Zimbabwe News Update
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Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers WriterBULILIMA District Child Protection Committee has successfully revived training for Child-Led Child Protection Committees in more than 50 primary and secondary schools.The initiative was spearheaded by the District Social Development Department in collaboration with stakeholders that include the District Development Coordinator’s (DDC) Office, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Youth, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and other development partners.Schools that benefited include Zenzele Primary, Butshe Primary, Bambadzi Primary, Bambadzi Secondary, Tsukuru Primary, Madlambudzi Primary, Madlambudzi Secondary, Hingwe Primary, Himago Secondary, Zuzaphi Primary, Siyaphambili Secondary, Ndolwane Primary, Khame Primary, Tjemahale Secondary, Solusi Primary, Solusi Secondary, Nlongwe Secondary and Sevhaka Primary.Other schools are Masendu Primary, Mazwaligwe Secondary, Huwana Primary, Ndutshwa Primary, Bezu Primary, Bezu Secondary, Phumuza Primary, Makumbi Primary, Tokwana Secondary, Phakama High, Manguba Primary, Matjinge Primary, Matjinge Secondary and Maqhekeni High.Also included are Mathambo Primary, Mbwenda Primary, Nswazi Primary, Ntunungwe Primary, Ntunungwe Secondary, Mlomwe Primary, Usher Secondary, Masotsha Primary, Dombodemba Primary, Mzwanyana Secondary, Tjehanga Primary, Ngwana Primary, Thekwane High, Gwambe Secondary, Gwambe Primary, Sikhathini High, Tshankwa Primary, Nyabane Primary, Malalume Primary and Malalume Secondary.Matabeleland South Provincial Social Welfare Officer, Mr Criswell Nyakudya, said it is important to note that the Bulilima Department of Social Development is contributing to the attainment of the objectives of the National Development Strategy 1 (2021–2025).“This includes the decentralisation and devolution pillar, where social planning in attaining children’s rights is decentralised to child protection participatory systems such as Child-Led Child Protection Committees in schools — involving, including and engaging children in formulating solutions to problems that affect them as learners within schools.“Furthermore, to attain the social protection pillar, learners were empowered with child protection information relating to child abuse and the necessary steps required to report such cases through the referral pathway system.
This approach ensures that children receive all necessary services required for their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing,” said Mr Nyakudya.He added that the engagements also focused on the fight against drug and substance abuse.“Drug and substance abuse information was also disseminated to learners through the resuscitation of Child-Led Child Protection Committees, where the effects of drug and substance abuse were discussed.
Rehabilitation as an intervention was also explained to learners as a way to assist those affected.“To ensure that learners are empowered with adequate information about child protection, a whole-of-government approach was adopted, where various government ministries participated in the training of Child-Led Child Protection Committees by providing expert information critical for child protection,” said Mr Nyakudya.Bulilima District Development Coordinator, Mr Onesimo Zogara, said the training fulfils efforts to safeguard children’s rights.“The District Child Protection Committee’s vision is the fulfilment of every child’s equal right to be safe from harm, violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect, by according them opportunities to learn, play and participate — developing them into empowered citizens,” said Mr Zogara.Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthireLeave a ReplyCancel reply
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