By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially open the 34th Session of Zimbabwe Junior Parliament on July 8 this year, in a move the government says underscores its commitment to youth empowerment, civic education and the inclusion of young people in national development processes.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda said this during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday following the approval of a report presented by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tinomuda Machakaire.
He said the official opening ceremony would take place at the Parliament of Zimbabwe under the Day of the African Child-inspired theme: “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”
“Cabinet noted and approved a report on the Official Opening of the 34th Junior Parliament Session as presented by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable T. Machakaire,” he said.
Soda added that President Mnangagwa would preside over the opening of the session, which is expected to bring together young representatives elected from constituencies across the country.
The Junior Parliament is one of Zimbabwe’s key youth development initiatives, designed to provide children and young people with a platform to participate in governance and contribute to discussions on issues affecting their lives and communities.
Structured to mirror the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the institution enables young people to debate national issues, propose solutions and gain practical exposure to democratic processes and leadership responsibilities.
According to Cabinet, the program seeks to promote and protect the rights of children and youth while cultivating leadership skills, civic responsibility and democratic values among future generations.
“The Junior Parliament mirrors the structure of the Parliament of Zimbabwe and is designed to advocate for the promotion and protection of youth rights; to cultivate leadership, civic responsibility and democratic values among the youth; and to facilitate structured and meaningful youth participation across all sectors of national development,” said Soda.
He noted that the initiative also provides participants with practical civic education on how Zimbabwe’s three Arms of the State – the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary – function and interact in the governance of the country.
The program has increasingly become an important incubator for future leaders, with many former Junior Parliamentarians going on to assume leadership roles in schools, universities, community organizations and national institutions.
Cabinet was informed that elections for the 34th Junior Parliament were successfully conducted in all constituencies on June 12 this year, paving the way for the selection of young representatives from across Zimbabwe.
Preparations for the official opening are already underway, with rehearsals currently taking place ahead of the landmark event.
The government says it will continue strengthening and expanding the Junior Parliament program as a strategic platform for youth empowerment and national development.
“Going forward, Government will continue to strengthen and expand the programme as a strategic national platform for youth development, empowerment and participation,” Soda said.
The upcoming opening of the 34th Junior Parliament is expected to reaffirm the country’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard in the national discourse, while equipping them with the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.
New Ziana
