Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
GOVERNMENT has vowed a province-wide crackdown on drug abuse, bullying, sexual abuse, child marriages and teenage pregnancies after launching a multi-sectoral campaign to make schools safe for every learner.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education last week rolled out the Not in My School campaign in Manicaland, declaring that safeguarding learners is essential to produce well-nurtured citizens who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
At the launch, Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abbiot Maronge, said the Government is committed to protect young people, having signed international charters and drafted policies aimed at shielding learners from harmful exposures.
“Violence against children is not just a social concern; it is a direct threat to learning, development and national progress.
“Children exposed to abuse, neglect or harmful environments often suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and trauma. These challenges lead to poor academic performance, increased absenteeism and, in many cases, school dropouts. Simply put, violence robs our children of their full potential.
“Of equal concern is the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse among young learners.
“This vice destroys lives. It impairs brain development, affects memory and concentration, encourages indiscipline, increases risky behaviour and exposes learners to crime and exploitation.
“Many young people caught in substance abuse lose direction, disengage from education and face long-term health and social consequences. This vice must be confronted decisively in every school in Manicaland Province.
“The Government, through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has taken bold and deliberate steps to ensure that prevention of, and response to, all forms of violence are integrated and explicit within our education sector policies, budgets and plans at national level, ensuring that no child is left behind. The launch of the Not in My School campaign is fully aligned with our national Constitution, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and Sustainable Development Goal 16.2, which calls for the elimination of abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against children,” said Mr Maronge.
Chief Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza said violence has no place in schools, and challenged educators, parents and communities to play their part in creating safe learning environments.
He added that a peaceful environment is ideal for learners to reach their full potential.
“The Safe to Learn initiative reminds us that education cannot thrive where learners experience fear, humiliation, abuse or neglect.
“As we launch the Not in My School campaign, we are making a bold and unified declaration.
“Violence in all its forms – physical, emotional, verbal or sexual – has no place in our schools. Not in my school, not in your school, and not in any school. Manicaland, with its rich diversity and vibrant communities, has the opportunity to lead by example.
“Through this campaign, we are empowering educators, learners and communities with the knowledge, skills and values needed to prevent, identify and respond to violence in schools. Safe schools are not created by policy alone; they are built through daily actions, attitudes and accountability from each one of us.
“Let us remember: a safe learner is a confident learner, a confident learner is an engaged learner, and an engaged learner is a successful learner.
“As stakeholders, we each carry a responsibility to protect every child, to listen without judgement, to act when harm is seen or reported, and to create an environment where every learner feels valued and respected.
“Let this campaign live in our classrooms, staffrooms, school policies and communities. Let it be reflected in how we speak, how we discipline and how we support our learners,” said Mr Gabaza.
