NEW: Over 500 traditional leaders get child protection training in Mutasa

Theseus Shambare in MUTASA

Over 500 traditional leaders in Mutasa District have undergone child protection training to strengthen their capacity to identify and address issues affecting children.

The training, part of a programme implemented by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare with support from UNICEF’s Child Protection Fund III and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), equipped traditional leaders with knowledge and skills to identify child protection risks, respond to child abuse cases and mobilise community support for child protection initiatives.

In an interview during a media tour in the district on Tuesday, Headman Cosmas Sakupwanya said, “As traditional leaders, we play a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of children in our communities.

“This training has provided us with valuable knowledge and tools to better understand child protection issues.

“The training started with 34 headmen and our chief getting equipped through a Training of the Trainers programme. We are cascading this to over 500 village heads in the district.

“In turn, village heads will take the crucial information to their respective villages to ensure children get protection.”

Speaking during the same event, Headman Sanyamandwe, Mr George Chidawanyika said participants learned about relevant legislation and reporting mechanisms for child protection cases.

“This training is a significant step towards strengthening child protection systems at community level,” he said.

“By empowering traditional leaders, we are creating a stronger network of child protection actors who can work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in Mutasa.”

The training is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of children in Mutasa where gender-based violence, child marriages and restricted access to healthcare have been rampant.