“I visited Dombodzvuku High School in Murehwa where the deputy headmistress told me that students were engaging in sexual activities in return for things like chips, buns and soft drinks,” Munando said.
She said poverty and the increasing breakdown of family life in Zimbabwe was behind the increase in student immorality. Many children are living with guardians as their parents have died or left the country in search of work.
“Judging from the discussions that I have been having with teachers and students, most students are living in a state of neglect and lack proper guidance. Many live with guardians who do not care much about their behaviour. Teachers said in some instances students come to school without having eaten and are forced to find other means to get food,” she explained.
Engaging in sexual acts at a tender age had negative consequences, with many students either having an early pregnancy or suffering from sexually transmitted diseases.
“Girls are the most affected because they are more vulnerable. They are falling pregnant at the age of 14 without the capacity to raise a child which is sad. There is need for education around behaviour change in schools,” she said.
According to a 2011 report by Plan International Zimbabwe entitled “Because I am a Girl, so what about the boy?” at least 67% of Zimbabwe’s secondary school going girl children, and 33% of those attending primary school, are dropping out of education because of various forms of abuse.
“Sexual harassment and abuse by even school teachers and parents, cultural issues, lack of school fees, early marriage, parental commitments and early pregnancies are some of the contributing factors to this drop-out rate,” reads part of the report.
Education Minister, David Coltart said increased cases of student pregnancy were highly disturbing and urged parents to foster behaviour change at home.
“It is true that charity begins at home and I believe we can combat this issue of sexual immorality in schools if we work together with parents. Parents should mould their children to behave in a manner that is acceptable at home and at school so that our efforts can be complemented,” Coltart told The Zimbabwean.
Post published in: News