16 Nov 2024

Children from Botswana are calling for an inclusive education system that addresses the needs of those living with disabilities and those from marginalised communities.

In an interview following a children’s session with the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Ms Auxillia Mnangagwa, Ms Aumake Aaron, Chairperson of the National Children’s Consultative Forum in Botswana, stated that the gathering would result in coordinated resolutions aimed at enhancing the futures of children across participating countries.

World Children’s Day is celebrated annually on November 20 to commemorate the United Nations’ adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This platform encourages children worldwide to express their opinions on issues that affect them.

The event hosted participants from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, allowing them to share life experiences and advocate for a better future. Ms Aaron insisted that the gathering would guide the education system, reflecting the children’s desire for quality education.

“We are here to say this is what we want. There is nothing for us without us,” she noted.

According to Ms Aaron, the event provided insights into Zimbabwe's education system. She urged that Botswana's children could learn valuable lessons that would guide their own education system.

However, she highlighted challenges facing Botswana's education, such as resource shortages and the need for school renovations. Furthermore, she pointed out the inadequacy of the current curriculum in empowering students to meet their aspirations.

“We want education that will produce globally competitive graduates, with good morals,” she declared.

Additionally, Ms Aaron stressed the necessity of an inclusive education system for children with disabilities, who currently lag due to limited resources. She called on political leaders to prioritize issues affecting children.

“The government of Botswana must be trendsetters, leading by example in providing relevant and quality education for our children,” she urged.

Ms Aaron also commended the First Lady of Zimbabwe for her commitment to guiding the girl child and all children, encouraging her to persevere in her efforts.

In response, Ms Bonolo Khumotaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, described the event as a platform for government consultation and engagement with children regarding their desired education system.

Ms Khumotaka acknowledged the children's requests for increased use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in learning, addressing challenges related to resources and nutrition.

To support these needs, Ms Khumotaka announced that the government has expanded internet access and distributed laptops to students at primary and secondary schools. This initiative also includes provisions for teachers.

Regarding nutrition, Ms Khumotaka mentioned that her ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs to enhance the feeding menu in primary schools, aiming to provide a nutritionally balanced diet.

The permanent secretary highlighted the government's commitment to child welfare by elevating children’s affairs from a unit to a fully-fledged department.

"This move signifies our determination to serve and safeguard the rights and interests of children," she said.

She assured participants that the ministry is working closely with UNICEF to advocate for children’s rights, emphasising the importance of having a dedicated ministry focused on children's welfare.

“Government is saying, we want to hear their views and opinions, plan with them, not for them so that the policies, programmes, strategies, and projects we create address their needs,” Ms Khumotaka explained.

She expressed confidence that the newly established ministry would meet the needs and aspirations of children and help raise future leaders. ENDS