Empowering youth: Legacy of child presidency

Remember Deketeke

Herald Correspondent

SINCE inception, the Zimbabwe Child President Programme has stood as a beacon of hope, inspiration and opportunity for the nation’s youth.

A legacy that spans over three decades, child presidency has grown from a symbolic platform into a powerful voice for children’s rights, education advocacy and leadership development.

As Zimbabwe continues to invest in the potential of its young citizens, the office of the Child President remains one of the most enduring pillars of youth representation, a platform that has not only elevated young voices but also produced role models who continue to make their mark in society.

Origins Rooted in the Convention on the Rights of the Child

The genesis of the Zimbabwe Child President concept can be traced back to 1991, two years after the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Zimbabwe, being one of the earliest signatories to the CRC, committed to creating frameworks through which children could be seen, heard and engaged in national development processes.

In response, Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Education and in collaboration with UNICEF and other child welfare organisations, began championing platforms for child participation.

Among the first of these was the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe, inaugurated in 1991.

It is from this pioneering initiative that the idea of a symbolic Child President was born, selected annually to lead the Junior Parliament and serve as the face of Zimbabwean children.

The Role and Significance

The Child President of Zimbabwe is more than just a ceremonial figurehead.

He or she becomes the voice of over six million children across the country, presenting their views on matters ranging from education and health to child protection, drug use, mental health and climate change.

Installed on or around June 16 every year to commemorate the Day of the African Child, the Child President is chosen from among the most eloquent, dedicated and service-oriented Junior Members of Parliament, usually following nationwide selections and interviews.

The annual Junior Parliament, held in Harare and officially opened by the sitting Head of State, offers the Child President a chance to deliver a keynote address outlining the key issues affecting children.

These speeches have, over the years, served as blueprints for various youth-centred interventions adopted by both Government and civil society organisations.

Over the years, many Child Presidents and Parliamentarians have gone on to occupy significant roles in politics, education, civic society and professional spaces.

In its 33rd year as of 2025, the office has adapted to changing social and economic landscapes.

Earlier focuses on basic education and child protection have expanded to include digital safety, climate change, mental health, sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) and inclusive education.

In recent years, successive Child Presidents have continued to raise alarm about social ills such as drug and substance abuse among the youth, early child marriages and gender-based violence.

The recently elected 33rd Child President, Lionel Mazarire, echoed similar sentiments during his address.

“We must build a Zimbabwe where children are not only safe but are supported to grow in dignity, in peace and with purpose,” he said.

His vision includes strengthening peer-led community programmes, especially in peri-urban and rural schools.

Selection Process and Inclusivity

Each year, candidates are nominated from the ten provinces after rigorous vetting, debates and assessments under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation and the Zimbabwe Youth Council.

The criteria prioritise leadership ability, academic performance, communication skills and a strong understanding of children’s rights.

Over the past decade, there has been a deliberate effort to ensure that children from rural and marginalised backgrounds are equally represented.

Gender equity has also been central, with an increasing number of girls ascending to the presidency.

The Way Forward

The Child President initiative continues to evolve, with discussions underway about expanding its reach to include a Junior Cabinet system that mirrors ministerial portfolios and enhances policy literacy among youths.

Indeed, as the country grapples with the challenges of development in a fast-changing world, investing in young leaders has never been more important.

And through the enduring legacy of the Zimbabwe Child President Programme, the nation continues to nurture the seeds of tomorrow.

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