Sikobokobo Area Program

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2013 - 2028

Location

Zimbabwe

Areas of Focus

Health | Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

4,000people participated in activities aimed at supporting child protection and ending violence against children

Progress

3,999children and adults were trained on child protection, including positive parenting, children's rights and early marriage

Progress

3,443patient consultations were provided by community health workers through projects supported by World Vision

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context

The Sikobokobo community is located in the north of Zimbabwe. The area boasts an abundance of thatch grass, which is used for making brooms and roofs for homes, as well as other grasses used for weaving baskets and mats. Timber trees are also found in area and are used to make furniture and other products.

Sikobokobo is vulnerable, however, to natural disasters such as droughts. Erratic rainfall patterns and changing climatic conditions have contributed to low harvests and food shortages. As a result, some families have switched from relying on rain-fed agriculture to non-farming activities, like carpentry, weaving, blacksmithing, and other casual labour. Some farmers have also moved from growing maize to growing sorghum and millet, which are better able to withstand the lack of rain.

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Challenges
Education
Children in Sikobokobo face many challenges in accessing and enjoying a quality education. Many children struggle to perform well in school, as there is a shortage of learning materials, teachers, and schools. There are only ten primary schools to serve over 4,300 children, forcing many children to walk up to 10 kilometres to attend classes. The lack of classrooms also forces teachers to hold classes under trees or out in the hot sun.

There are two secondary schools in the area, but the poor quality of education has seen a significant number of children failing to go beyond the secondary level. This situation is made worse by the fact that most youth also do not have the vocational skills needed to gain employment.

Parents in the community struggle to earn an income, and often cannot afford school fees. They also find it difficult to support and value their children's education, as they did not have the opportunity to receive a formal education themselves. Close to 40% of adults cannot read or write. Cultural practices such as early marriage also prevent children, especially girls, from attending school.

Health Care
Families in the Sikobokobo community face many challenges that negatively impact their health. As harvests have been poor, there few sources of diversified food, which has led to high rates of malnutrition, particularly among children under the age of five. Stunting rates in the district are at 40%, higher than the national rate of 33%.

Children are not properly immunized and it is difficult to consistently access essential health services. There are few health centres in the area, and people have to walk an average of 10 kilometres to access health care. Centres are not adequately staffed or stocked with medicine and supplies.

HIV & AIDS
There is a 15% prevalence rate of HIV in the Sikobokobo community. This has made it difficult for people to work and placed a greater burden on the already inadequate health care system.

The presence of HIV and AIDS in the community has also resulted a large number of orphans and vulnerable children. Families who care for these children are facing economic hardship, as they do not have enough income or support to provide for so many at once.
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Plans
Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to:
  • Improve children's literacy skills.
  • Educate parents about the value of education for their children.
  • Construct and furnish schools, as well as provide learning materials.
  • Support orphans and other vulnerable children, including children living with disabilities, to access primary education.
  • Provide teacher training and improve school management systems.

Health Care
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:
  • Improve the nutrition of children and pregnant and nursing mothers.
  • Improve access to health services for children and pregnant and nursing mothers.

HIV & AIDS
To combat the spread and stigma of HIV & AIDS, World Vision will partner with the community to:
  • Educate community members of all ages about the spread and prevention of HIV.
  • Improve care and treatment available to those living with HIV and AIDS in the community.

Child Protection
To ensure children and youth enjoy a safe and protected environment, World Vision will work to:
  • Establish and strengthen child protection committees to advocate for the rights of children.
  • Train community child support teams to deal with the challenge of birth registration.
  • Establish child-led coalitions and networks to provide a platform for children to have a voice and express themselves on various issues.

Water and Sanitation
In partnership with families and sponsors, World Vision will work with the community to:
  • Increase access to potable water and proper sanitation facilities.
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An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2022 and September 2023, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.