The programme is designed to help mentally challenged, physically and psychologically abused children. About 30 caregivers drawn from ward 22 and 25 from Buhera district received training under the programme.
Batsiranai director Francis Tembo bemoaned what he called a culture of silence in the face of rampant abuse of children in the district. Village and community leaders have a duty to protect children from abuse, he said. Unfortunately, there is a culture of silence in this district, which has worsened child abuse.
Tembo warned villagers against harbouring perpetrators of a child abuse saying it was a serious offence. Such cases must not be swept under the carpet, but reported to the police, he said. Children are the most vulnerable group in our communities therefore its our duty to protect them.
Ward 23 coordinator Robert Mutume took a swipe at villagers in cahoots with child abusers and condemned some traditional healers for fuelling child abuse by misleading their clients. We are grateful that this programme has been launched here, Mutume said. We are now fully empowered to start an active crusade against child abuse and neglect.
Mutume challenged caregivers to participate actively to curb rampant child abuse in the district. We know this is a new programme but we should work together for the benefit of our community, he said.
Post published in: News