On 10 and 11 March 2026, FAWEZI, with support from UNICEF, convened a two-day workshop for 20 Chitungwiza project schools’ Child Protection Committees (CPCs) and key stakeholders. The initiative aimed to strengthen safeguarding systems across schools, communities, and homes, reinforcing FAWEZI’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and protective learning environments for all children.

Building Knowledge and Capacity in Child Protection

The workshop provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of child protection and child rights, guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and relevant national legislation. Emphasis was placed on the four core principles of child protection:

Non-discrimination – ensuring all children are treated equitably
Best interests of the child – prioritizing children in all decisions
Survival and development – safeguarding health, education, and growth
Participation – empowering children to express their views and be heard

Through interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions, participants explored various forms of child abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, digital risks, and exploitation, equipping them to identify, respond to, and prevent risks in their school and community settings.

Multi-Sectoral Stakeholder Engagement

The workshop brought together representatives from critical sectors to foster a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to child protection:

Government Ministries: Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE); Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development
Law Enforcement: Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit (VFU)
Social Services: Department of Social Development (DSD)
Health and Community: National AIDS Council
Civil Society Partners: Family Support Trust (FST)

This diverse participation highlighted the importance of collaboration across education, social services, law enforcement, and community development to strengthen protection systems and respond effectively to child protection concerns.

Strengthening Community-Based Protection Systems

The training clarified the roles and responsibilities of Child Protection Committees, focusing on:

Prevention of abuse and exploitation
Effective reporting mechanisms
Maintaining confidentiality
Adhering to professional codes of conduct

Participants were guided on how to identify and mitigate risks in their local contexts, ensuring that interventions are proactive and responsive. The workshop also provided tools for monitoring and sustaining safe school environments, reinforcing a culture of protection and accountability.

Impact and Future Outlook

Through equipping school CPCs and stakeholders with knowledge, practical skills, and collaborative strategies, the workshop contributed to stronger community-based protection systems. Schools participating in the programme are now better positioned to provide safe spaces where children can learn, develop, and thrive, while communities benefit from enhanced safeguarding awareness and coordinated action.

This workshop underscores FAWEZI’s ongoing commitment to child rights, wellbeing, and inclusive education, setting a precedent for further engagement with schools and stakeholders across Zimbabwe to ensure every child is safe, protected, and empowered