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Leaders commit to creating pathways for transformative education, skills development for children

Published

10 months ago

November 18, 2024

BY SIRAK GEBREHIWOT

Victoria Falls – A historic gathering of seven Southern African leaders, international representatives, over 7000 children and youth took place at Baobab Primary School in the resort town of Victoria Falls to commemorate regional World Children’s Day.

The event, attended by dignitaries from across the southern Africa region, emphasized universal dedication to the rights and welfare of children, guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe extending warm welcome to delegates, underlined the unity and shared goals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “Today is a powerful reminder of our collective duty to protect the rights of all children,” he affirmed.

President Mnangagwa’s speech underscored the importance of providing children with quality education and resilience against climate change, all while fostering their sense of identity and pride in their African heritage.

The President expressed gratitude to regional counterparts, particularly President Duma Boko of Botswana, for participating in Zimbabwe’s festivities. In a gesture of regional solidarity, he acknowledged, “Though we hail from different nations, we share a common vision for a vibrant, educated, and united Africa.”

Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, echoed the President’s sentiments. He stressed the significance of this event as a platform to emphasize children’s rights, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The UN2.0 and its quintet of change—embracing innovation, technology, and inclusivity—guides the United Nations renewed mission towards a brighter future for all children,” Mr. Kallon stated.

He underscored the UN’s reinvigorated strategy, UN 2.0, aiming for transformational change with children at its core. Kallon called on all stakeholders to remain accountable to the children’s Call to Action, reinforcing the imperative to incorporate young voices in policymaking processes and national development programmes.

Education: A Pillar for Progress

UNICEF Regional Director, Ms. Etleva Kadilli, focused on the transformative power of education. She recognized strides made in various SADC countries that have prioritized digital learning, inclusive education, and curriculum reform. “These advancements illustrate that when governments and educators listen to children and act, significant progress can be achieved,” Ms. Kadilli underlined.
Kadilli acknowledged the persistent challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa, where educational disparities remain stark. She encouraged children present, stating, “Your voices are vital. When you speak, you not only shape your future but ours as well.”

Collective Regional Pledge

His Excellency President Duma Boko of Botswana accepted the honor of hosting the next World Children’s Day commemoration. He pledged his administration’s dedication to addressing the needs and aspirations voiced by the children and youth. “We stand ready to work with you, empowering our children to lead with wisdom and courage,” President Boko assured.

Senior officials from Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Africa echoed these commitments. They affirmed their governments’ resolve to enhance children’s access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection, reinforcing their rights as a priority.

Empowering Through Culture and Heritage

The celebration also spotlighted the role of arts, culture, and heritage in building inclusive societies. President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of embracing cultural identity and utilizing natural resources to foster development and unity. “Let us, together, promote our unique cultural products and enhance our children’s understanding of their heritage,” President ED Mnangagwa encouraged.

Combating Emerging Threats

Addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and drugs and substance abuse, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to combating these issues through strategic initiatives like the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme and the establishment of Child-Friendly Courts. “Our measures ensure that all children, particularly the vulnerable, have their rights upheld and their futures secured,” he stressed.

A Call to Action and Hope

Ms. Etona Ekole, UNICEF Representative for Zimbabwe said, “This World Children Day, I am incredibly proud to see children from Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe raising their voices for change. Their Call-for-Action is a testament to the power of listening to children and investing in their future.

The event underscored a unified call to invest in children as Southern Africa’s future leaders. With collaborative resolve, the leaders and stakeholders committed to translating discussions into concrete actions, guided by the insights and demands of the children and youth.

Facilitating a call to action from children and youth representatives across seven countries, Ms. Sithabile Mtigo, Speaker of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe, highlighted the critical role of young advocates throughout Africa. She declared, “We are the leaders of both the present and the future for Africa.”

The Regional World Children’s Day served as a reminder of the shared journey towards a future where every child’s rights and potential are realized, and every opportunity leveraged.

