The Sunday Mail
Leroy Dzenga
Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has assured the country that under his administration’s watch, no child of school-going age will drop out due to lack of resources.
He said his Government had measures in place to ensure children accessed quality education, regardless of their background.
He was speaking at this year’s Independence Eve Annual Children’s party, which he hosted with the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, at State House in Harare yesterday.
“The Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) continues to assist our disadvantaged children. No child should fail to go to school because of poverty.
The Second Republic will ensure that every child has access to education. The programme (BEAM) will increase the number of children starting and finishing school,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe continues to lead the continent with its impeccable record in the education sector and Government will seek to build on the existing milestones.
“The interventions are in line with the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063, with regards to access to quality education, child protection and safeguards across the education life cycle,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe is pursuing Vision 2030, a national aspiration which will see the country become an upper-middle income economy.
President Mnangagwa called on stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that today`s learners will be fit for purpose in the impending economy.
“Let us prepare our young people to be adequately prepared for the modern, developed country we are becoming guided by the national Vision 2030,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also took time to remind young people to remain committed to their dreams and steer clear of habits that may derail their future.
“You, the young people of our country should shun alcohol and drugs while social media platforms must be used responsibly. Your future is in your hands, be ambitious, work hard and conduct yourselves in a manner that will bring you success and honour to your families, communities and the country,” he said.
At the same event, Child president Mukudzeishe Madzivire thanked President Mnangagwa for taking time off his busy schedule to interact with learners.
Madzivire rallied his peers to reciprocate efforts by Government to ensure quality education by working hard.
“My desire as Child president is to see our generation defined by a demonstrable sense of responsibility, hard work, resilience, and love for one another.
“I have to say to my fellow school children and indeed to all children, that we need to maintain focus and discipline, and not allow the pleasures of today to impede our preparation for tomorrow,” he said.
The party, which usually draws thousands of learners from across the country, had just 50 learners due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
It is meant to provide a platform for interface between the Head of State and the proverbial future of the country.
President Mnangagwa took time to engage with learners in an informal way, asking them about their aspirations. He promised to provide them an environment that will enable them to pursue their dreams.
At the event, guests were treated to poetry, speeches and music from learners who assembled in teams of five from each of the country’s 10 provinces.
