Online Reporter
Zimpapers Correspondent
BUBI District in Matabeleland North has recorded a worrying 518 cases of child pregnancies in the past year, raising alarm among authorities and prompting urgent calls for stronger community action to protect young people.
The figures were revealed during the inaugural launch of the “Not In My School” campaign held at Somvubu High School in Bubi. The event brought together Government departments, schools, law enforcement agencies and child rights organisations to tackle growing concerns over drug abuse, early pregnancies and violence among youths.
The campaign aims to promote safe learning environments and encourage responsible behaviour among schoolchildren. It drew a large turnout of learners, teachers, education officials, police officers and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services personnel.
Proceedings began with a colourful awareness march from Mahamba Business Centre to Somvubu High School, led by drum majorettes from Emhlangeni Primary School. The march symbolised a united community effort to protect children from the social challenges threatening their future.
Speaking at the event, Bubi District Nursing Officer Mr Ngwenya described the number of early pregnancies as alarming.
“We recorded 518 early pregnancies in Bubi, a startling figure that calls for escalated efforts by every parent and community in instilling positive and responsible behaviour among the youths,” he said.
Mr Ngwenya also revealed that the district recorded nine cases of drug and substance abuse involving young people in 2025.
He warned that the growing presence of drugs among youths poses a serious threat to education, health and overall community wellbeing.
Zimbabwe’s laws set the age of consent at 18 years, making sexual relations with children aged 17 years and below a criminal offence.
Speakers at the event highlighted the need for collective action to address the root causes of early pregnancies, drug abuse and school dropouts.
Matabeleland North provincial director for secondary and non-formal education Mr Pikello Mathe cautioned learners against experimenting with drugs and harmful substances.
“Through this campaign, I would like to strongly warn the youth, particularly school-going children, against taking drugs and other dangerous substances as they destroy health and future prospects,” he said.
Matabeleland North provincial guidance and counselling schools inspector in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Ms Pumulo Masuku urged learners to resist peer pressure and focus on building a positive future.
“You must not succumb to peer pressure and this ‘2K mentality’ as these illusions misdirect and destroy most youths,” she said.
Learners from Somvubu High School also actively participated in the programme, presenting on issues such as drug and substance abuse, bullying, violence, suicide, peer pressure, early marriages and teenage pregnancies.
Education stakeholders said initiatives such as the “Not In My School” campaign are vital in equipping young people with knowledge and creating safe spaces where they can openly discuss the challenges they face.
Community leaders emphasised that addressing these issues requires a united effort, calling on parents, teachers, churches and traditional leaders to take a more active role in guiding and protecting young people from abuse and exploitation.
