ZIMBABWE’S child protection environment remains under severe strain, with economic instability and climate-induced shocks compounding vulnerabilities and exposing children to increased risks of abuse, exploitation and neglect, the 2025 World Vision Annual Report has revealed.
The report paints a stark picture of children growing up under pressure from persistent inflation, droughts and floods that have strained social protection systems and displaced families, particularly in rural and marginalised communities.
“Zimbabwe’s child protection landscape continues to be shaped by economic instability, climate-related shocks and evolving policy priorities, which together heighten risks of abuse, exploitation and neglect for vulnerable children,” the report read.
“Persistent inflation has strained social protection systems, while droughts and floods have increased displacement and deepened vulnerabilities, particularly in rural and marginalised communities.”
While acknowledging that the government has made strides in aligning national frameworks with global commitments on child rights, the report noted that significant implementation gaps remain, especially in rural areas.
It added that civil society organisations and development partners have intensified advocacy efforts to strengthen child protection systems, promote digital safety and ensure that children’s voices are represented in policy dialogues despite funding constraints.
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World Vision national director Assan Golowa said the organisation made remarkable progress in improving the wellbeing of children and families in vulnerable communities.
“The organisation’s dedication towards improving the wellbeing of those in greatest need was demonstrated by over 980 000 vulnerable children impacted by World Vision’s work, a significant increase from 569 742 in the previous year,” he said.
The report also spotlighted education transformation efforts, particularly efforts to close the digital gap.
The organisation’s Education and Life-skills Technical Programme reached 192 691 children across 18 area programmes and three grant projects, equipping them with foundational skills essential for breaking cycles of poverty.
A major achievement was bridging the digital divide, with 49 444 children gaining access to tablets for learning, significantly enhancing digital literacy and access to modern educational tools.
Infrastructure development saw 40 new classrooms constructed and rehabilitated, benefiting 10 566 learners.
Teacher development was equally impactful, with 450 educators trained in innovative methodologies, positively influencing learning for over 143 453 children.
Evaluations highlighted a 26,6% improvement in reading proficiency and a 15% reduction in school dropout rates since 2018, underscoring the programme’s effectiveness.