By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
A disturbing trend is emerging in rural Hurungwe and Kariba, with boys in communities such as Mola, Makande, Negande, and Msambakaruma dropping out of school as early as Form 1.
Driven by the lure of quick money, many are turning to artisanal mining and part-time labor, putting their futures at serious risk and fueling concerns about rising criminality and substance abuse.
Children as young as 13 are leaving classrooms to work on tobacco farms or seek economic opportunities nearby.
Others engage in hunting, gathering firewood for sale, or artisanal mining activities in Chinhoyi and Karoi, enticed by the promise of immediate cash.
Local parents are sounding the alarm, urging the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to intervene before an entire generation is lost to the streets and mines, threatening the social fabric of these farming communities.
While financial hardship is often blamed for the dropouts, many affected boys are beneficiaries of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), which should cover their school expenses.
However, factors such as night hunting, early marriages, and the temptation of quick money are driving them away from education.
Concerned parent Melody Mudoko expressed frustration:
“We wonder what is happening to our children. There is more to this issue, and authorities must investigate. The desire for quick money is making boys abandon their education.”
The plight of boys in these communities has largely been overshadowed by efforts focused on girls. As a result, many boys feel neglected and resort to work to survive.
One boy, who asked to remain anonymous, shared his story:
“I am an orphan living with my uncle who treats me badly. I dropped out of school to support myself. After long hours of work, I can’t focus on studies.”
Traditional leaders are deeply concerned. Chief Kazangarare Jonnah Chirozva said,
“This trend is alarming. We must unite as leaders and parents to keep our children in school. Education is key to a better future.”
Chief Chundu Abel Mbasera added,
“Education is essential to fight poverty and crime. We cannot afford to lose our boys to the streets or mines. Immediate action is needed.”
Headman Matau stressed,
“We must protect our boys just as we do girls. Failure to act risks losing a whole generation.”
An anonymous official from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education confirmed the problem is widespread in Hurungwe.
He pointed out that while enrollment for girls has increased, boys are being left behind, making them more vulnerable.
“A balanced approach is needed to safeguard all children,” the official said, revealing that funding for BEAM has been lacking for the past three years.
“Without urgent intervention, we face rising juvenile delinquency and generational poverty,” he warned.
As the community confronts this escalating crisis, the call for government and stakeholder action grows more urgent. The futures of many boys hang in the balance.
About Author
