COUNTRY CLIPS

All of this fits into the broader framework of a Human Rights Approach to Programming (HRAP). This approach uses principles embodied within the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and other Human Rights instruments, to affirm the concept of children and women as subjects of rights as opposed to being objects with needs.

The overall Country Programme goal is Child Survival, Development, Participation and Protection (CSDPP) with a special focus on HIV/AIDS. Besides this, it focuses on identifying and addressing critical capacity gaps of duty-bearers at community, district and national levels. The Country Programme’s implementing strategy is to support the realisation of children’s full potential by facilitating various duty-bearers to promote, fulfil, protect and respect children’s rights. The Country Programme is sub-divided into three components: 1) Rights Planning & Advocacy (RPA); 2) Child Learning & Lifeskills (CLL); and 3) Health, Nutrition & Environment (HNE). Each of these is responsible for the implementation of various distinct, but inter-related projects.

Rights Planning & Advocacy
RPA is responsible for such issues as Rights Promotion and Protection Advocacy, Rights Monitoring and Planning, and Community Action for Children at Risk. Specific activities include projects on Resource Allocation, Reduction of Social Inequity, Partnerships for Child Rights Action, Community Planning for Action, Decentralised Planning for Child Rights, Child Status Monitoring, Community Response for Children Affected by HIV/AIDS, and Reduction of Child Abuse and Exploitation.

Child Learning and Lifeskills
CLL is implementing projects related to Early Childhood Care & Development (ECCD), Equity, Quality and Relevance of Education, and Young People Development and AIDS Prevention. Project activities include Innovative Community ECCD Initiatives, Early Childhood Education and Care, Education Quality and Relevance, Lifeskills Education, Equity in Access to Education, Girl’s Education, Strengthening the Support for Children and Adolescents, and Promoting Child and Adolescent Development and Participation.

Health, Nutrition & Environment
HNE is engaged in Child Health and Nutrition, Reproductive and Adolescent Health, and Hygiene Education, Water and Sanitation (HEWASA). Focused activities include Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), Micro-nutrient Deficiency Control, Improved Care Practices for Nutrition & Development, Safe Motherhood and Perinatal Health, Adolescent Reproductive Health, Prevention of Mother-to-Child-Transmission of HIV, HEWASA Policy, and Planning and Support for Community HEWASA.

Getting Closer to Communities
The selection of districts in which UNICEF is active is based on access to Basic Social Services, density of child population, prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Sexually Transmitted Infections (STD/STI) and UNDAF Interventions.

A WORLD FIT FOR CHILDREN

While primary concern lies with further developing the Country Programme and securing its implementation, a top priority preoccupying UNICEF is the preparatory process for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on Children that will take place in New York from 19 to 21 September 2001. This session is to review the implementation of the Plan of Action agreed to during the World Summit for Children in 1990 and to identify what needs to be done to accelerate future progress. At the same time, UNGASS will endorse renewed commitments to children. To this end, leading up to UNGASS and beyond, UNICEF and its counterparts have recently kicked off the Global Movement for Children (GMC) and Say Yes for Children Campaign (SYC).

The GMC seeks to unify and galvanise leaders for children, provide a focus for partnership, expand the constituency, increase pressure for change, be an agent for social transformation and reframe the issue of children’s rights. Its mission is to increase and broaden the level of action for children and to campaign for the end of discrimination against children and adolescents. The fulfilment of child rights set out in the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted and ratified world-wide in 1989, is fundamental to ending discrimination against children. The catalyst for the GMC is the SYC that was launched world-wide on 26 April in London. Adults, children and young people rallied across the world to tell their leaders what the priorities for children must be, using “word of mouth” and the internet.

