Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The protection and welfare of children remain a key priority for the Government, and every child has a right to care, protection, education, health, nutrition, safety, and an environment in which he or she can develop to their full potential, a cabinet minister said.
Speaking during a tour of Kudavana Children’s Home in Manicaland province, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the Government’s responsibility is to ensure that children in vulnerable circumstances are not left behind.
“I considered it equally important that my visit should include a direct engagement with one of our institutions responsible for the care and protection of children,” he said.
“I am therefore very pleased to be here today and to have the opportunity to interact with the management, caregivers and, most importantly, the children of Kudavana Children’s Home. The protection and welfare of children remains a key priority for the Government of Zimbabwe. Every child has a right to care, protection, education, health, nutrition, safety and an environment in which he or she can develop to their full potential.
“Our responsibility as Government is to ensure that children who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances are not left behind. Through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Government continues to implement programmes aimed at strengthening child protection, supporting vulnerable families and ensuring appropriate care for children who are unable to remain safely within their families of origin.”
The ministry, he said, is ensuring that institutions receive their annual Administration Grants and monthly Per Capita Grants for the children’s upkeep.
“Our interventions are guided by the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Children’s Act and the various national policies and programmes relating to the protection and welfare of children,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the Government’s commitment to strengthening family-based care.”
Minister Moyo said the family remains the best environment for a child to grow and develop, provided that the environment is safe and supportive.
He said consequently, residential care should, wherever possible and in accordance with the best interests of the child, be a temporary measure while efforts are made towards family tracing, reunification, foster care or other appropriate family-based care arrangements.
“I therefore encourage Child Protection Officers, Institutional management and caregivers to continue working together to ensure that every child has an appropriate and regularly reviewed care plan,” he said.
“Where family reunification is possible and safe, we must support it. Where it is not possible, we must ensure that appropriate alternative care arrangements are identified for the child.
“I wish to commend the management and caregivers of Kudavana Children’s Home for the important work that you are undertaking. Caring for children requires more than providing accommodation and food.
“ It requires love, patience, protection, guidance and a commitment to ensuring that each child feels valued and has an opportunity to thrive. I recognise that caregivers sometimes undertake this important work under difficult circumstances.”
He encouraged caregivers to continue upholding high standards of care and to treat every child with dignity, compassion and respect.
“The ministry will continue to work with provincial structures and relevant partners to address challenges affecting the provision of quality care to children in residential child care facilities,” he said.
“We must also ensure that children in residential care are provided with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills and values necessary for successful adulthood.”
He said education must remain a priority, and he encouraged the institution to support every child to attend school, develop their talents and participate in activities that build confidence and self-reliance.
