Church wears school uniforms in campaign against GBV

Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter

Young and old members of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Bulawayo’s Njube suburb wore school uniforms during yesterday’s worship service in solidarity with the national and global campaign against gender-based violence (GBV).

The initiative was meant to highlight the fact that both young girls and boys could be victims of abuse at school and home.

The church said the unique service was meant to remind everyone that children must be protected especially at school where they spend most of their time.

It said its campaign was inclusive because both boys and girls were victims of GBV.

Poetry and music dominated the creative messaging on the importance of protecting school children from GBV.

One of the congregants, Ms Vuyisile Ndebele (27), said it was not the first time for their church to hold such a campaign as they once ran a similar initiative under the theme: “Fight against rape” early this year where they marched around Njube suburb encouraging people to fight the vice.

“We’re always fighting against gender-based violence because to us everyday should be 16 Days of Activism,” she said. 

“We’re hoping one day we will live in a place where GBV will be a thing of the past.”

Ms Ndebele said more of such initiatives were needed as the church was committed to joining the rest of the world in creating a safe society for young girls and boys.

Another member, Mr Sizo Nhliziyo (20) said planning the event was not easy as they had to make sure that it delivers a powerful message.

“Education is vital for the transformation of the church and the country hence protecting schoolchildren  is very important. We hope after this campaign, many parents and teachers will appreciate the importance of protecting children,” he said.

Mr Nhliziyo said members were hoping to organise more similar campaigns in future.

Another member, Ms Sharon Maphosa, said as one of the critical socialisation agents, the church has a role to play in helping eradicate GBV.

“Protecting schoolchildren is crucial as it is the only way they can be guaranteed prosperous future.

These are our future leaders so we need to ensure they are protected from GBV as it can ruin their lives,” she. 

One of the church leaders, Reverend Sikhalo Cele said he was proud of the good work that the youths in his flock were doing.

He said such campaigns should be conducted more often to raise awareness on the dangers of GBV.