GMC and SYC embody a Rallying Call for Children of ten guiding principles aimed at furthering the best interests of children and enhancing the quality of their lives in the 21st century. This Rallying Call comprises responsible and accountable actions. It reminds people to work for and with children and highlights what to stand for and against, and pledge to through signature. It is the vision behind which the activists for children will unify, galvanise, and reach out to the world in an explanation of what the world needs to do to accelerate the realisation of children’s rights. The ten rallying points are:

(1) Leave No Child Out
(2) Put Children First
(3) Care for Every Child
(4) Fight HIV/AIDS
(5) Stop Abusing, Harming & Exploiting Children
(6) Listen to Children & Young People
(7) Educate Every Child
(8) Protect Children Against War
(9) Protect the Earth for Children
(10) Fight Poverty: Invest in Children

The target group of GMC & SYC include children, young people, CSOs, CBOs, NGOs, private sector organisations, the media, the general public, government departments, policy-makers and UN agencies. In Zimbabwe, the Focal Points Committee of the National Programme of Action for Children (NPA), an inter-ministerial committee with significant NGO representation, is taking the lead in planning and organising GMC and SYC activities, that are being spear-headed by the children themselves. The National Launch of GMC and SYC took place on Saturday 12 May, and was a great success with over 1600 signatures collected. The event involved a children’s march from Town House to Harare Gardens and an open-air entertainment event with active participation of children and vast media coverage.

In preparation for this event, the NPA convened a Children’s Consultative Forum on 9 April, funded by UNICEF and facilitated by Save the Children UK. A group of 18 marginalised children, including orphans, street children and children with disabilities, together with Child Governors from various provinces in Zimbabwe, provided concrete suggestions as to how they feel their concerns should be best articulated and presented during and beyond the national launch of GMC and SYC. More information on UNGASS, GMC and SYC can be accessed through http://www.gmfc.org.

HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC - THE WAY FORWARD

A team of UNICEF Officers participated in the Governor’s and Resident Minister’s Meeting, held in Murambinda, Buhera, from 5-6 February 2001. Governors, Provincial Administrators, Provincial Medical Directors and Buhera Rural District Council Officials met to discuss implemented strategies and ways forward to effectively address the pandemic of HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, and share experiences and lessons learned. Buhera was especially selected as they had practical experiences to show how the process of Community Capacity Development (CCD) has boosted HIV/AIDS prevention, care and control. This process involves facilitating district leadership to strengthen community capacity to assess their situation, analyse the causes of their problems, plan and take appropriate action to address the identified problems, using primarily the resources within their midst.

This process of assessing problems and analysing their causes, as well as, the various roles of who has the obligation of doing what, and whether the capacity to undertake such obligations exist, has proven to be effective in boosting interventions aimed at preventing sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS among children, while at the same time highlighting the importance of support for care of those already infected. As a result, understanding the relationship between child rights and HIV/AIDS has increased significantly. Although CCD is a long and demanding process that requires commitment and support from all stakeholders, the experience of Buhera has demonstrated the effectiveness of CCD in cultivating the potential of the communities to address their problems, involving provincial leadership, council members, NGOs and village chiefs since the project started in August 1999. Achievements so far include:

(1) Enhancing commitment and sense of ownership of councillors, chiefs and community leaders
(2) Sensitisation of communities to become increasingly aware of the problems of realising and committing to promoting the rights of children
(3) Communities developing action plans to address identified problems
(4) Local resources being identified and mobilised
(5) Development and strengthening of basic community information collection mechanisms

Hence the meeting concluded that in their joint fight against HIV and AIDS, all parties involved should primarily focus on continued mobilisation and awareness raising activities, enhanced monitoring and follow-up visits to project sites, more co-ordination of the wealth of activities being undertaken by various donor platforms and secure additional sources of funding to implement identified projects. Replication of the CCD as implemented in Buhera is anticipated in other provinces and districts of Zimbabwe, such as Hurungwe, Zvishavane and Rushinga. This would include amongst others, intensified peer education and counselling among adolescents, as well as, supporting and empowering communities to account and care for orphans and home based patients.

Community Counselling Initiative
In 2000, UNICEF in co-operation with the government counterparts, initiated a community based counselling project designed to create and maintain an acceptable and accessible support network helping communities address problems associated with HIV/AIDS. Some of the achievements reported as a result of creating this network include direct intervention by the communities themselves during times of crisis for individuals, families and community groups. Additionally, the community has taken an active approach in identifying and solving their problems, which is in keeping with UNICEF’s Triple A and CCD approach. To date, a total of 55 courses have been held in 9 districts and 2035 participants have been trained. Targets for training this year include 20 disadvantaged rural districts, in which 4000 individuals are expected to be trained.

