ANB-BIA SUPPLEMENT

ISSUE/EDITION Nr 324 - 15/05/1997

CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE

Zimbabwe

"Defending our children"

by Dumisani Kumalo, Zimbabwe, March 1997

THEME = SOCIAL ACTION

INTRODUCTION

Great concern is being expressed these days at the increase in all kinds of child abuse in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's Government is reviewing current legislation, so that the judicial system can tackle the problem of child abuse and molestation more effectively. Organisations involved in the care and safety of children, are failing to implement the Children's Adoption and Protection Act. Street children, many of them victims of abuse by parents and step-parents, are still around, and fall easy victims to those who wish to "use" them for their own pleasure.
Councillor Mohammed Esat, councillor for Bulawayo's Ward One, says: "If those parents and guardians who abuse the children, were to be prosecuted under the Children's Protection Act, word would soon spread to others tempted to abuse children".
When it comes to curb-crawlers in the towns and cities, street children are tempted by ready cash offers which can be anything from Z$15-Z$20 per "session". The children need the money for food and to buy glue (which is inhaled).
Street children have given graphic accounts of what has happened to them. Many of their statements have been corroborated by relief workers, working among the destitute. Children are even being lured away from officially-approved night accommodation, where food and shelter is provided for them in what should be a safe environment.

The Thuthinka Street Project

Mr Sexton is coordinator of the Thuthinka Street Children Project and has been able to rehabilitate twenty-nine street children, by either reuniting them with their families, or getting them into school, or finding them suitable employment. He calls in a doctor to talk to the boys about the danger of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. He has also asked the Media to be more positive when it comes to reporting the "street children problem". He says: "The Media should realise that these boys are not a menace, but victims of broken homes".

END

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PeaceLink 1997 - Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgement