The 6th session of the Children's Parliament commenced today under the theme " Transforming Education in Namibia."
Prior to the session, new members were sworn in, followed by the election of a Speaker and Deputy Speaker, as well as the Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons of Standing Committees.
Jane Phiri from the Hardap Region was sworn in as Speaker, deputised by Michael Ajiboso from the Kavango East Region.
The Children's Parliament is a platform that facilitates the participation of young people in the democratic process.
In her address, Speaker Jane Phiri promoted ensuring that every child's voice is heard and that issues affecting all children in Namibia will be addressed.
"I call on all of you, my fellow Child Parliamentarians, to effectively use this platform that has been created for us, to be fully engaged wherever you are, and to be advocates for the rights of all children in Namibia. It is only through our engagement and our participation that our lives and the lives of all children can be improved."
"Our work has just begun, and for us to succeed, we need a commitment from all of us representing the 14 regions of our country," says Children's Parliament Deputy Speaker, Michael Ajiboso.
The Children's Parliament is an initiative of the Namibian Parliament in partnership with UNICEF Namibia.
UNICEF representative Sameul Ocran emphasises the importance of the Children's Parliament, particularly to the United Nations Children's Fund, as it brings together children from all 14 regions of the country.
It is the responsibility of the government, private sector, international development partners, civil society, and parents to have a collective approach to raising a child and ensuring that their voice is heard.
"We see this playing out and being affirmed through the Children's Parliament that we are witnessing today and the days ahead. This platform is one of the mechanisms that the government of Namibia has put in place to give children a safe, recognised opportunity to amplify not just their voices but the voices of society at large, thereby contributing to national debate and ultimately good governance."
The Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka, stated that in terms of coordination of children's issues, her ministry continues to support coordination mechanisms for children's issues in the country.
"The permanent taskforce on children's provision is a platform for key stakeholders in the child protection sector to raise awareness and advocacy; it is through this platform that the national agenda on children as well as other strategic plans on children are coordinated."
She further stated that the Ministry would continue to advocate for the expedited passage of legislation related to the care and protection of children, including the Cyber Crime Bill.