17 Jun 2018

Day of the African Child should  be used to map a way forward in as far as issues affecting the youth are concerned rather than just commemorating the past events.
Speaking at the commemoration of the day organised by the Letlhakeng Sub -district at Dutlwe on June 16, the sub-district chairperson, Mr Tlotlo Batlhophi said the world is currently  faced with  modern and complex challenges such as child trafficking that needs all to work together.
Mr Batlhophi said the youth, as the majority of the population in the world, should be taken care of as they are future leaders.
He said that government had already made an effort by enacting the Children’s Act of 2009, which among others gives children the right to education and good health.
He said government also takes the education of children seriously as the Act requires, giving it priority over other national projects as seen by the fact that government always ensures that schools hardly run out of basics such as books and stationery.
He said in this era where children face vast challenges that need a parental eye such as sexual abuses, it is a pity that some parents still neglect their children, especially orphans, rendering them vulnerable to such exploitations.
Mr Batlhophi therefore urged parents to introspect and teach children roles and responsibilities  rather than just depending on housekeepers to do everything for them.
He also informed parents that the Children’s Act does not prohibit parents from instilling discipline in children as some believe.
For her part, a standard six pupil at Dutlwe Primary School, Guyana Pego indicated that this year’s theme, Leave no Child Behind for Africa’s Development calls for and raises awareness of the continuing need for inclusion of children in any decision-making that affects them.
“We are calling for all stakeholders to work with us as the youth and emphasise children’s rights in all developmental programmes.
Children should be at the centre stage of every development plan because they are the majority of Africa’s population,” she said.
She said it was a concern that even to this day, there are still reports of children who leave school due to reasons of marriage, which unfortunately stands unchallenged as it is in accordance with the customary laws.
She said that this shutters many  children’s dreams as they end up dependent since they left school before acquiring any skills.
Guyana however hailed the Ministry of Basic Education for introducing Student Representative Councils in schools, which she said has helped close the gap between teachers and students by providing a platform to discuss children’s interest and concerns.
Meanwhile, in Francistown during the June 16 commemoration, Divisional Commander North, Senior Assistant Commissioner Cynthia Setilo emphasised that children participation was vital in the development of the economy.
She noted that this year’s theme highlighted the need to ensure that no child was left behind by specifically targeting those that are not benefiting from Africa’s growth and development.
Furthermore, she  said the implementation of the UN  Agenda 2030 should ensure that children issues took  centre stage and member states should ensure that no child was left behind in the drive towards sustainable economic development.
“It is worth noting that through the adoption of a rights-based approach to sustainable development, children’s rights are highlighted as a  pivot around which state action towards development should resolve,” she added
The District Child Consultative Forum member, Ms Lefika Seomile appealed to law making institutions and legislators to consult with children in any amendments of statutes that affect children so that their needs may be adequately addressed.
She further said that the message embedded in this year’s theme recognised children as key partners in development, family cohesion and hope for building a peaceful community.
“An emotionally healthy individual makes a healthy and happy family.
The family will produce a cohesive and responsible society and the same will yield a stable, loving and peaceful nation free from anti-social behaviours,” she added.
Earlier on in his welcome remarks, Kgosi Pogisego Mosarwe of Phase VI Customary court said  that the spiritual well being of people was important in the development of people, adding that culture and strong family institutions ensured that children were raised appropriately and in the right environments.
He further noted among others, important factors in the development of children; health and wellness, education and skills development. ENDS