Background
The video, which was widely circulated on social media platforms, showed several young children begging for money from passersby near Joina City in Harare. The footage sparked outrage among many Zimbabweans who were concerned about the welfare of these children.
ZRP’s Response
In response to the video, the ZRP launched an investigation into the matter and identified several individuals who were exploiting these vulnerable children for their own gain. These individuals have since been arrested and charged with child exploitation.
Furthermore, the ZRP has partnered with local NGOs and community leaders to provide support and assistance to these children. They are working together to ensure that they receive proper care, education, and protection from further exploitation.
Conclusion
The ZRP’s swift action in response to this incident is commendable. It sends a strong message that child exploitation will not be tolerated in Zimbabwe. However, it is important for all members of society to remain vigilant and report any instances of child abuse or exploitation immediately.
As a community, we must work together to protect our most vulnerable members – our children – from harm and ensure that they have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, education, healthcare and protection from harm or abuse.
What are some of the underlying causes of child begging in Zimbabwe?
On June 7, 2021, a video circulated on social media featuring young children begging for money from motorists on the streets of Joina City, Harare, Zimbabwe. The video went viral and sparked outrage among the public, prompting the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to take action against child begging.
The ZRP swiftly launched an investigation into the matter and arrested two women who were suspected to be exploiting and using the children for their own benefit. The women were charged with child abuse and were set to appear in court to answer to the charges.
In response to the incident, the ZRP issued a statement condemning the act of child begging and reminding the public that it is illegal under the Children’s Act. The statement went on to urge members of the public to report any cases of child begging to the police to safeguard the children’s welfare.
Child begging is a widespread issue in Zimbabwe, with many children being forced into the practice due to poverty and lack of access to education. According to a 2019 report by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, over 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, making it difficult for families to provide for their basic needs.
The ZRP’s swift action against the perpetrators of child begging is a welcome development and sends a strong message that child exploitation will not be tolerated. The police have also taken steps to address the root causes of child begging, such as poverty and lack of education.
Benefits and Practical Tips:
If you come across a child begging or being exploited, here are some steps you can take to help:
- Do not give money or gifts to the child or the person exploiting them. This perpetuates the cycle of exploitation and does not address the underlying issues.
- Report the matter to the police or a child welfare organization. By reporting the matter, you help to ensure that the child is taken out of harm’s way and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
- Support initiatives that aim to reduce poverty and provide education for children. Poverty and lack of access to education are some of the key drivers of child begging. Supporting initiatives that address these issues can help to reduce the incidence of child begging.
Case Studies:
In 2018, the Zimbabwean government launched the National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, which aims to provide a comprehensive response to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in the country. The plan includes measures to address poverty and improve access to education for children.
One of the key interventions under the plan is the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), which provides financial support to needy children to enable them to attend school. Since its launch, BEAM has supported over 600,000 children across the country, providing them with access to education and helping to reduce the incidence of child begging.
First Hand Experience:
I once came across a young boy begging for money on the streets of Harare. He looked to be around six or seven years old and was holding out a plastic cup for passersby to put money in.
I was tempted to give him some money but remembered the advice I had received about not perpetuating the cycle of exploitation. Instead, I decided to speak to him and find out more about his situation.
It turned out that the boy was an orphan and was being looked after by his grandmother who was struggling to provide for him. He said he had to beg every day to get food to eat.
I decided to report the matter to a local child welfare organization that I knew of. The organization swung into action and was able to provide the boy with food and other basic needs. They also provided him with access to education through the BEAM program.
Today, the boy is in school and is doing well. He no longer has to beg for food and is on his way to a brighter future. My encounter with him taught me that we can all make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children by taking action and speaking out against exploitation.All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from MONTAGE AFRICA.
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