Children from Southern Africa Unite for Quality Education and Protection of Their Rights

VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe, (BG) – Over 7,000 children from across Southern Africa gathered in Victoria Falls this weekend to make their voices heard on the importance of quality, inclusive education and the protection of their rights, according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), as the globe celebrates World Children’s Day, children’s voices are crucial in shaping their future.

The regional World Children’s Day celebration brought together young leaders from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia, who met with their respective heads of state and officials to call for urgent reforms in education.

The children issued a powerful Regional Call-to-Action, outlining their vision for a brighter future where education serves as a tool for empowerment and equality.

Their demands included better financial support for disadvantaged children, integration of life and digital skills into curriculums, and investment in safe, well-equipped learning environments.

In their speeches, the children emphasized the need for education that is relevant and prepares them for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

“We need an education that equips us with the relevant skills to navigate life,” said 17-year-old Coreen Chola from Zambia. “It should be impactful and useful for the modern world.”

The event underscored the importance of child participation in shaping policies that directly affect their lives. Zimbabwe’s President, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, acknowledged the significance of children’s voices in discussions about education, climate change, and mental health. “Children’s voices must never be silenced,” he stated, emphasizing the collective responsibility to uphold the rights and welfare of the young generation.

The challenges facing children in Southern Africa are complex, with climate change, economic pressure, and social inequality hindering access to education.

A recent UNICEF survey highlighted that while 87% of children in the region are aware of their rights, barriers such as school fees, insufficient learning materials, and inadequate sanitation continue to impede progress.

UNICEF Regional Director Etleva Kadilli reaffirmed the importance of these efforts. “Imagine a world where every child has access to quality education, that’s the world we’re working towards,” she said.

As the celebrations concluded, President Mnangagwa passed the World Children’s Day torch to Botswana’s newly elected President Boko, who will host the 2025 celebration.

The event also celebrated the progress made in Southern Africa toward better education and child rights.

Countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia have taken significant steps to improve education systems, from passing laws against corporal punishment to increasing teacher recruitment and ensuring the inclusion of children with disabilities.

As Ropafadzo Mutsago, a 16-year-old from Zimbabwe, reminded the gathering, “We as children can create an environment where everyone thrives, belongs, and feels safe.”