CHILDREN'S CODE BILL TO BE TABLED IN NEXT SITTING OF PARLIAMENT, SAYS MINISTE

By ANNIE ZULU

Community and Social Services Minister  Honourable Doreen Mwamba has assured that the Children's Code Bill will be tabled in the next sitting of Parliament.

Ms Mwamba said Government is committed to the internal legislation process focusing on the enactment of the Bill.

She said the Bill is important, as it will ensure that Zambia has a protective environment for every child.

The Minister said this when she officiated at the launch of the Child Fund Zambia 2022-2026 Country Strategic Plan in Lusaka.

"If not for some delays by stakeholders with submissions, the Bill would have been tabled in Parliament by now, but I can assure you that it will be brought to Parliament in the next sitting this year," Ms Mwamba said.

Community and Social Services Minister   Doreen Mwamba

She also indicated that Government is currently reviewing the National Social Protection Policy of 2014 which is aimed at securing the lives of all vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities.

"This demonstrates political will and commitment from the Government in ensuring that all families are protected and able to provide for their children, she said.

And Ms Mwamba has applauded Child Fund Zambia for its works around children issues in the country.

She said the launch of the strategic plan was an indicator of the organization's commitment to improving the welfare of children in Zambia.

She noted that there are a lot of challenges affecting children in Zambia, which could can not be addressed by Government alone.

"For this reason, Government will endeavour to involve the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure the well being and protection of children through public private partnerships," she said.

Meanwhile Child Fund Country Director Simba Machingaidze said through the strategic plan, the organization will raise 40 Million US dollars to implement programs in the area of health, education, skills and safety of over 1.2 million children, youth and their families.

Mr Machingaidze also indicated that the organization will further focus on increasing the resilience of vulnerable households, children and youth to the negative effects of disaster and climate change.

At the same event, a former sponsored child by Child Fund Zambia Martin Ngombe who is now a University graduate thanked the organization for making his dream of acquiring education come true.

"Dreams do come true, I was just a little boy eh was uncertain about the future, because of the environment I grew up in, but Child Fund came in and supported me. I am now a graduate of Economics and Demography from the University of Zambia," he said.