First Lady Mrs Neo Masisi on June 18 challenged African nations to reflect on their efforts towards addressing issues affecting children.

Speaking in Kanye during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child, Ms Masisi said the day afforded African nations to renew commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of children, especially the marginalized and vulnerable.

She said it was the nation’s duty to protect the rights of children adding that more still needed to be done .

Ms Masisi urged nations to provide and maintain the best environment possible for the upbringing of children; safe from abuse, poverty and neglect which would unlock their true potential.

“I have made a commitment as the first lady to support efforts towards empowering rural and vulnerable children in particular,” she said. Ms Masisi called upon parents, community leaders and all stakeholders to up their efforts in addressing obstacles to the realisation of children’s rights and to be in the forefront of devising processes and practices to support genuine participation of the African child.

African nations should shift their focus and start inviting children to play a leading role on issues affecting them including the

marginalized, vulnerable and those with disabilities, she said.

To the youth who had come in numbers, she said; “The challenges you face may be great but you have in you the ability to overcome them, you have the capacity to reach your full potential and contribute to the development of your community and country.”

Ms Masisi also informed the young people that the challenges they faced might be great but explained that they had in them the ability to overcome them. “Resolve today to become a young African who is resilient and socially responsible.”

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said it was important for African states to reflect on the sacrifice South African children made in 1976 in a quest for quality education. She shared that many young lives were lost when the police and students clashed during protests against Bantu education.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said their efforts continued to inspire the continent and build momentum for action towards quality education and sustainable development. She said the theme, Leave no child behind for Africa’s Development, specifically targeted children who were not benefiting from their countries’ growth and development.

She said this year’s commemoration was in line with the momentum created by the 2017

theme which advocated for an inclusive developmental agenda by targeting those left behind.

To this end, Dr Venson-Moitoi said institutional arrangements to facilitate peace, justice, economic, social and environmental development must be strengthened to promote youth inclusiveness.

She said children’s rights needed to be mainstreamed in all developmental programmes in line with Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.

For her part, UNICEF country representative Ms Julianna Lindsey said children were left behind when they were thrust into adulthood too early.

She said research undertaken in Shakawe on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding girls sleeping with older men indicated the practice was supported by families who would build a hut for a girl when she reached puberty.

Ms Lindsy said the girl would be expected to move into the house, without any resources with the intention of making her vulnerable to be supported by an older man.

She said parents supported the practice because the man gave them money and might force the girl to stay in the relationship to continue receiving the financial support.

The best way out of the scenario was for the girl child to stay in school and for the law against child marriage to be enforced, she said. ENDS