Pastor Evelyn Gaga (Mama Gaga) recently led an awareness program at Dudzai Government Primary School to educate children about their rights and protect them from abuse.
The program aims to inform children about their rights, raise awareness about child abuse, and encourage children to speak out and seek help when needed. The campaign’s motto, “Open up, you are not alone,” emphasizing the importance of seeking assistance from trusted adults or authorities.
“The main objective of the program is to educate children about their rights as enshrined in the Children’s Act (Chapter 5:06) and the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Section 81).
“The campaign focuses on addressing common forms of child abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse, which violate children’s rights to protection, dignity, and development,” she told ZimGospel Masters.
Mama Gaga noted that child abuse can have severe and long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects on a child, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trust issues, substance abuse, poor academic performance, and social withdrawal. Recognizing the signs of child abuse, such as low self-esteem, unexplained injuries, and sudden mood swings, is crucial for early intervention and protection.
To empower children, Mama Gaga emphasize the importance of education on child rights, building self-confidence, teaching children to set boundaries, and providing access to child-friendly services. She encourages children to report abuse to trusted adults, teachers, or the police and highlighted the availability of child-friendly services through structures like Childline Zimbabwe and the Department of Social Welfare.
The awareness program was organized by the Community Care Department at Child Welfare and Protection Services, spearheaded by Mama Gaga in collaboration with school officials, with the goal of ensuring children’s rights are upheld and that they grow in a safe and nurturing environment.
Pastor Evelyn Gaga, also known as Mama Gaga, is a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s religious and social landscape. Through her work, Pastor Evelyn Gaga has demonstrated her commitment to empowering women, protecting children, and serving the community.
