LOCAL INSIGHTS

More than one quarter of children below the age of 18 are not living with their parents ,as confirmed by the MICS 2014 figure of 26.6%.

Among these children, the majority have been abandoned by their parents or orphaned. Sadly, there are orphaned children who are even omitted by these statistics.

Who counts those who live on the streets, in landfills and sewage systems? There are a staggering number of orphan children in Zimbabwe and as No Child Left unclothed it is our responsibility to take good care of these children and make them feel loved.

No Child Left Unclothed is a youth-led organization with college students from Zimbabwe, China and Ukraine. It focuses on the orphaned child and is dedicated to create a world where every child knows love and care. Zimbabwe Community News which is chaired by Nigel M.K Chanakira and Albert Masaka, realised this and honored No Child Left Unclothed with the youth philanthropy award 2 years in a roll.

The World Health Organization states that every child has a right to parental care, but orphaned children do not have it, they have been marginalized in the community and the gap is visible.

The sense of impermanency and shortage of resources make it hard for orphans to trust people. Despite being surrounded by people all the time, they feel lonely and disconnected. They learn they can only count on themselves, so we as No Child Left Unclothed, we strive to improve the lives of orphans by being there emotionally and physically.

Additionally, the loss of a parent gives rise to emotional distress. The orphans are susceptible to long-term psychological problems including depression , anger, anxiety, and sadness, and are inclined to withdraw and self-isolate.

As No child we are there to give emotional support to such by spending time with them playing , converse and also discuss various aspects of life. A visit to an orphanage is a life-changing experience as it is filled with emotions and sentiments.

When we visit homes, we start the day with breakfast with all the children, we cook for them and learn about their interests.

Having visited several homes we have realized that sometimes all they need is our presence and time and with that they will be fulfilled.

As No child as much as we cloth them physically we also make sure that the emotions are addressed.

Articleby ShantelNyaumwe JuniorWriter

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