Written by The Zimbabwean
BULAWAYO – A multi-million dollar media campaign to promote children's rights was launched in Bulawayo last week by a non-governmental organisation, Child First.
The group is working in conjunction with Population Services International (PSI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on the campaign that will feature two radio drama productions on children's rights that will be broadcast weekly on national radio.
The productions are in the two main vernacular languages with the Shona drama entitled "Kuziva Mbuya Huudzwa" focusing on creating awareness of the rights of children enshrined in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
The Ndebele production titled "Luthando" focuses on child protection.
The dramas will be broadcast over 26 weeks and will be complemented by workbooks and exercise packets that will be provided to teachers and other child rights campaigners for use during discussions with children's groups.
Children First will also providing schools with interactive CD recordings of the radio dramas and as well as other support material for use during discussions in class.
"We are excited about this campaign, which is both fun and educational," said Susan Kajura an official with Children First.
Kajura said the rights campaign will also target orphaned and other vulnerable children many of who are often victims of abuse. The dramas also target caregivers, child protection committees, teachers and school development committees, she said.
USAID health and education team leader Peter Halpert said: "We enthusiastically support the radio drama, which seeks to raise awareness among children on ways to protect themselves against abuse and what to do if it does occur."
USAID is funding the program through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which works to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on orphaned and vulnerable children.
In addition to Radio Zimbabwe listeners, programme organisers plan to reach an estimated 55 000 students through "listener groups" established in 53 schools and community-based organisations in the Harare and Umzingwane districts.
