Human rights group petitions govt over child rights to education

A HUMAN rights lobby group, Tag a Life International (TALI) has petitioned government asking it to implement provisions of the Constitution, which stipulates that every child, including poor children must attend school.

TALI executive director Nyaradzo Mashayamombe told delegates at a function in Harare to celebrate the successful crafting of the Education Amendment Act, adding that her organisation was worried that more children, especially girls had dropped out of school during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

“We now call upon the government to dedicate practical resources to ensure every child has access to education by building adequate schools and resourcing them to promote quality education according to Agenda 2030 and the sustainable development goals (SDGs),” Mashayamombe said.

“We are more concerned than ever that most girls are reportedly unable to return to school due to pregnancies during the COVID19 lockdown period. As we commemorate the 16 days of activism this year let us remember that an educated girl is a protected child,” she said.

Education Coalition of Zimbabwe programmes officer Clement Nhliziwayo said: “We all need learners to be in school continuously, therefore, basic State-funded education should begin.”

Rosaria Memorial Trust representative, Farirai Gumbonzvanda said: “There is need to raise the standards, schools particularly in rural areas should not be excluded. They should be electrified; they must have water and the internet.”