Spotlighting the rights of children in zimbabwe: Roles and challenges for non-governmental organisations

Abstract

Over the last decade, the degenerating quality of service provided by the state and the ever-increasing child abuse cases in Zimbabwe have emerged as key areas of concern to Non-Governmental Organisations. Consequently, Non-Governmental Organisations have stepped in as alternative agents that perform a vital and positive role in promoting the rights of children. The purpose of this study was to examine the role played by a selected non-governmental organisation and the challenges it faces in promoting the rights of children in Zimbabwe. The study was conducted using a blend of the key informant interview technique as well as document study. Seven participants were purposively drawn from the selected non-governmental organisation. The findings indicated that, as a consequence of the failure of the government in Zimbabwe, the nongovernmental organisation has performed a primary role in promoting and addressing the rights of children in the country. The strategic interventions by the non-governmental organisation took the form of educational assistance, legal protection, HIV/AIDS mitigation programs, psychosocial support and material support. The study also identified a cocktail of challenges that negatively impact on the operations of the non-governmental organisation. Accordingly, several recommendations were put forward.