By VICTORIA MUTALE
HWANGE, ZIMBABWE — In a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) officially launched the district-level “Not In My School” campaign today at Don Bosco High School. The multi-sectoral initiative is designed to eradicate violence, bullying, drug abuse, and all forms of child exploitation, ensuring that schools remain safe hubs for learning.
The high-profile event drew a diverse crowd of educators, students, government officials, and traditional leaders, signaling a unified front against the social ills affecting local youth across Matabeleland North.
A Community United
The launch was graced by a highly distinguished delegation of local leaders and dignitaries. Notably, the local Chief attended the event, lending traditional authority and cultural weight to the campaign’s message. Their presence underscored a core theme of the day: that protecting children is a collective responsibility extending from government ministries down to traditional community pillars.
District Schools Inspector (DSI), Mr. Nyoni, opened the official proceedings with welcoming remarks, emphasizing the urgent need for safe, nurturing learning environments for both teachers and pupils.
Schools Take Center Stage
A major highlight of the day was the active participation of local schools, which used creative performances to address the campaign’s heavy themes. Hwange High School led the gathering with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, setting a solemn and respectful tone for the day.
Throughout the morning, students took to the stage to deliver powerful dramatic pieces, poems, and songs. Far from just entertainment, these presentations directly confronted the realities of bullying, abuse, and mental health challenges, providing a vital platform for learners to voice their own experiences and peer-to-peer solutions.
Strong Institutional Support
The event featured a robust hour of solidarity messages from key national and regional stakeholders, underscoring the widespread institutional backing behind the child protection framework. Representatives delivering messages included:
- Ministry of Home Affairs: (Represented by the Victim Friendly Unit and CID Drugs)
- Judiciary Services Commission
- Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC)
- Ministry of Youth
- The Pastors’ Fraternal
- Hwange Local Board & Hwange Rural District Council (HRDC)
These bodies collectively pledged to work hand-in-hand with schools to enforce child protection laws, provide medical and psychosocial support, and aggressively curb substance abuse in the district.
The Integrity Pledge
Following the formal introduction of the Guest of Honour by the DSI, the campaign was officially declared active. The emotional and symbolic centerpiece of the launch was the collective signing and recital of the Integrity Pledge. Students, teachers, and officials stood together, binding themselves to upholding the values of safety, respect, and mutual accountability within the school ecosystem.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the District Development Coordinator (DDC), marking the end of a successful launch ceremony—and the beginning of a sustained, district-wide enforcement movement.
