Zimbabwe prioritises reuniting vulnerable children

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services, July Moyo, has stated that the government is taking steps towards ensuring the well-being of people with disabilities and children living on the streets.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Moyo acknowledged the presence of these vulnerable groups and outlined the government’s efforts to address their needs. He highlighted the initiative to convert former refugee housing facilities into shelters for children removed from the streets.

“We are aware that there are young people living on the streets, some of them with disabilities,” the Minister stated.

“The government has endeavoured to work with the First Lady to remove these children from the streets and house them in these facilities.”

Moyo further emphasised the government’s prioritisation of vulnerable groups, particularly during the current food insecurity caused by El Nino. He identified orphaned children and those from child-headed households as top priorities.

Regarding people with disabilities, the Minister assured that they are also a key focus for the government. He elaborated on the government’s multi-pronged approach to support children removed from the streets.

“Our number one priority is to find out if they have relatives.

“When a family is found, we aim to reunite them and keep families together. If not, we look for foster homes supported by the government, where children receive financial support per capita,” he explained.

For very young children, adoption is encouraged by the government. “We are trying to create a system where children removed from the streets are cared for by society, starting with their families,” Minister Moyo said.

“Foster homes and adoption are the next steps, and institutions are the last resort.”

The Minister also addressed concerns about discrimination against people with disabilities within the public service sector. He assured that the Public Service Commission actively prohibits such discrimination during the employment process.

“We want to make sure our children are looked after. The Child Protection Act mandates us to protect these vulnerable individuals,” Moyo said.