Education Key to Ending Child Marriages, CAAP Trust Says
Providence Moyo
As Zimbabwe joins the global16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence commemorations, the Community Action to Achieve Prosperity (CAAP) Trust is championing quality education, particularly digital literacy, as a critical defense against child marriage and exploitation in rural communities
Speaking at a prize-giving day event at Setshanke Primary School, CAAP Trust CEO Mthokozisi Moyo underscored the link between education and child protection.
“Child protection is very crucial. Education remains one of the strongest shields against early marriage, exploitation, and cycles of abuse,” he said. Moyo called on communities to defend girls’ dignity and raise boys to value respect and empathy.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, focuses on ending digital violence against women and girls. Zimbabwe continues efforts to curb gender-based violence through legal reforms and community based initiatives.
CAAP Trust is implementing several programmes aimed at strengthening access to education in rural areas. These include the Bridge Pi Digital Library, an offline digital learning platform, and the Youth Skills Development Programme. The trust argues that improved access to learning resources can help break cycles of poverty and vulnerability that often lead to early marriage.
Education, Moyo emphasized, is central to long-term prevention strategies. “We need to work together to create a society that values and respects women and girls. We need to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote positive masculinity,” he said.
Teachers and school administrators say CAAP’s digital learning initiatives are already making an impact. Nomsa Ndlovu, headmaster at Setshanke Primary school benefiting from the programme, said the digital library is narrowing the gap between rural and urban learners. “The virtual infrastructure is fully resourced and benefits the learners in bridging the learning divide,” she said.
A teacher at the school, Anele Ncube, added that the platform has improved classroom engagement.“The digital library aids our teaching skills because children can now navigate the platform and research,” she said.
Gender-based violence remains a significant challenge in Zimbabwe, particularly for rural girls who are at greater risk of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and child marriage. CAAP Trust continues to support survivors through counseling, medical referrals, and mentorship programmes while advocating for prevention-focused community engagement.
As the country marks the 16 Days of Activism, CAAP Trust is calling for renewed collaboration among communities, government, and civil society.
“We can make a difference, but we need to work together,” Moyo said.
The global campaign urges all sectors to unite against gender-based violence, promote safe digital spaces, and support survivors.