DEVASTATING CYCLONE BATTERS SCHOOLS

In January, UNICEF officers and officials of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MoESC) and the Task Force on Cyclone Eline, visited schools in Chiredzi, Zaka and Chipinge, Chimanimani, Beitbridge and Mwenezi districts to investigate the effects of Cyclone Eline. They found that the school infrastructure was in a serious state of disrepair and concluded that a phased rehabilitation strategy was needed, taking into account that there would be very limited community capacity to contribute to the reconstruction of the schools. Some families are still struggling to build houses to replace those destroyed by the cyclone. Many families will go for two years without a decent harvest or any at all, firstly because of last years’ cyclone, secondly because of the recent severe drought. Very few schools have development plans or follow maintenance guidelines; a deterioration syndrome is in evidence. Enrolment in most schools visited is going down as children follow their parents to the resettlement areas because of extreme poverty. Also, due to food shortages, cases of children fainting in class are reported as early as their second lesson. Some children do not even bother coming to school.

In terms of damage to school facilities, there are some districts outside the 8 identified by the UN that were badly affected too. Both Chivi and Bikita were found to be desperately in need of assistance. The worst affected school, Zunga, with an enrolment of 1601 pupils and 41 teachers, had the roofs of 21 of the 27 classrooms blown off, whereas half of the classrooms need to be condemned and re-built. The team came across a few schools that have received support from the private sector. Notable contributions were from Tanganda Tea Company, Hippo Valley Estates and Delta Corporation. Plan International and the EU have also made substantial contributions. The Ministry has agreed to organise a one-day workshop that would focus on supervision of construction projects for newly appointed education officers later this year, so that they can effectively supervise projects at regional level.

FOOD SECURITY COMPROMISED

In February, UNICEF and WHO Officers visited project sites in Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland province to assess the effects of the prolonged January dry spell on food security prospects, while at the same time evaluating their preparedness for health epidemics and health related disasters. The WHO-UNICEF team concluded that the early planted crop, forming at least 80 percent of the crop in most districts visited, was a total write-off, whereas the then raging torrential rains threatened to destroy the late planted crop that had escaped the dry spell. As coping mechanisms are generally poor in most districts, people tend to rely on crops for their food and on cash for other things (school fees, children’s clothes, etc). Consequently, most families are ill-prepared to deal with crop failure and are buying maize at exorbitantly high prices. Although all districts visited have received funds from the Central Government under the food-for-work scheme, the amounts are inadequate for their imminent needs. At most, they cover about 3 months needs for a small proportion of potential beneficiaries.

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT & MONITORING

Following the completion of the 1st year of the GOZ-UNICEF Country Programme, the two parties met last February to review country programme implementation, reflect on achievements, deliberate on current activities, decide on practical ways to address constraints and build on lessons learned. Both parties concluded that, while in general Zimbabweans are willing to promote the rights of children, a combination of factors still impact negatively on the efforts to fulfil their obligations. These include increasing poverty, persistent poor macro-economic performance, increasing morbidity, mortality and orphanhood due to HIV/AIDS, as well as inadequate access to basic social services such as education, health care, safe water and sanitation. The meeting further acknowledged the rapid decline in aid flow into Zimbabwe due to the prevailing socio-economic and political situation, which was noted with concern as it necessitates more efficient and effective use of the limited resources available.

Performance in programme delivery in 2000 has been better than the past seven years, with an overall implementation rate of 80 percent. In addition to this, fund-raising attempts were carried out throughout the year. UNICEF has managed to raise some funds for drought-assisted activities and further funding for specific activities seems promising. In 2001 UNICEF Zimbabwe has, for the first time since Independence, become predominantly an emergency Country Programme, with 52% of the programme now funding emergency activities, as compared with 48% for regular programmes. The current depressed flow of aid into Zimbabwe requires that sustainability measures aimed at inculcating a spirit of self-reliance within communities, be built into all projects, keeping in mind that an enabling environment is vital to support the various processes of empowerment. During the meeting, the need was reiterated to constantly explore ways of meaningfully involving children and young people in project planning, implementation and monitoring, especially given the fact that they are not adequately represented in local leadership and other decision-making structures. There is evident willingness amongst both children and young people to contribute to solving problems facing their communities and take leadership in interventions aimed at improving their situation.

