Children will have their say in nation’s affairs

THE first parliamentary session for Namibian children starts today, when 26 pupils from all 13 regions come together in the National Assembly to discuss issues regarding the rights and welfare of children.

The Office of the Speaker has over several years contemplated the formation of a Children’s Parliament to allow young Namibians to understand the principles of democracy and civil society, according to Willem Hanse, special assistant to the Speaker. “It is often said that widespread apathy exists among the younger generation towards political participation and parliamentary democracy,” he said in statement at the end of last week.”Young people need to understand the principles which underpin democracy and civil society.They have to develop the skills to use that knowledge effectively and be able to participate in the appropriate platforms and fora,” Hanse said.The children were selected in co-operation with the regional educational directorates of the Education Ministry of Education.Gender and disabilities were also taken into consideration.The Children’s Parliament is expected to lobby Government to fast-track policies that are meant to improve children’s rights and their welfare, not only on a national basis but also with regard to international conventions.It is hoped that the Children’s Parliament will become the mouthpiece of young persons.The Speaker of the National Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab, will open the inaugural sitting today, which will be dominated by several speakers like Youth Minister John Mutorwa, Gender and Child Welfare Minister Marlene Mungunda, Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba and UNICEF representative Khin-Sandi Lwin.The newly elected Junior Mayor of Windhoek, Hassan Engelbrecht, will also address the young ‘Honourables’.The session will last until Friday.”It is often said that widespread apathy exists among the younger generation towards political participation and parliamentary democracy,” he said in statement at the end of last week.”Young people need to understand the principles which underpin democracy and civil society.They have to develop the skills to use that knowledge effectively and be able to participate in the appropriate platforms and fora,” Hanse said.The children were selected in co-operation with the regional educational directorates of the Education Ministry of Education.Gender and disabilities were also taken into consideration.The Children’s Parliament is expected to lobby Government to fast-track policies that are meant to improve children’s rights and their welfare, not only on a national basis but also with regard to international conventions.It is hoped that the Children’s Parliament will become the mouthpiece of young persons.The Speaker of the National Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab, will open the inaugural sitting today, which will be dominated by several speakers like Youth Minister John Mutorwa, Gender and Child Welfare Minister Marlene Mungunda, Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba and UNICEF representative Khin-Sandi Lwin.The newly elected Junior Mayor of Windhoek, Hassan Engelbrecht, will also address the young ‘Honourables’.The session will last until Friday.