First Lady brings festive cheer to children
There was pomp and funfair in Bulawayo recently as multitudes of children celebrated at a party hosted for them by the First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, to mark the beginning of the festive season for the young ones.
The children were drawn from facilities across the country that house orphaned and vulnerable children who got an opportunity to enjoy early Christmas gifts that were brought by the First Lady.
The children said they were elated to have been remembered by the Mother Zimbabwe who has played a significant role regarding their well-being.
“The First Lady is a loving mother. I want to thank her because through her programmes on drug and substance abuse, we are learning a lot as young people,” said one of them.
Many shared the same sentiment of being happy to be remembered by the First Lady during this festive season as they have no parents of their own who are alive with Dr Mnangagwa being seen as a beacon of hope by the children.
As a true testament of her motherly nature, she ensured the children were well fed and happy as they enjoyed the gifts she had showered them with.
As the Government takes its role of taking care of children housed in institutions, the First Lady has played hers well, too reminding them that they are never alone, but instead, are part of a big and loving community that cares about their well-being and happiness.
Mother Zimbabwe said the children living in these safe facilities must know that their well-being is always prioritised.
“Today, we are here to celebrate you as well. Christmas is a time for giving, and I have heard that some of you have been working hard on your own special gifts, maybe a drawing, a song, or a poem. Whatever it is, I am so excited to see it. As you enjoy the festivities, remember that you are loved, valued and appreciated. You are the future leaders and innovators and we believe in you. I want to say thank you to the amazing caregivers, social workers and staff who work tirelessly to make sure these children have a loving home,” she said.
The First Lady said the caregivers are also making a difference in the children’s lives and as such she was very grateful for their dedication to ensuring that the vulnerable children were well catered for.
“As a mother to the nation, I hold a deep passion for the care, protection and empowerment of our children, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds. Every child, regardless of their circumstance, deserves love, dignity and the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential,” she said.
The children were kept on their feet as they danced energetically to song after song enjoying the festivities that were lined up for them.
The First Lady said through her philanthropic organisation, Angel of Hope Foundation, is committed to complementing Government efforts by reaching out to children living on the streets, orphans, children with disabilities and many others in need.
“I will continue to advocate for their rights and support inclusive programmes that build their resilience. As we celebrate Christmas, I urge all of us to continue supporting the most vulnerable among us, not just during this season, but every day. I wish you all a blessed Christmas and a prosperous 2026. God bless you. God bless our children. God bless Zimbabwe,” she said.
The children who graced the party were from Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa’s Children’s Home, SOS Children’s Home, Queen Elizabethe Children’s Home, Thembiso and Persy Iboston Children’s Home among many other facilities. – Sunday News