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Pandemic Leads More Girls to Early Marriages

“Without much guidance, children are rendered vulnerable and get into substance abuse or early sexual activities that lead to early marriages,” he said.

Rosemary Makonya, a member of Chapanduka’s parent-led development committee, mourned the situation.

“As parents, we are crying seeing our children getting married. When you give birth, you expect children to achieve the best, but COVID-19 has contributed to our ruin.

“We pray for early school opening as our last hope,” she said.

Makonya said she keeps a watchful eye over her 16-year-old daughter, Brenda.

“Where she is, is where I am. We go to fetch water and to buy groceries at shops together,” said Makonya.

Brenda said she can’t wait for school to resume.

“Being at school makes us feel safe. … It is worrisome how our parents have lost resources (to pay) our examination fees. Some sold cattle and goats, and how shameful it is to forgo everything and get married.

“I pray to God to give me wisdom and protection against all ills. My mother does not allow me to go anywhere. She said if it is hunger, let us die at home rather than going to (the diamond field).”

Tsepang Makadzange, a 12-year-old student at Mutambara Central Primary School in the Chimanimani Chipinge District, also is ready to return to class.

Tsepang Makadzange, 12, hopes to return to school soon. She attends United Methodist Mutambara Central Primary School in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe. “At school, we are occupied and protected, but COVID-19 has destroyed all this,” she said.

“My wish is for us to go back to school rather than hearing all sort of heartbreaking stories, which are demoralizing. It makes me cry always. At school, we are occupied and protected, but COVID-19 has destroyed all this,” Tsepang said.

Chipo Precious, a 16-year-old student at Hartzell High School in Mutasa Nyanga District who lives at United Methodist Fairfield Children’s Home for orphans, agreed.

“COVID-19 has destroyed our lives and education. We are spending most of our time playing social soccer and netball or other games, which are not productive. …  I wonder what type of generation would come out after COVID-19,” she said.

The Rev. Crispen Musuruware, pastor-in-charge at Hilltop United Methodist Church in the Mutare District, said the situation is takings its toll on students with special needs. Deaf children have been cut off from communication because most online lessons do not use sign language, and in-person instruction is hampered by face masks.

“Students are frustrated and are idle at home due to communication barriers. People who understand their language are now taking advantage of the desperate situation. (They) offer them pet things and end up abusing them,” he said.

The Rev. Munyaradzi Timire, Zimbabwe East Conference education secretary, said COVID-19 has destroyed the futures of too many students.

“Many children are regretting some of the bad choices that they have made, but it is water under the bridge (and they are unable) to reverse (their decisions),” Timire said.

But Dukwende said he has seen some bright spots, notably students who have formed study groups and some who are working with mentors to study online.

However, he noted that network problems and the cost of data often discourage students, especially the most vulnerable. The church’s Murewa High School has successfully run trials for an e-learning portal, which is expected to spread to other United Methodist schools.

Dune said it is her hope that all students in Zimbabwe will have access to distance learning soon.

“If our parents, government or school could provide access to universal virtually or electronic learning for everyone, we would achieve our dreams. As for now, we have left our future in God’s hands.”


This article originally appeared on UMNews.org. Used with permission. To receive more news articles from UMNews, subscribe to the e-newsletter.