Mashambanzou Care Trust, with funding from Misean Cara, is implementing the Education for Life project in schools across Zimbabwe to strengthen child protection mechanisms and ensure that every child enjoys their rights in a safe and supportive environment. One of the key components of the project is the formation of Child Protection Committees (CPCs) in schools, equipping both learners and teachers with the knowledge and tools to identify, prevent and respond to various forms of abuse and neglect.

At Nyabira Primary School, one of the participating schools, seven learners and two teachers from the guidance and counselling department were trained in child protection and reporting protocols. A committee was subsequently established in response to increasing reports of child abuse within the school and surrounding community. These learners were empowered to recognise signs of abuse, support their peers and promote a culture of protection within the school. The committee recruited six more learners across all grades and a club was formed. They now meet monthly to discuss issues affecting their peers and select key topics to share with the wider school community during assemblies and class breaks. These topics include child abuse, drug and substance abuse, child marriage, school dropouts and absenteeism. 

The real impact of this initiative was clearly demonstrated during one of the committee’s monthly meetings. A learner raised concerns about a Grade two learner who had become withdrawn and was no longer playing at home as usual. A trained CPC member approached the child gently and discovered that a male neighbor had been sexually abusing her. The matter was promptly reported to the school’s CPC, which then informed the guidance and counselling teacher. After verification, the school followed protocol and reported the case to the Victim Friendly Unit of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. A medical examination confirmed forced penetration. The child’s mother, a single parent working in South Africa, was devastated by the revelation but deeply grateful to the learner who had come forward. The child had been living with her siblings, the eldest being just 24 years old whilst their single mother stayed in South Africa working.

Thanks to the swift action of the CPC and the training provided through the Education for Life project, the child received the support and medical attention she needed, and legal steps were taken to protect her from further harm. This case and seven more which were solved through the CPC powerfully illustrates the importance of empowering learners to be agents of change and protectors of one another. Without the existence of the committee and the training provided, this abuse may have remained hidden.

To date, the child protection component of the project has directly reached 96 learners (45 girls and 51 boys) from 11 schools, including 27 learners with disabilities (10 females and 17 males). A maximum of 5000 learners was reached in all the schools when the CPC cascaded information on child protection during assembles and school gatherings. The sessions were held with hope that the 5000 learners will educate their peers at home thus increasing child protection information reach. The project continues to create safer learning environments and foster a culture of vigilance, empathy and action among children and educators alike. With the continued support of Misean Cara, Mashambanzou Care Trust is transforming schools into places where children's voices are heard, their rights are protected and their futures are safeguarded