16/06/2026
Day of the African Child
At Vana Vedu Organisation, we believe every child deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity. As we commemorate the Day of the African Child, our assessment is mixed🫣🙏.
Progress:
We have seen more awareness on child protection, and more children staying in school thanks to community programs. Government policies like free basic education(BEAM) are steps in the right direction.
Challenges remain:
Too many children in Zimbabwe still face poverty, child labour, early marriages, and limited access to skills training. For the youth we work with, the biggest gap is moving from classroom learning to actual livelihoods. A certificate without a skill leaves them vulnerable.
Urgent action needed:
1. Invest in skills, not just school fees
- We need more vocational training centers and apprenticeships so children leaving school can earn and support families.
2. Strengthen child protection systems
- Communities, police, and social workers must act faster on cases of abuse and neglect. Reporting should be safe and simple.
3. Support community-based organisations
- Groups like Vana Vedu are on the ground daily. With funding and partnerships, we can reach more children with food aid(material support), psychosocial support, and livelihood skill training.
The African Child’s future depends on action today, not just speeches. As Vana Vedu, we remain committed to advocating for their rights and giving them tools to build their own future.
Chipo Mahamba
Director
Vana Vedu Org
