Botswana: The Government of Botswana, in collaboration with UNICEF, will host the State Of Children Address as a build up to the commemoration of World Children’s Day on 11th November 2023 in Gaborone under the theme A Better Future for Every Child.
On this day, children will engage in a mock parliament to propose solutions and ideas and emphasize the importance of involving children and young people in the decision-making process. Children will use the opportunity to highlight the issues that matter most to their generation and allow the Government of Botswana to show their commitment to fulfilling their obligations and promises to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The address will be followed by an assortment of traditional games and fun activities set in the open space for children to engage in post parliamentary discussions.
This year’s celebration will build on the momentum created at the Kazungula inaugural sub-regional commemoration hosted by Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana.
The event was attended by the Presidents of Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the four heads of state made a commitment to prioritize education, ending violence against children and climate action in their respective countries.
The mock Parliament session will bring together children and young people from all over the country, experts, political leaders, the private sector, civil society, and change makers together to discuss and accelerate proven and new solutions to create change.
Children will also participate in the following activities to commemorate World Children’s Day:
- Media Takeover-19th November
- World Children’s Day Sub-Regional Commemoration-Namibia – 19th November Go Blue Special Assemblies–20th November
Botswana values children a lot as on their 57th independence day; their main focus was on children as they, wrapped in flags of blue, black, and white, fluttered everywhere. Children ran around, their laughter echoing, with faces painted in the colours of the national flag. The pulsating rhythms of local music resonated from every corner.
One of the local residents said, “It will be amazing to see what they will do with children and for their welfare, and I am excited to see this year’s theme too.”