Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting children’s welfare and recognizing their crucial role in the development of the nation.

Kitwe District Commissioner, Mr. Oncemore Ngonongo said this when he officially opened the National Children’s Symposium 2025, themed “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010” being held in Kitwe.

Mr. Ngonongo stressed the importance of listening to children and involving them in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

This, he said, is essential for ensuring that their needs are included in national budget planning.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting children’s welfare, citing the enactment of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022 as a significant milestone.

The Commissioner emphasized that children’s rights are not charity, but rather legal and moral obligations that require intentional, inclusive, and sustained investment.

He called for child-centered policies, transparent budgeting, and increased allocations to education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection services to ensure that children’s rights are fully protected.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Chief Child Development Officer, Mr. Gerald Tembo encouraged the participants to embrace the Children’s Code Act responsibly taking into consideration their responsibilities and duties.

He reminded children that the law has not stripped parents of their roles and as such, children should respect their parents guidance while adhering to their duties.

The symposium, attended by learners from the ten districts of Copperbelt province, government officials, UNICEF representatives and other cooperating partners aimed at discussing progress made in planning and Budgeting since 2010 in relation to strengthening the welfare of Children.

The event comes ahead of the commemoration of the Day of the African Child, highlighting the need for continued efforts to protect and promote children’s rights.