Zambian Minister Praises Children’s Summit for Addressing Key Issues
Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, has commended Environment Africa Zambia for successfully hosting a two-day Children’s Pre-Summit for Zambia and Zimbabwe in Lusaka.
The Minister emphasized the significance of the event, which took place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, as a lead-up to the Children’s Summit scheduled for Johannesburg, South Africa, next year.
Ms. Mwamba highlighted that the Summit, themed “Seen, Heard and Engaged,” was organized by young people from all ten provinces of Zambia and led by 19-year-old George Kande, the Chairperson of the Africa Children’s Summit. She praised the young organizers for creating a platform to express their views and ideas.
The Cabinet Minister underscored the Government’s commitment, under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, to enhancing the healthcare system to ensure quality healthcare services for children in Zambia.
This message was delivered in a speech by the Director of Child Affairs, Beatrice Sabe, on behalf of the Minister.
Ms. Mwamba mentioned that the Zambian Government has made significant progress in improving healthcare services for children through expanded immunization programs, enhanced maternal and childcare services, and the recruitment of healthcare personnel nationwide.
She emphasized the government’s acknowledgment of the crucial role of a clean and safe environment in the well-being of Zambian children.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s proactive approach to addressing environmental issues in Zambia, particularly in lead-polluted areas like Kabwe, through testing, treatment, and cleanup efforts to minimize the impact of lead exposure on children.
During the Summit, children discussed various issues affecting them in both countries, including climate change, child rights, teenage pregnancies, and early marriage.
Chairperson of the Africa Children’s Summit, George Kande, encouraged young people to advocate for change and make their voices heard on important issues such as climate change, children’s rights, and inclusive education.
He urged the youth to take the theme not just as a slogan but as a call to action to be visible, vocal, and engaged in developmental initiatives.
Member of Parliament Robert Munsanje, who also chairs the Parliamentary Caucus on Children, urged young people to leverage education as a key to unlocking their potential.
Mr. Munsanje, a Child Rights Advocate, informed delegates about the recent enactment of the Children’s Code Act and the amendment of the Marriage Act in Zambia to protect children from early marriage.
He expressed concern over the high number of girls dropping out of school due to early marriage and teenage pregnancies, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy among young people.
The event received support from Save the Children International (SCI), Kinder Not Hilfe (KNH), the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Terre des Hommes (TDH).
