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SCMZ commemorates day of the African child-2009
Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ)
June 16, 2009

The Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ) joins the whole of Africa in commemorating the Day of the African Child 2009. June 16 is observed in memory of thousands of black school children who were maimed and killed in the year 1976 during the Soweto uprisings. On this day students took to the streets to protest the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. In 1991, June 16 was declared the Day of the African Child, a day to honor the memories of those who dedicated their lives for the recognition of the African Child.

The theme for this year; 'Africa Fit for Children: Call for Accelerated Action towards Child Survival' aptly comes at a time when the Zimbabwean governance crisis has plummeted beyond unparalleled levels with the education system further sinking. As SCMZ, we strongly believe that the collapse of the education system in Zimbabwe is irrevocably directly linked to the human-created governance crisis worsened by power hungry individuals who survive on greed and avarice. Unless this is resolved the students of Zimbabwe will continue suffering, going to lecture rooms without lecturers and getting into libraries with no books.

SCMZ firmly believes that when political commitment is present, the results are often significant. As we commemorate the Day of the African Child, we need to remind the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU) lest they have forgotten, that Education is everyone's right not a privilege for the affluent. It is high time the much eulogized GNU refocus and take the plight of students seriously! SCMZ urges the government and the powers that be, to identify possible acceptable measures which uphold our right to education.

While the Government is working tirelessly to revive the country's economy and equitably share political positions, it should never forget the interests of the people. With the constitutional making process presumably underway, the voice of the young people should be recognized and respected. On this day we urge all students of Zimbabwe to intensify their anti-oppression efforts and stand for their right to Education. Education should remain our nation's priority.

To the civic society and other progressive movements we urge you to continue defending what you believe in, for the Bible says, "Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with them: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings", Isaiah 3:10

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