16-year-old Child Parliamentarian calls on leaders to act on submissions made during the Africa Children’s Parliament

The Joining Forces Alliance in partnership with the Zambian government, UNICEF Zambia and Break Free, has hosted the first-ever Africa Children’s Parliament at the National Assembly of Zambia from July 15th to 16th, 2022.

The Africa Children’s Parliament, held as part of the Africa Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) Pan Africa Month-Themed Activities, attracted 70 children from over 11 different countries such as Kenya, Eswatini, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Ghana, Somalia, Niger and Zambia among others.

A 17-year-old Mbali from Eswatini said the Africa Children’s Parliament was a blessing for many children and appealed to leaders to listen to children's needs.

“It was an amazing experience to share and learn from peers, I enjoyed the debates because it is a rare opportunity for us as children to come together like this and speak with one voice,” she said. “I hope our leaders have listened and will act on the submissions regarding children’s problems and solutions.”

The Joining Forces is an alliance of the 6 largest child-focused international NGOs. They are united to end violence against all children and secure the rights.

The alliance comprises of World Vision, Save the Children, Plan International, ChildFund Alliance, SOS children's Villages, Terre Des Hommes international Federation.