Children paint the path to protection
On 7 August 2025, Better Schools Program Zimbabwe (BSPZ) Chitungwiza came alive with color, art, and applause as 60 remarkable children boldly spoke up for child protection, not with speeches but with powerful, hand-drawn charts. The celebration, co-hosted by Viva Network Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Department of Social Development, was more than an award ceremony. It was living proof that when young people are empowered, they can lead real change.
This milestone event was the result of a journey that began in 2024. That year, guidance and counselling teachers from 20 schools were trained with support from the Department of Social Development and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to revive School Child Protection Committees. Each committee brought together 25 or more students who were trained to champion children’s rights and safety within their schools.
Regular monitoring, through school visits and phone check-ins, revealed that 85% of these committees were active and meeting frequently, while the remainder faced challenges due to busy school schedules. To boost engagement and strengthen peer-to-peer influence, a creative chart competition was introduced. Each school selected three committee members to design charts addressing pressing child protection issues such as drug and substance abuse, cyberbullying, and children’s rights and responsibilities.
The award ceremony brought together learners, teachers, and education officials to honor the students’ creativity and courage. What made the occasion truly special was that the messages came directly from the children themselves. Through art, bold statements, and imagination, they educated, inspired, and influenced their peers.
These charts are now proudly displayed on school notice boards and shared during assemblies and class-to-class visits, ensuring the child protection message continues to spread.
Dr. E. C. Kujeke, the District Schools Inspector, warmly welcomed the guests and delivered a powerful keynote address. He praised the creativity and confidence of the learners, as well as the collaboration between schools, government, and partners like Viva Network Zimbabwe in protecting and empowering children.
Inclusivity also shone through. In one school, children from the special class participated as chart creators, reminding everyone that every child’s voice matters. To celebrate their efforts, all participating learners received certificates and school stationery, while the top 20 entries earned special gift bags filled with supplies. It was a day filled with smiles, applause, and proud moments for both the children and their schools.
At Viva Network Zimbabwe, we believe in letting children lead the way because when they are informed, involved, and empowered, they become the strongest voices for change. This was more than an award ceremony. It was a declaration that children are ready to help build safer, smarter, and stronger communities… with opportunities like this, the future is firmly in their hands.