ENHANCED REPORTING OF CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

In March, UNICEF sponsored a three-day Media Workshop organised by the Association of Freelance Journalists of Zimbabwe (AFJZ). Freelance journalists from various districts and provinces of the country gathered in Maphisa, Kezi, to discuss how to effectively report on child right issues. UNICEF officials facilitated the workshop which was geared towards enhancing the reporting qualities of freelance journalists by building their knowledge on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and other human rights related conventions. The workshop encouraged vivid discussion among participants on such issues as birth registration, the need to educate the general public and the boundary between reality and ethics. At the end of the workshop, a Code of Conduct that journalists reporting on child right’s issues should adhere to, was agreed on, highlighting their joint responsibility that, in principle, reporting on child right issues should be in the best interest of children.

SAVING LIVES & SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a programme conceived to strengthen and support family and community action, contribute towards making health sector development community-oriented and promote coordinated inputs from other relevant sectors to prevent duplication and waste of resources. IMCI seeks to achieve acceleration in the prevention of diseases, improve home care of the sick, improve compliance with treatment and change behaviour and practice. Families have a major responsibility of caring for their children and for the need to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality. Both require a partnership between health workers and families. Multi-sectoral teamwork is of paramount importance if IMCI successes are to be achieved.

IMCI is a global and effective low-cost approach for improving childhood health and is expected to facilitate rapid and effective treatment using standard methods. In Zimbabwe, UNICEF has chosen Chegutu, Chipinge, Hwange and Zaka districts to pilot the IMCI programme. On Thursday 24 May, UNICEF Country Representative, Dr. Justin Maeda, officially handed over four Toyota Hilux project vehicles to the Government of Zimbabwe for use in the IMCI project. Three of the vehicles are earmarked for Chegutu, Chipinge, and Zaka Rural District Councils. These three districts will use the vehicles to carry out community activities related to IMCI. The fourth vehicle will be used by the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MoHCW). Mr. C. Zhakata, Director of Policy Planning at MoHCW, who is also responsible for IMCI implementation in Zimbabwe, received the keys to the vehicles on behalf of the Government, together with Chief Chivero of Chegutu and representatives from the other two districts.

HIV/AIDS YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHAT

In preparation for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS taking place in New York from 25 to 27 June 2001, UNICEF organised a special discussion through the Voices of the Youth Chatroom on Thursday 24 May. UNICEF is supporting six youth journalists to attend the UNGASS on HIV/AIDS and report on its proceedings. The 3 hour Internet chat session provided an opportunity for youth across the world to get together with youth journalists and discuss the various issues at stake before they travel to New York. Approximately 100 youths from 20 countries participated in this Internet event. The Zimbabwe delegation included a representative from the Junior Council, two pupils of Arundel School, as well as, two pupils of Mufakose Number 2 High School.

DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

On Saturday 16 June, the Government of Zimbabwe will commemorate the Day of the African Child by staging the 11th session of the Children’s Parliament at the Harare International Conference Centre. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) has declared 16 June as the Day of the African Child in memory of the children massacred in Soweto, South Africa, in June 1976. In many ways, the Day of the African Child has become a reference point for measuring the delivery of promises made to children during the World Summit on Children in 1990. This year’s theme of the Children’s Parliamentary Session is “A World Fit for Children”, which has been derived from the overall objective of the Global Movement for Children. Sub-themes that will be discussed among Child Parliamentarians include part of the “Say Yes for Children Rallying Points”, such as “Educate Every Child”, “Combat HIV/AIDS”, “Fight Poverty”, “Protect the Environment for Children” and “Promote Peace”.

STAY TUNED...COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE

· United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on Children - Update and other preparatory meetings leading up to UNGASS.

· Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Programme HIV/AIDS Week. Y2Y members and other youth visiting homes to assist those caring for the terminally ill as part of the International Year of the Volunteers.

· HEWASA Final Evaluation of the Community Based Management Project.

· KABP - Findings of the National Baseline Survey on Key Developmental Issues of Children and Adolescents (Tobacco, Reproductive Health & Child Care).

UNICEF’s MISSION – EXTRACT

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT UNICEF

6 Fairbridge Avenue, Belgravia, P.O. Box 1250, Harare, Zimbabwe; Tel + 263 4 703 941/2; 721 692; 730 093/4; Fax + 263 4 731 849; e- mail [email protected]