Youths on June 16 blazed a trail to say “No More!” to the oppression they faced which dimmed the hopes of their future.
GALZ today on the Day of the African Child notes the same struggle young persons face in exercising basic rights and expressing their true identities as part of a growing worldwide movement that sees no place for racism, sexism, tribalism and homophobia – a fight upheld even in the face of Coronavirus.
The right to social security is threatened during a pandemic where concerns on the lack of family support systems are valid for all young people. Marginalised youths face challenges with access to food and nutrition during this time of Covid-19. Child headed households must be considered so that no child is left behind.
The current economic situation in Zimbabwe further stifles potential. Despite some advances, access to education remains limited when it should be in fact bolstered to accommodate learning which is suited to today’s realities. Gaps in education are magnified through the differences in rural and urban facilities, where inadequate resources affect young people of all diverse backgrounds.
The struggle continues with the Youth at the forefront of fighting for a just society for all. We urge those in leadership to promote access to appropriate, non-stigmatised and non-discriminatory education to ensure Zimbabwean youth take up their rightful place as productive citizens in our nation’s future and development.
We further call on Government to address structural barriers that inhibit access to education and information through a rights based approach./ENDS