12 May 2008
Windhoek — The second session of the country's Children's Parliament ended last week. Here follows a summary of their debates and discussions in the National Assembly
The Second Session of the Children's Parliament of the Republic of Namibia led by Speaker Sharonice Busch and deputized by Timoteus Angala was held at the National Assembly Chambers from 6-9 May 2008 under the theme:
Parliament: The People's House and Guardian of Children's Rights and Future. Forty-two learners, three each from the 13 regions and three junior councilors from the City of Windhoek participated.
Furthermore, the session was attended by the former Speaker of the First Children's Parliament, Bronson Tjihukununa, Deputy Speaker Meryam Nghidipo and Clever Mapaura, Executive Speaker of the University of Namibia.
Official Opening
Speaker Busch invited Dr Theo-Ben Gurirab to address the House. Speaker Gurirab in his address focused on five principal areas.
Future Role of Present Generation and Participants
Speaker Gurirab observed that each youth and children are called upon, by circumstances of their times, to think, plan and act in ways that will transform their hopes and actions into practical realities. The future is always full of challenges but also of opportunities. Those who prepare themselves to become winners usually tend to reach their goals, than others who rely on lucky chances without sweat, the Speaker noted. Each morning and each day presents its moment for planning. It is not enough to wish for success and tomorrow's better life without preparation, focus and action.
Future Statutory Status of Children's Parliament
Secondly, Speaker Gurirab noted a commitment to be made at a personal level by all stakeholders, to continue with this worthy project. He also expressed the hope that in the near future, not too long down the road, Parliament, as a whole, will find a lasting arrangement for the Children's Parliament.
Millennium Development Goals
Thirdly, Speaker Gurirab highlighted the eight MDGs adopted by the Millennium Session of the United Nations General Assembly to reduce world poverty and hasten development. These goals aim to improve conditions of trade, investment and economic cooperation between rich and poor nations of the world. The bottom line is to end wars, poverty and to create prosperity for all. These goals are:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger;
- Achieve universal primary education;
- Promote gender equality and empower women;
- Reduce child mortality;
- Improve maternal health;
- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases;
- Ensure environmental sustainability; and,
- Develop a global partnership development.
The Born-free Generation's Role in Society
The fourth aspect dealt with by Speaker Gurirab concerned the future of the born-free generation. He remarked that this group stands on the point of transition. He related that Namibia as a nation is rearranging interaction with children in the interest of both sides and that many of the participants here and others outside of this Assembly will vote for the first time next year in Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Gender Equality
Finally Speaker Gurirab dealt with Gender Equality. He urged young women and girls to never have to wait at the back of the queue to allow young men and boys to go ahead first. Rather, the females must see to it and demonstrate that they are up to any challenge or any promising opportunity to make their own contributions for change, gender equality and social development wherever they are. To be a fine lady, a beautiful girl or a loving mother doesn't mean taking humiliating abuse from men, never! "You are entitled to your rights for being humans and deserving citizens who count on the authority of our constitution for encouragement and protection," he said.
Shareholder's Presentations
Councillor Elsabe van Vuuren, Junior Mayor of the City of Windhoek also addressed the Assembly. In her address Councillor van Vuuren observed that the 14th to 18th May 2007 marked a historical moment when the First Session of the First Children's Parliament was held in Windhoek. She urged members to be polite and truthful in their deliberations. They should show commitment, passion and responsibility to join hands with the leaders and get practical solutions on issues affecting the country.
Clever Mapaure, the Executive Speaker of the University of Namibia Student Parliament in his address said the Second Session of the Children's Parliament began in an environment of positive developments with a potential to make a permanent impact on Namibia's socio-economic, political and legal landscape.
He mentioned that the formation of the Children's Parliament was welcomed by the Namibian people, especially the youth as it gives realization to the right to assemble and express oneself in the political process of a progressive democratic and open society as encouraged by the Namibian Constitution.
He said that the Children's Parliament is a demonstration of how progressive political and legislative beings think in Namibia.
Rushman Murtaza, Officer in Charge of UNICEF (Namibia), in her presentation thanked Parliament for its seriousness about the importance of children's participation in the decision-making process. She thanked the young legislators for having travelled long distances to make their presence felt in the law-making process.
Murtaza informed the new members that the Convention on the Rights of the Child is one of the most critical UN documents enshrining the rights of children particularly that of participation. Children's participation should be incorporated in educational systems in order to equip them with the necessary skills for expressing themselves openly and frankly at an early stage. She encouraged the young parliamentarians to grow up as responsible and active citizens who are ready to lead the nation.
Businesswoman Monica Kalondo narrated personal lessons about several aspects from her childhood of being youthful and having determination. She drew heavily on her own experiences and her tertiary education. It was a reflective and inspiring presentation putting dreams into practice and hopes, focus and perseverance on the front burner.
Daniel Motinga, Senior Manager at FNB Namibia Holdings, covered aspects of the macroeconomic situation and how it impacts on Namibia in the global context. Learner MPs would gain insight from following global market trends and how this affects the daily bread and butter issues.
Nangolo Mbumba, Minister of Education, in his address to the Assembly congratulated the Honourable Junior Members on their election to the Second Children's Parliament. He encouraged them to take their education seriously.
In addition, he urged all learners nationwide to study seriously as it is an opportunity to change their lives for the better. He emphasized the importance of discipline and obedience and encouraged learners to avoid all obstacles that might negatively influence their studies.
He urged them to look at other national leaders and emulate how they achieved success from modest beginnings. He said that this was achieved not because of luck but by sheer determination and hard work. These are exemplary achievements which children must emulate. Mbumba wished them good luck in their deliberations.
Motions Tabled
Second Session of the Children's Parliament tabled 26 motions for debate of which 21 were adopted.
Motions adopted:
Motion on crime perpetrated by young people.
The Children's Parliament confirmed that this was a serious social problem which needs serious attention. The main causes identified were poverty, joblessness and abuse of alcohol.
Motion on unconstitutional use of corporal punishment in schools.
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