The commitment made in Victoria Falls to “Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity” is not only a theme but a driving mission as the African continent marches towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

SOURCE: Sirak Gebrehiwot is UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Zimbabwe

National

RemitHope launches “100 for 10” campaign to raise $100K for grassroots organisations across Africa

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

RemitHope, a pioneering fintech social enterprise – founded by global philanthropist and social entrepreneur Tsitsi Masiyiwa – has launched a bold campaign to raise US$100 000 in just 60 days for 10 grassroots organisations serving some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

The campaign – themed “100 for 10” – seeks to channel life-changing support to organisations on the frontlines of health, education, gender equity and community resilience.

The 10 beneficiaries span nine African countries, including Cancerserve (Zimbabwe), Cáritas Regional De Chokwe (Mozambique), Empowered Girls (Tanzania), Ewang’an Nadede Advocacy Initiative (Kenya), Child Restoration Outreach (Uganda), Hands of Hope (Zimbabwe), Bana Ba Metsi (Botswana), Njira Impact (Malawi), Phelisanong Children’s Centre (Lesotho) and Refugee Children’s Project (South Africa).

“The 100 for 10 campaign is intended to harness the transforming power of small acts of generosity into life-changing opportunities for communities too often overlooked. And every dollar given delivers hope, dignity, and the promise of progress,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

Running from September 15 to November 15, 2025, the campaign pivots RemitHope’s unique model of transparency, real-time storytelling and direct funding to vetted local partners, ensuring every contribution makes a measurable difference.

In a powerful show of commitment, and leveraging its network of donors and partners, RemitHope has pledged to match every donation given, dollar-for-dollar – effectively doubling the impact.

“If you give $5 it becomes $10, give US$50 and it becomes US$100. This is multiplying hope, opportunities, and futures with every dollar donated,” she said.

The campaign builds on RemitHope’s recent success, where the platform raised over US$81 000 in funding to rebuild Mt Selinda Orphanage in Zimbabwe after a devastating fire swept through the institution.

That effort demonstrated RemitHope’s unique ability to mobilise rapidly, scale generosity and deliver urgent impact.

“We’ve witnessed how extraordinary things happen when people unite in moments of crisis. And now, with 100 for 10, we are channelling that same spirit beyond emergencies, for the long journey of community-led development,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

RemitHope seeks to unlock the transformative potential of diaspora remittances – redirecting a portion of the more than US$90 billion sent to Africa annually, into structured, high-impact community giving.

By blending trust, technology and targeted generosity, RemitHope aims to mobilise US$50 million for grassroots organisations over the next five years.

In the community

Avoid nightime movement and stoning elephants, communities told

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Following a recent spate of human-wildlife conflict incidents, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Tinashe Farawo has urged communities to exercise caution when encountering wild animals.

Farawo emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontations with elephants, particularly when they encroach into community areas. “We would like to urge members of the communities to avoid throwing stones at elephants,” he said. “This action agitates them, leading to attacks on people.”

In addition to avoiding confrontations, Farawo advised community members to minimize movement at night, as this is when wild animals are most active. “We would like to urge communities to avoid moving at night to minimize casualties,” he said.

Farawo’s comments come after a 79-year-old man from Hwange was killed by an elephant yesterday. The incident is still under investigation by rangers. This is the second fatal incident in the area, following the death of another man who was attacked by an elephant while on his way to work in Hwange town several weeks ago.

In the community

Elephant attack claims life of 79-year-old man in Mbizha

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 79-year-old man from Mbizha village met a tragic end yesterday when he was killed by a stray elephant, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

Zimbabwe Parks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, confirmed the incident, saying, “We confirm the sad and unfortunate incident that happened today where a 79-year-old man lost his life.”

The attack occurred four kilometers away from the community, although the exact time of the incident was not disclosed.

This latest incident brings the total number of human deaths caused by wild animals to 40 this year, with over 55 people injured, according to statistics from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority as of last month.

Since 2019, over 370 people have been killed and 453 injured in similar incidents, highlighting the ongoing concern of human-wildlife conflict in the country.