Simao,
17,
steps
off
the
bus
with
an
air
of
excitement.
The
long
journey
from
Mozambique
melts
away
as
he
is
greeted
by
the
sound
of
children
chatting
and
playing
at
the
meeting
centre
in
Victoria
Falls.
He
wastes
no
time
engaging
in
conversation
with
Ropafadzo,
a
Junior
Councillor
from
Zimbabwe.
Their
laughter
is
infectious,
but
Ropafadzo’s
words
leave
a
lasting
impression.
“Our
classrooms
need
to
be
places
where
we
feel
excited
to
learn,”
she
says
earnestly.
“Many
of
us
still
face
overcrowded
classrooms,
and
sometimes
there
aren’t
enough
materials
or
teachers.”
Simao
nods
in
agreement.
Despite
their
different
backgrounds,
their
challenges
in
accessing
quality
education
are
strikingly
similar.
Both
are
here
for
the
2024
Regional
World
Children’s
Day,
which
has
brought
together
children
from
seven
countries.
It’s
a
unique
opportunity
for
young
minds
to
share
experiences,
voice
their
hopes,
and
find
common
ground.
This
year,
Zimbabwe
is
hosting
the
2024
Regional
World
Children’s
Day
commemorations
in
Victoria
Falls
from
15
to
17
November,
with
the
participation
of
children
of
Botswana,
Malawi,
Mozambique,
Namibia,
South
Africa,
Zambia,
and
Zimbabwe.
For
Simao
and
Ropafadzo,
the
message
is
clear:
education
must
empower
and
inspire,
no
matter
where
you
come
from.
As
they
talk,
it’s
easy
to
see
how
these
connections
can
spark
ideas
that
drive
real
change.
Perhaps
their
discussion
centred
on
education
is
inspired
by
this
year’s
World
Children’s
Day
theme.
Aligned
with
the
2024
African
Union
Year
of
Education
and
reflecting
the
voices
of
children
across
the
region,
the
2024
Regional
World
Children’s
Day
is
focused
on
education: Educate
and
Skill
the
African
Child
for
Posterity.
Simao
takes
a
moment
to
speak
to
UNICEF:
“It
is
a
privilege
to
learn
and
unlearn
our
biases,
which
we
may
ignore
when
in
our
bubble.
Already,
I
am
learning
about
the
challenges
and
solutions
some
of
my
peers
have
as
we
navigate
the
ever-changing
education
ecosystem.
We
are
the
generation
that
had
to
adapt
during
COVID-19,
learning
from
home
and
relying
on
our
parents
to
invest
in
digital
platforms.
We
must
be
better
prepared
for
emergencies
like
that.”
Ropafadzo
agrees,
adding,
“We
ask
for
solutions,
and
that
is
not
too
much
to
ask
for.”
UNICEFZimbabwe/2024/John
Mokwetsi
Sport
and
Play
Unite
Far
from
the
meeting
centre,
sport
took
centre
stage.
Amid
drizzling
rain—a
fortunate
occurrence
given
the
hot
temperatures
exacerbated
by
the
El
Niño-induced
drought—children
eagerly
played
golf.
They
embraced
the
sport
as
if
they
were
seasoned
professionals.
Surrounded
by
trees
and
open
skies,
the
serene
setting
made
it
a
perfect
blend
of
nature
and
sport.
No
wonder
Zimbabwe’s
First
Lady
joined
in,
showcasing
her
skills
and
chatting
with
the
children
about
values
and
culture,
themes
close
to
her
heart.
One
child
from
South
Africa
said,
“I
love
sport,
and
I
hope
we
can
provide
it
for
all
learners
because
it
is
so
important
for
our
development.”
The
First
Lady
nodded
in
approval,
clearly
satisfied
with
the
sentiment.
Elsewhere,
a
game
of
wits—chess—drew
a
crowd
of
onlookers.
Children
showcased
their
skills,
employing
various
chess
openings
like
the
Queen’s
Gambit
and
the
Sicilian
Defence.
Rutendo
Bamhare,
a
UNICEF
Zimbabwe
Communications
Officer,
observed,
“When
all
this
was
a
concept
on
paper,
it
looked
impossible.
But
today,
we
have
children
from
seven
countries
blending
play
and
sport,
and
it
is
a
beautiful
thing
to
see.”
Rutendo
added
that
she
had
witnessed
children
sharing
their
stories
without
adult
voices
diluting
their
views.
“This
day
is
for
children,
by
children,
and
that
is
what
I
have
come
to
accept.
While
they
want
us
to
lead
the
process
of
setting
up
structures
for
a
better
African
learner,
they
are
providing
the
guidance
and
are
vocal
about
it,”
she
said.
Voices
of
Leaders
Etleva
(Eva)
Kadilli,
UNICEF
Regional
Director
for
Eastern
and
Southern
Africa,
added
to
the
joy
of
the
day
by
taking
selfies
with
children.
Yet,
she
didn’t
lose
sight
of
the
occasion’s
significance
when
addressing
attendees
at
the
First
Lady’s
event.
“I
am
thrilled
and
honoured
to
be
here
with
you
today
at
this
exciting
moment
as
we
celebrate
35
years
of
children’s
rights.
It
has
been
35
years
since
the
world’s
leaders
came
together
and
agreed
on
a
set
of
rights
specific
to
children
to
protect
and
nurture
childhood
and
give
children
the
best
chance
to
thrive
and
fulfil
their
potential,”
she
said.
Reflecting
on
history,
she
noted
that
the
first
summit
for
children
focused
on
cooperation
and
respect
as
the
foundation
for
advancing
all
human
rights.
“Since
then,
we
gather
every
November
20th
to
celebrate
the
signing
of
the
Convention
on
the
Rights
of
the
Child
by
all
member
states,”
Eva
said.
She
commended
Zimbabwe
for
its
admirable
child
rights
record,
progressive
Education
Act,
and
forward-looking
Early
Learning
Policy,
prioritising
critical
foundational
learning
and
Early
Childhood
Development.
Addressing
Dr
Auxillia
Mnangagwa,
she
added:
“I
commend
your
work
as
a
leading
advocate
for
women,
girls,
and
broader
children’s
issues.
You
have
worked
tirelessly
to
improve
health
systems
and
close
the
treatment
gap
for
HIV-affected
women
and
girls.”
Etona
Ekole,
the
UNICEF
Representative
in
Zimbabwe,
emphasised
that
World
Children’s
Day
was
more
than
just
a
celebration.
“Children,
through
national
consultations,
have
been
able
to
express
and
highlight
how
leaders
and
communities
can
secure
education
for
them,
provide
safer
environments,
and
show
inclusivity.
It
is
up
to
us,
the
adults
and
the
leaders,
to
listen
to
them,”
she
said.
As
the
day
dawned
in
this
resort
town,
a
few
lucky
children
spotted
elephants
and
buffaloes,
which
sometimes
wander
close
to
communities.
A
drizzle
capped
the
day,
as
if
nature
itself
had
blessed
the
occasion.