World Children’s Day in Victoria Falls: A Celebration of Hope and Future Leaders

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, was abuzz with excitement and joy as it hosted the 2024 Regional World Children’s Day celebrations from November 15th to 17th. The event, held at Baobab Primary School, brought together children from seven Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries: Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity”.

The day began with a vibrant procession through the streets of Victoria Falls. Thousands of children, dressed in colorful traditional attire, marched to the beat of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services band. The procession was a sight to behold, with children showcasing their dancing skills and residents lining the streets to cheer them on.

At the Baobab Primary School, the atmosphere was electric as Junior Members of Parliament and Junior Councilors led the proceedings. They set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in governance and decision-making. High-level representatives from the participating countries, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, were in attendance.

The highlight of the event was President Mnangagwa’s keynote address. In his speech, he urged the children to embrace their responsibilities as future leaders and catalysts for development in the SADC region and beyond. “You, our children, must grow up knowing that you have the duty to build, develop, and industrialize your countries, our SADC region, the continent, and finally the world at large. Never look down upon yourselves,” he said.

President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of education and skill development in shaping the future of Africa. He encouraged the children to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and to strive for excellence in their studies and personal development. “Your potential is limitless, and it is up to you to unlock it,” he added.

The celebrations concluded with a pledge by President Boko of Botswana to prioritize children’s demands and work alongside them to address their concerns. “Your demands will be mine to carry, together with you. We have fallen short, and truly, we have. I pledge to you that we will intensify efforts to meet the demands placed before us today. We will do so together,” he said.

The 2024 Regional World Children’s Day in Victoria Falls was a testament to the collective commitment of SADC leaders to empower children and ensure their voices are included in shaping policies that impact their lives. It was a day filled with hope, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose for the future leaders of Africa.