
“We cannot overlook health and nutrition. A child will struggle to succeed academically if their health is compromised," Dr Matji said.
She highlighted the importance of expanding child welfare initiatives to encompass broader interventions across various sectors.
The theme: Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity” aligns with the continent's aspirations for the future through child empowerment and education. Dr Matji urged the gathering of children from the seven SADC nations to propose recommendations that would aid leaders in shaping a more effective educational landscape. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Moshe Galeragwe
Location : Harare, Zimbabwe
Event : World Children\'s Day
Date : 16 Nov 2024
Related News
29 Apr 2025
29 Apr 2025
Eliminate corruption - Kapinga
28 Apr 2025
Invest in impactful projects - Mohwasa
28 Apr 2025
Media industry advocates for sustainability
27 Apr 2025