Zambian Children Gather to Address Pressing Issues
Over 100 young people from across Zambia have convened in Lusaka for the 2024 African Children’s Pre-Summit to discuss and find solutions to the challenges affecting their generation.
The two-day event, themed “Seen, Heard, and Engaged,” aims to give children a platform to voice their concerns and contribute to shaping policies that impact their lives.
Key issues on the agenda include climate change, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, access to quality education and healthcare, and early marriages. Participants are actively engaged in discussions aimed at developing strategies to address these pressing problems and protect children’s rights.
Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, expressed deep concern over the high rate of child marriages in Zambia, highlighting its detrimental impact on children’s futures.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to combating this issue through legislation, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with stakeholders.
Member of Parliament Joseph Munsanje, Chairperson of the parliamentary caucus on Children’s Rights, welcomed the enactment of the Children’s Code Act, a significant step forward in protecting children’s rights in Zambia.
George Kande, Chairperson of the African Children’s Summit, underscored the importance of involving children in decision-making processes.
He stressed that by giving children a voice, they can become active agents of change and contribute to building a better future for themselves and their communities.
