The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
Civil society organisations (CSOs) should take a lead in complementing Government’s efforts to facilitate access to education for girls living in marginalised communities.
This came out during commemorations of the Day of the African Child held for hundreds of underpriviledged girls in Glendale, Mashonaland Central by a local civic organisation.
Farming Communities Education Trust (FACET) hosted the celebrations at Glengrey Primary School in Glendale, Mazowe District, where scores of children and teachers from local schools attended.
The commemorations were geared to complement Government’s drive to provide education in marginalised and resettlement areas.
Speaking during the commemorations FACET projects coordinator Mrs Respect Tsvanhu said: “Educating the population, especially the girl child, is of paramount importance the world over.
“Zimbabwe is very active in the drive to educate the African child.
“As such, education is among the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a lot of effort is being directed towards educating the girl child, the marginalised communities, those with disabilities among others.
“In support of Government’s initiatives, civil society organisations (CSOs) should complement financially, through guidance counselling, awareness campaigns among other measures.”
Through its Girl Education Advocacy in the Region (GEAR) initiative, FACET is striving to uplift the girl child in farming and rural communities.
Mrs Tsvanhu emphasised the need to involve the underpriviledged in educational and development programmes.
She encouraged parents to ensure their children acquire civic documents such as birth certificates.
Officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Mashonaland Central welcomed CSO’s participation in the education sector.
They said Government was undertaking a concerted drive to improve access to education and the learning conditions of children in the area through renovating and building more schools.
Girls who attended the commemorations received free sanitary wear.
FACET is also working in partnership with organisations from Zambia and Malawi to promote girls’ reproductive health under the Students And Youths Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT).
