Children Take the Lead in Commemorating the Day of the African Child in Mberengwa
Children took centre stage as Mberengwa District commemorated the Day of the African Child, leading proceedings in a powerful demonstration of child participation, leadership and advocacy for children's rights.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development, Vocational and Skills Training in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, brought together the District Development Coordinator's Office (DDC), Mberengwa Rural District Council, government departments, development partners, community leaders, teachers and children from across the district.
This year's commemoration focused on ensuring every child has access to essential social services, with children themselves driving the programme. Throughout the day, they served as masters of ceremony, delivered speeches and solidarity messages, and represented government departments and development organisations—highlighting the importance of creating spaces where children can meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Among the participating organisations was World Vision Zimbabwe, which joined stakeholders in reaffirming its commitment to promoting children's rights and well-being.
Speaking on behalf of World Vision Zimbabwe, child representative Anelisa delivered a compelling solidarity message calling for universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for every child.
"Access to clean water, safe sanitation and proper hygiene is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right that determines a child's health, dignity, education and future," said Anelisa.
The young advocate highlighted the realities faced by many children in rural communities, where long distances to water sources, inadequate sanitation facilities and preventable waterborne diseases continue to affect children's health, education and overall well-being.
Anelisa also called on government, development partners, communities and families to prioritise investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, while ensuring schools are equipped with reliable water sources, functional sanitation facilities and appropriate hygiene services that enable all children—especially girls—to learn in safe and dignified environments.
World Vision Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Government of Zimbabwe, communities and development partners to improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services for children across Mberengwa District and beyond.
The event also celebrated children's ability to lead conversations on issues affecting their lives. Stakeholders commended the active participation of children throughout the programme, describing it as an important step towards ensuring children are recognised not only as beneficiaries of development programmes, but also as active partners in shaping solutions for their communities.
The commemoration concluded with a renewed call for collective action to safeguard children's rights and create an environment where every child can grow, learn and thrive in safety and dignity.
As communities, government and development partners continue working together, the voices of children remain a powerful reminder that lasting change is achieved when children are listened to, valued and empowered to help shape a better future for themselves and their communities.