Save the Children has raised alarm over the surge in child rights violations during emergencies, particularly the ongoing El Niño-induced drought affecting communities in Zimbabwe.
The humanitarian organisation emphasised the urgent need to strengthen reporting mechanisms to safeguard the well-being of children.
To enhance accessibility for children, Save the Children, with support from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, has established two freephone mobile booths at schools in Bulilima and Mangwe districts.
“During emergencies, such as the current El Niño-induced drought affecting both districts, child rights violations are on the rise hence the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms to ensure children are protected,” Save the Children said.
The booths provide a secure environment for children to contact the Childline 116 helpline, offering vital platforms to report cases of abuse, obtain information, and receive psychosocial support.
“The mobile booths are staffed by guidance and counselling teachers and members of the child-led Child Protection Committee, ensuring that children have access to reliable and confidential assistance.
The initiative aims to empower children to speak out against violations and seek the necessary support.
“I have used the freephone before. It is user-friendly. All you need to do is dial 116, and someone on the other end picks up urgently. They are friendly and ready to listen,” 16-year-old Nkosi (not real name), a learner and member of the Child Protection Committee, said.
“From the feedback I’ve received from my peers, the phone is very helpful to them. They say it’s easy to talk to someone on the other side, knowing they are free from any judgment, and their friendliness makes it easier for them to share what’s bothering them.”
From April to June 2024, 12 cases—comprising 3 males and 9 females—were reported via the helpline and they were referred to the Department of Social Development for follow-up.
The reported issues during this period include financial hardships affecting education, exposure to domestic violence, physical abuse, neglect, teenage pregnancies, and a report of a missing child.
The case of the missing child was resolved, and the child has been successfully reunited with their guardians with the assistance of Department of Social Development officers and immigration officials.
So far, over 950 children have access to the freephone booths, and Save the Children plans to expand this service to reach more children in the two districts.
