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COTRAD joins the world in active solidarity
Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD)
June 17, 2011

COTRAD joins the world in full solidarity towards commemorating the Day of the African Child. The commemoration serves to honor the memory of those killed and the courage of all those who marched, to draw attention to the lives of African children today as well as to raise awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education and social economic welfare provided to African children. Today, the International Day of the African Child is being celebrated all over the world because of the thousands of black African students, who bravely stood up and fought for their rights and they are being remembered and honored for their gallant efforts in emancipating the oppressed. Fighting in the face of adversity and standing up for your rights knowing you will face opposition, violence and conflict is brave, courageous and honorable.

Thirty-five years ago, in Soweto, South Africa, over 10,000 black students marched over a mile to protest against their inferior education under the apartheid regime. They were met by violence and open gun fire thousands was injured and over 176 were brutally killed. However, their lives were not taken in vain, for it was their plight that challenged years of inferiority, injustice and, not just in South Africa but all over the continent. The day also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement in the education provided to African children. On such a date it is imperative to highlight the need to educate children on their right to education a fundamental human right as enshrined in universal statutes, their survival and development. There is need to also advocate for the developing of laws and establishing of government structures to ensure child survival, development and protection.

The standard of education in Zimbabwe has deteriorated resulting in thousands of children not receiving any form of education. School fees are a major barrier for many Zimbabwean children from poor families since fees structures gazette by government are too exorbitant. Fees consume nearly three-quarters of a poor families income in Zimbabwe given that most students are from either civil servants or peasantry backgrounds. Thus poor families, children are often trapped and grossly become vulnerable which means Zimbabweans must advocate an education for all policy. Given the view that scholarships are politicized to induce party mileage children in Zimbabwe remain quarantined in doldrums of poverty while national resources are siphoned to sponsor reckless policies. COTRAD therefore agrees to the reviewing of the presidential scheme in a bid to cater for all Zimbabwean children and transform the domestic educational policy to a sound and vibrant education sector. There has to be reaffirmation that quality education is a right and not a privilege.

COTRAD therefore suggest the reason for setting aside such a day is to make sure that children and the youth become the center piece of reflection and discussion with a view to improving their situation of political and socio-economic malaise.

There should be efforts to put in place a legislation to guide and direct the affairs of the Zimbabwean child. Child Rights Act must be promulgated, the children of Zimbabwe should be holding policy decision makers and programmers in the national and local government as well as the private sector, international community, national NGOs, and the State of Zimbabwe accountable to them for emancipating the children towards a robust education sector that is consistent with global standards, provided in a safe and conducive environment with the same opportunities given to both young men and women. This is simply to ensure improvement in the national pool of qualified and competent leaders and contributors of tomorrow since young men and women are the vanguard and torchbearers of effective and competent governance in Zimbabwe.

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS though not very common in Zimbabwe, should be constantly be on the agenda since Zimbabwe has a youthful population with over 40% under the age of 18. Discussing and educating our young people about the importance of safe sex is not a matter of condoning pre-marital sex, but rather accepting the reality of today. It is therefore very much in place for government and all stakeholders to be deliberating on planning and budgeting for children to see development in Zimbabwe. There is need for an ambitious investment in children's future and more long term commitment to national development. Thus the youth can vote and their issues must be on the agenda and government, NGO's, labor movements, students unions and other stakeholders must be the medium in this time of post conflict reconstruction and development. Civil society organizations must lobby, monitor the budget process and stay in touch to inspire youth participation in governance and politics. Participation is not only the right thing to do, it is the best way to get decisions made. The youth must participate according to their respective capabilities, thus it is imperative to prepare the youth for the future and increase their sense of dignity and responsibility while at the same time making the best decision for all in placing children at the centre of all planning and budgeting in various institutions starting from the local government and moving on to all other institutions.

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