Mugabe hosts children's party - Live

1639: President Mugabe has left the venue.

1637: The skills that we acquire through education especially at vocational centres will no doubt contribute to the successful implementation of ZimAsset. He concludes his speech and the national anthem is played to mark the end of the party.

1635: Child president Nhlanhla Moyo in giving his vote of thanks pays tribute to President Mugabe acknowledging the President's prioritisation of the needs of children. He says children recognise the sacrifices of the country's forefathers.

1630: Zim dancehall star Tocky Vibes is now on stage sending the children wild.

1616: He thanks the children for accepting his invitation to spend the day with the First family. With that he  concludes his speech. The President gets a standing ovation from the children.

1614: He says it is a fact that conditions of service are not up to date but Government will improve them definitely.

1613: Thanks to teachers...it is good when you work together with parents the greatest winners are the children.

1612: Do your assignments on time as well as perform your age appropriate tasks at home.

1611: All children should have access to infrantry education as it is the only way of ensuring every child has an equitable head start in life.

1609: Reforms in the ministry of education should lead to unlocking of value among all stakeholders as the country  deepens the foundations of a truly Zimbabwean education system.

1608: He says that there is need to modernise the country's economy and that is only achievable  if Zimbabwe has a robust education system. He says parents must provide for children's sustenance, don't take these parental efforts like food health, shelter, education for granted. He urged the gathered children to be desciplined learners.

1604: He says he is happy that the curriculm is coming to finality and it is expected to transform the country's education system.

1602: Education remains accessible inspite of the  challenges being faced-President Mugabe.

1601: President Mugabe is now addressing the gathering and thanks teachers for facilitating the event.

1555: President Mugabe prepares to take to the podium.

1506: Entertainment time from the school children before the President takes to the podium.

1447: Minister Dokora is now on the podium and says it is good that the event comes at a time when the nation is in celebratory mood following the election of the President as AU and Sadc chair. He said the positions give honour to the nation. He then asks provinces to introduce themselves through war cries.

1434: Permanent secretary in the education ministry, Sylvia Utete Masango, making her welcome remarks says the day belongs to the children who wait to hear the wise words of the President. She commends the President for finding time to interface with the children.

1428: Rev Damasane starts the proceedings with a scripture and word of prayer.

1428: President Mugabe enters the venue much to the delight of the children.

1412: President Robert Mugabe has arrived accompanied by the First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe, Bona Mugabe and her husband Simba Chikore.

1345: Harare Provincial Affairs minister Miriam Chikukwa arrives.

1331: The Police band is currently entertaining the gathered children. Primary and Secondary Education minister, Dr Lazarus Dokora has arrived.

1153: The first family is today hosting the children's party traditionally held on the eve of the country's independence anniversary.

Thousands of school children have begun filling the city sports centre waiting for President  Mugabe to address them. As per tradition, each child is getting a food hamper upon entering the venue.

The event, is attended by thousands of school children drawn from the country's ten provinces, is being at the city sports centre in Harare.

President Mugabe is expected to address the gathering later today.