Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
THE Government, in partnership with the National AIDS Council (NAC), is strengthening efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in schools through the establishment of guidance and counselling centres aimed at supporting and protecting learners.
At Mawaba Primary School in Bulawayo’s Lobengula suburb, a dedicated Guidance and Counselling (G&C) room is providing a safe and supportive environment for learners experiencing abuse within the school and broader community.
The facility forms part of wider initiatives to create child-friendly learning environments that promote learner welfare, mental well-being and protection from abuse.
Guidance and Counselling Schools Inspector, Ms Memory Phiri said the programme is embedded within the Heritage-Based Curriculum and guided by the principles of Ubuntu.
“Guidance and Counselling is an important component of the Heritage-Based Curriculum. The topics taught are framed around Ubuntu. We also provide comprehensive sexuality education so that learners are empowered to recognise and report abuse,” she said.
The counselling facility includes a probing centre, help desk, sick bay and refreshments area, enabling the school to cater for different stages of the counselling process.
Mawaba Primary School Guidance and Counselling teacher, Ms Collata Moyo said the facility is designed to address the diverse needs of learners seeking support.
“Our Guidance and Counselling room has different sections to cater for the various needs of a child undergoing counselling,” she said.
In addition to counselling services, the school has introduced practical projects aimed at equipping learners with life skills while addressing social challenges such as bullying and drug and substance abuse.
The initiatives include gardening, rabbit rearing, fish farming and beadwork, providing learners with opportunities to acquire practical and entrepreneurial skills.
Mawaba Primary School head, Ms Nokuthula Sibanda, said the projects support holistic learner development in an inclusive learning environment.
“We are an inclusive school that also accommodates learners with intellectual disabilities. Through various projects, we impart life skills and practical knowledge that contribute to learners’ holistic development,” she said.
Learners involved in the projects say they are gaining valuable skills while contributing to school activities.
“We are taught how to take good care of our garden. We mainly water and maintain the plants,” said one learner.
Another learner added: “We also sell some of the vegetables we produce to members of the community.”
Projects manager, Mr Theophilus Tshuma, said produce from the school’s projects also supports learner nutrition.
“All products from our projects are channelled to the school kitchen to support learner nutrition. We also utilise the Intwasa concept in our farming activities,” he said.
The establishment of guidance and counselling centres, alongside life-skills development projects, reflects growing efforts to protect children from gender-based violence, bullying and drug abuse through practical, school-based interventions.
