News / National
Harare parents forcing children below the age of seven to beg: Study
10 Dec 2011 at 22:04hrs | Views
A survey by Child Aid Zimbabwe (CAZ), a local children's rights organisation, has revealed that more than 300 children below the age of seven are being forced by their parents to beg from strangers in Harare's Central Business District.
In an interview, CAZ national co-ordinator Mr John Maketo said the survey showed that most of the children were of school-going age.
He said this emerged after his organisation sought to establish the reasons behind the practice with a view to finding solutions.
He said such abuse hampers cognitive development. The minors often accost motorists, pedestrians and customers at supermarket exit points.
It is believed the money they collect is, in several instances, channelled towards tuition fees and sustenance.
"Training children to become beggars and destitute while depriving them of an education and a prosperous future exposes them to a lot of indecent verbal and emotional abuse on the streets," said Mr Maketo.
"Apart from this, such children end up being taunted by peers, causing serious psychological harm. It might become very difficult to rehabilitate them."
Mr Maketo urged Government to intervene.
"We call upon Government, child welfare organisations and law enforcement agents to enforce the relevant regulations to protect children from this rampant exploitation.
"Children should grow up in a friendly environment in which they receive love, care and protection. Some parents are pushing children to the forefront so that they win the sympathy of passers-by."
In an interview, CAZ national co-ordinator Mr John Maketo said the survey showed that most of the children were of school-going age.
He said this emerged after his organisation sought to establish the reasons behind the practice with a view to finding solutions.
He said such abuse hampers cognitive development. The minors often accost motorists, pedestrians and customers at supermarket exit points.
"Training children to become beggars and destitute while depriving them of an education and a prosperous future exposes them to a lot of indecent verbal and emotional abuse on the streets," said Mr Maketo.
"Apart from this, such children end up being taunted by peers, causing serious psychological harm. It might become very difficult to rehabilitate them."
Mr Maketo urged Government to intervene.
"We call upon Government, child welfare organisations and law enforcement agents to enforce the relevant regulations to protect children from this rampant exploitation.
"Children should grow up in a friendly environment in which they receive love, care and protection. Some parents are pushing children to the forefront so that they win the sympathy of passers-by."
Source - Sunday Mail
