By Merlyn Mwanza
President Hakainde Hichilema says government has introduced education for all, which some of his competitors thought was impossible.
Speaking when he participated along with the other three heads of state from Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe during World Children Day Commemorations at Kazungula Bridge, President Hichilema said he was where he is because of having been given the opportunity to inherit the best asset, education, during Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s time, something he said Zimbawean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Namibian President Hage Geingob could attest to.
President Mnangagwa and President Geingob enjoyed free education at the University of Zambia (UNZA) during the time they lived here fighting for the liberation of their countries.
He said that was why the government has introduced education for all, something he said his competitors thought was impossible, but he had managed to do in his first year of office.
The President said it was critical for leaders to work with the children, including investing in maternal care and antinental support to properly raise children from the embryo stage.
He said more resources should be allocated to lower the infant mortality rate in order to have more children surviving from the early stage.
President Hichilema further called for action in reporting abuses, which he said mainly start at family level.
He further promised to enact legislation, the children’s code bill, promoting children’s rights.
One of the youth ambassadors, Yande Banda called on the President to appoint a special advisor for children and girls issues in his office.
