Disadvantaged children need everyone’s attention
EDITOR — Orphans and vulnerable children need attention because they have greater demands compared to adults who might be in the same situation. These needs range from education, clothing and nutritious food yet they don’t have anyone to take care of these needs.
Although most orphans are cared for by family members or communities in some way, some of these families are poor. This necessitates public assistance to provide these children with adequate food, health care, clothing, education and psychosocial support. Police Commissioner-General Dr Augustine Chihuri did a generous thing by dedicating the returns of the funfair that is held every year to these children.
If these children do not get this attention, they resort to living in the streets. This becomes a huge problem because it results in them leading a reckless life. Most of the children in the streets develop habits such as drinking, smoking and stealing. They are also affected psychologically.
Such habits distract them from making progressive decisions that will improve their lives. Tracing the history of the children living in the streets will bring to light that it is those who are disadvantaged that live in the streets. It is not only about materialistic support but also that moral and emotional support matter in the lives of these children.
Clubs and programmes that support the vulnerable children should be created in schools so that they can interact and discover themselves through participation.
Different forms of support for these vulnerable children will help. Nyarai Nyamapande