Junior President Tinashe Mugodhi has called for improved access to safe water and sanitation in schools, expanded vocational training, and stronger action against drug and substance abuse, saying young people must play a central role in shaping Zimbabwe’s future.
Addressing the Official Opening of the 34th Session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden on Wednesday, Mugodhi said this year’s theme underscored the urgent need to provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools across the country.
Held under the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” the session brought together junior parliamentarians, government officials and development partners.
Mugodhi said every learner deserved to study in a clean, safe and healthy environment.
“The theme for this year is a timely reminder and call to action for the provision of safe water and sanitation in schools. Every learner deserves to learn in a clean and healthy environment,” he said.
He challenged young Zimbabweans to remain innovative and actively participate in national development, saying their ideas and energy were essential to building the country’s future.
“As youth, we are challenged to remain vibrant, innovative and actively involved in community development. Our energy and ideas are critical in shaping the future of our country,” he said.
The Junior President also commended the Government for facilitating the return and reintegration of Zimbabweans living abroad, saying the country’s youth welcomed those returning home.
“Our hands are outstretched to receive all those coming back home. You are welcome,” he said.
On the growing problem of drug and substance abuse, Mugodhi described it as a serious challenge affecting young people and welcomed Government interventions aimed at addressing the issue.
“The growing challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people remains a serious concern. I commend Government for the interventions and support services being put in place to address this scourge,” he said.
He also called for quality, inclusive education and the expansion of vocational training programmes to equip young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
“We advocate for quality and inclusive education that leaves no learner behind. In addition, we call for the expansion of vocational training to equip young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship,” Mugodhi said.
Speaking on the role of the Junior Parliament, he said the platform was not merely for debate but for developing ideas that would contribute to Zimbabwe’s future.
“We gather here not to debate, but to shape the future of our country, leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
Mugodhi also congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Zimbabwe’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, describing the achievement as a source of national pride.
He further thanked the President for assenting to Bill No. 3, saying the legislation represented a progressive step towards youth empowerment.
“As the youth of Zimbabwe, I express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency for assenting to Bill No. 3. This is a progressive step towards the empowerment of young people,” he said.