_Forward Everywhere_ *'Take full advantage of opportunities to improve your living standards'— Mnangagwa tells youths* Advertise with us WhatsApp +263 77 443 4698 Ngatibatane pa WhatsApp Channel 👇🏾 *View and Follow and Share this channel* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJEcyNDTkK81mXyWB0s PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabwean youths to grab opportunities created by his government aimed at improving their standards of living. Officially opening the 33rd Session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden this Friday, President Mnangagwa said through the government’s transformational and inclusive developmental policies, no child and no place was being left behind whilst the promotion of youths’ participation in matters that affect them at every level, from the village right up to the national level was being scaled up. “I urge you, our young people, to take full advantage of the opportunities that my government is offering, as we improve the quality of our living standards. “Since the advent of the Second Republic, there are evident results of the efforts we are making towards strengthening the protection, empowerment and development of children and young people,” Mnangagwa said. He highlighted that an increased number of children now have access to the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), with over over 1.5 million vulnerable children having access to quality education through the facility. The event also was an occasion for African youths to observe and commemorate the Day of the African Child, recognised throughout the continent on June 16, exactly 49 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. Friday’s event a marked the Day of the African Child, which stands as a constant reminder for Zimbabwe and its government to the family unit, of the need to be responsive to the requirements and challenges faced by young people. Under the theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010, the day is aligned to government’s commitment to prioritise the rights and needs of children, wherever they live. “This annual gathering continues to be the hallmark of democratic expression, participation and inter-generational dialogue for the children and youth of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. “As we gather together with you, the youth of our country, we once again pay tribute to the young children of yesteryear, who bravely confronted the racist colonial and apartheid oppressive systems. “The historic bravery by that crop of young people should inspire you, the current generation, to fight for our country’s interests and that of Africa, to achieve greater successes across all sections of human endeavour,” added the President. Among some of the developments to improve the youth livelihoods, Mnangagwa said the launch of the Junior Parliament Alumni Network was a development worth celebrating. “The platform should ensure that the leadership nurtured in this august House remains a voice in national discussions concerning children and the youth. “The Alumni should serve as a think-tank and mentorship engine that prepares young people for the future ahead.” The government has continued to strengthen, expand and equip Vocational Training Centres across the country. At these centres, young Zimbabweans learn diverse trades, from agriculture and engineering to ICT and hospitality, among others, that directly feed into the economy. “I applaud the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Education for the leadership and guidance it continues to provide to you, our young people, and the Junior Parliament in particular. “The government expects the recommendations of the Comprehensive Evaluation of the Junior Parliament Programme, towards strengthening the overall impact of the Programme. “This forum must not be reduced to a mere talk show, but the output of the Junior Parliament must inform our national development priorities as well as programmes and projects.” As the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to unfold, President Mnangagwa expected that the capacitation and development of skill to harness opportunities availed by Artificial Intelligence, among the young people, will be prioritised and scaled up. “Our young boys and girls must be well prepared for the jobs of the future. In light of this imperative, the need to transform our Vocational Training Centres into digital learning spaces and re-purpose underutilised facilities, such as post-offices, into community innovation hubs, cannot be overemphasised.” He commended the hundreds of centres across all provinces being equipped to train youth in high-demand digital skills. * NewsDay