A bold national commitment to protect Zimbabwe’s youth took centre stage as Hon. Tino Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training attended the official launch of the Multi-Sectoral Framework on the Prevention and Management of Adolescent Pregnancies in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the high-level launch in Harare, Minister Machakaire said the framework represents far more than a policy document.
“Today is more than the launch of a framework. It is a national commitment to safeguard the future of our young people. It is a declaration that no child should have their dreams cut short by preventable circumstances,” he told delegates.
The Minister underscored the link between youth well-being and national prosperity, stating: “If we want a prosperous nation tomorrow, we must invest in the well-being of our children today.”
He described adolescent pregnancy as “not merely a health concern” but “a social, economic, and developmental challenge that affects families, communities, and the nation.” The new framework seeks to coordinate government ministries, development partners, civil society, parents, schools and traditional leaders to deliver prevention, support and second-chance opportunities for affected adolescents.
The Multi-Sectoral Framework outlines interventions across education, health, social protection, and community engagement with Key pillars that includes
Providing Age-appropriate life skills and sexuality education, access to youth-friendly health services, and community dialogues to address harmful norms, also Support for pregnant adolescents to continue education, access antenatal care, and receive psychosocial services, and Vocational training and empowerment pathways through VTCs to ensure young mothers and fathers can re-enter school or gain skills for employment.
Minister Machakaire reaffirmed government’s position that _“every young Zimbabwean must have the opportunity to learn, grow, and realise their full potential.”
