At Mahlothova Secondary School, nestled in Ward 9 in Umguza, a remarkable initiative began to take shape, driven by the passion and dedication of its students. The school’s dynamic and diverse student body recognized a pressing need in their community—a need for increased awareness and protection of children’s rights. This recognition spurred a group of empathetic and proactive students to come together and form the Child Protection Committee (CPC).
A pivotal moment in their journey came when SOS Children’s Villages in Zimbabwe, through their Family Strengthening Program, offered their support. SOS Children’s Villages provided comprehensive training for the CPC members, equipping them with essential skills in advocacy, communication, and peer counselling. They also provided their Guidance and Counselling teacher, Mrs. Ndlovu, with the necessary tools and resources to help the committee fulfil its duties effectively.
‘The formation of the Child Protection Committee has been a transformative experience for our school. With the support of SOS Children’s Villages, we have been able to equip our students with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for their rights and protect each other from harm. I am incredibly proud of their dedication and the positive change they are bringing to our community,’ said Mrs. Ndlovu.
With this newfound knowledge and support, the CPC set out to raise awareness within their school and the wider community. One of their most significant achievements was establishing a confidential reporting system for students who are experiencing bullying or abuse. They placed secure suggestion boxes around the school where students could anonymously report incidents.
Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the CPC also focused on long-term solutions. They work closely with community leaders to highlight the importance of birth certificates. Many children in their community lack this essential document, which hindered their ability to attend school and access other basic rights.
‘We could not stand by and watch our friends suffer in silence any longer. Forming the CPC has given us a platform to speak out against bullying and abuse, and to educate our peers about their rights. The support from SOS Children’s Villages has been invaluable, and we are committed to making a lasting impact in our community,’ said one CPC Member.
More and more students began to open up about their experiences, finding solace and support in the newfound culture of openness and protection. The community, too, is starting to change, with parents, teachers, and local leaders becoming more understanding and proactive in safeguarding children’s rights.
The support from SOS Children’s Villages Family Strengthening Program in Umguza by providing the necessary training and resources, was instrumental in this transformation. The story of the Child Protection Committee at Mahlothova Secondary School is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives and the crucial support of organizations like SOS Children’s Villages in Zimbabwe