First Lady tackles social exploitation in Epworth

Blessings Chidakwa

First Lady Amai Mnangagwa yesterday interacted with learners drawn from schools in Epworth and surrounding areas as she addressed the scourge of sexual exploitation and social decay that has been reported through her toll-free number 575.

The National Gender-Based Violence Call Centre was set up in the First Lady’s Office in 2021, whereby victims are swiftly connected to police Victim Friendly Units and counselling services.

Primary school learners who gathered at Makomo Primary School openly shared their personal experiences both at home and school, narrating harrowing ordeals at the hands of relatives.

As the First Lady stepped out of her vehicle, the learners chanted her name, dancing and ululating as they received the mother of the nation.

The First Lady accompanied by church and traditional leaders started by having a separate session with girls while the Provincial Development Committee Permanent Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Province Mr Cosmas Chiringa was coordinating the interactions with the boys.

Dr Mnangagwa whose quest is to see a better society with well-mannered children tackled societal issues that children grapple with such as premature love affairs, children’s roles at home and the scourge of drug abuse which some of the children admitted to being involved in. Other issues tackled included bullying in schools and ill-treatment being endured by children at home sometimes due to disputes between their parents.

“In Epworth, there are places called Booster and Pleasure Centre which are hubs of social vices breeding prostitution, drug and substance abuses. It pains my heart that children as young as primary learners are being initiated into things happening there.

“Through my toll-free number 575, I was advised that girls have the guts of stripping boys. It is taboo and this pushed me to come and address the scourge. It is a disgrace, please stop that,” the First Lady said.

Dr Mnangagwa who distributed sanitary wear to the girls said children should learn to take advice from any elderly person in society.

“Every one of you was born with a certain gift and we want you to pursue that. After school, go home and do your homework. Abstaining from watching pornography is bad; girls end up thinking of eloping. Mobile phones should be used for school work purposes. As for boys, avoid molesting girls. Parents and guardians also take time to interact with your children,” she said.

Amai Mnangagwa also took a swipe at some divorcees who expose their children to bad stuff.

“You see some changing sexual partners and indulging in sex in the presence of your children. That should stop as you are exposing them to things above their age.

“Set goals, there are a lot of professions including judges, pilots who you should aspire to be. Learn to take advice from parents and guardians,” she said.

The First Lady said teachers should continue having meek hearts and giving guidance to all learners regardless of stature or background.

Speaking after interacting with the boys, Chief Chikwaka applauded the works being carried out by Dr Mnangagwa.

“During the discussions, we noticed a case of a boy (13) at Makomo Primary School who was sodomised on his way home. He reported that, along with his two colleagues they are caressed before being sodomised. We have since reported the case to the police.

“Other boys openly divulged that they were taking alcohol and drugs. The First Lady programme is good for Zimbabwe, it is good for us all. As chiefs we pledge to continue supporting the First Lady’s programmes,” he said.

Permanent Secretary Chiringa who was representing Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Charles Tavengwa, applauded the First Lady for her life-changing programmes.

“Your effort is commendable to catch them young. A lot is happening among our children. I know you have a busy schedule but you spared time to meet children. May God continue to bless you,” he said.

Chief Seke who was also in the midst urged the learners to be morally upright.

He challenged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to include such programmes in their school calendar and allow traditional chiefs to engage the schoolchildren and teach them good behavioural standards, during and after their tender age to fit into society as a good person.

A parent, Mr Trymore Muzire who thanked the First Lady for taking time to teach their learners said they were also to blame for their children’s mischief.

“We are always fighting in our homes and our children end up finding solace from outside where they may be abused,” he said.

During the interaction, a kid from Makomo Primary School (10) said they were falling prey to colleagues who bring mobile phones to school.

“We watch pornographic material on mobile phones at school. This usually leads some of us to want to try what we would have watched.”

Another learner, who is Grade 6 at Kubatana Primary School said he was influenced to take drugs by peers.

Boys also lamented and pointed fingers at girls whom they accused of stripping them during an interaction.

The mother of the nation responded by warning girls to desist from such bad behaviour that is resulting in some of them eloping at tender ages leading to early child marriages.

The mother of the nation said the cases of maternal death during birth are increasing due to complications during birth as some of these women are at time underage.

Professor Masandudza a grade 6 learner at Epworth Primary School said one learner (name withheld) came with alcohol at school which he shared among children.

“We started drinking it and ended up being violent and shouting obscene words in the streets,” the leaner confessed.

One of the kids admitted that his elder brother (21) supplied him with the beer diluted with a soft drink.

“I was unaware that it was beer but noticed it after drinking it at school. I then shared with my colleagues who got drunk and went haywire. When l went home my parents noticed that l was drunk and interrogated my brother who was beaten.

“Our teacher wanted to report me to the headmaster but stopped on the condition that l refrain from such acts in future as l risk being expelled from school,” he said.

Another learner at Kutsaga Primary School avoided temptations from his peers who picked up empty bottles of Broncleer which they would later sip.

“I was once offered to take a sip and l refused. My peers move around the streets picking up empty bottles while they drink the little remaining stuff,” he said. – Herald