In a move to prioritise children as the focal point of the SADC region’s development agenda, FAWEZI participated in a Regional Child Rights Advocacy seminar organised by the Child Rights Network of Southern Africa (CRNSA) in partnership with the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organizations, and other strategic partners, in Harare on August 16, 2024. The seminar was a key advocacy platform for FAWEZI and  the theme “Putting children at the center of the SADC development agenda,” interlinks with FAWEZI’s key strategic areas of work such as, STEM, comprehensive sexuality education, re-entry into school for out of school girls and teenage mothers, safe and protected school environments, FAWEZI’s Program Manager Nqobile Nkiwane participated in the proceedings, contributing to a panel discussion that delved into the region’s educational landscape. She was advocating on behalf of FAWEZI for key changes to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. During the panel discussion, FAWEZI highlighted the importance of creating innovative pathways for young persons within the SADC region. The focus was on the educational landscape, with a deep dive into what is working, what needs improvement, and the key advocacy tasks that FAWEZI has identified. One of the key areas FAWEZI advocated for is the implementation of gender-responsive TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) policies and curricula. By aligning these with the demands of the job market, FAWEZI aims to equip both boys and girls with the relevant skills necessary for employment, promoting gender equity in the workforce. Recognizing the digital divide as a significant barrier to educational access and quality, FAWEZI also advocated for the digitalization of education across the SADC region as this can go a long way in bridging digital gap and ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience the power of technology in their educational journeys. FAWEZI’s Executive Director, Lydia Madyirapanze, in her solidarity remarks, emphasized the importance of commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a world where their rights are respected and protected as she said, “Child rights are not just a part of our work—they are at the very heart of it.This event couldn’t be more timely, as it brings together key stakeholders committed to safeguarding our children’s future, Together, we are creating a path where every child’s potential is not just recognized but fully realized.” The Regional Child Rights Advocacy Seminar served as a powerful platform for FAWEZI to amplify its key advocacy asks  and contribute to the broader conversation on child rights within the SADC region especially at a time Zimbabwe will be chair of the SADC for the next 12 months.