Children from across the Southern African region have received a presidential nod to their “call to action” on various issues affecting them during the commemoration of the 2024 World Children’s Day in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Under the theme: “Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity”, children from Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and host Zimbabwe, boldly presented their call to action on the need for governments to prioritize curriculum-sensitive, inclusive and relevant educational training to equip them with modern knowledge to guarantee a bright future.
The children further expressed their desire to see a renewed commitment from their respective governments in areas of climate change, environmental protection, technology and skills development as they declared that they are “never small to make a difference”. 
In response to the children’s pleas, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Mr Jack Mwiimbu, representing President Hakainde Hichilema and other regional leaders resonated with a commitment to embrace their demands through aligning efforts to regional and global development goals.
Zimbabwean President and host, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, called for regional integration concerning children’s affairs and pledged to foster a conducive environment for them to prosper.
Dr Mnangagwa said stressed that life-changing dialogue on crucial issues that affect the future of all children, such as access to quality education, climate change and others must never be silent and should be a collective conversation among regional leaders.
To the children, Dr. Mnangagwa implored them to be proud of their African identity as they participate in various activities that promote social security, justice, and peace.
