“We are very unfortunate as a school to have witnessed these early child marriages among girls, and substance abuse and gambling among boys as they seek to pass time and earn a few dollars for food,” Dukwende said.
He said teachers and parents try to give good advice but that good moral teachings have “been vandalized by COVID-19.”
While he is disappointed at the marriages, he acknowledged that hunger forced some parents to accept the situation, which he added is difficult to repair.
“Life has no replays and no rewinds,” Dukwende said.
He said the proximity of the school to Chiadzwa Diamond Field complicates matters, since “naïve and gullible young girls” see miners flashing hard-earned currency. The diamond fielders are less than 7 miles, a walkable distance, from the school.
“Parents are sending them to go and sell various wares. While it is a noble idea to involve everyone in working and supplementing income for the family, the girl child is exposed to various other temptations … (and) early marriages,” Dukwende said.
Girls would have been better protected if schools were open, he said.
The Zimbabwe Episcopal Area has 14 primary schools, 12 secondary schools and 12 high schools. The church is awaiting guidelines from the government on reopening, but no dates have been set yet.
The lockdown also has created challenges for boys, too.
“Such a long stretch (without school) may lead children into engaging in destructive behavior,” said the Rev. Alan Masimba Gurupira, administrative assistant to Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa.
