Chimanimani school tackles early child marriage head-on

BY EDUCATION REPORTER

A school in Chimanimani is leading a direct campaign within its community to end the practice of early child marriage. Shining Stars Academy, located approximately two kilometres from Wengezi Junction, along the Wengezi-Chimanimani Highway has dedicated all its activities this year to the theme of ending marriages for young girls.

The campaign moved to the forefront during the school’s annual Prize Giving ceremony on November 28, 2025. There, the Shining Stars Academy Young Girls Club, led by Head Girl Tinotenda Muzvuzvu, delivered a powerful presentation on the issue. The students carried placards bearing messages such as “Child not Bride,” “Books not marriage,” “Let’s say no to child sex,” “Education not husbands,” and “Too young to be a wife.”

The event drew attention from local officials who underscored the severe consequences of the practice.

In her address, Enes Mucheri, a representative from the Ministry of Women Affairs, described early child marriage as a form of abuse. “It is a direct path to Gender-Based Violence, entrenched poverty, and even death,” she stated.

The guest of honour, William Ticharwa, went further, labelling it a national crisis.

“We are refusing the culture of marrying young girls. Let the girls proceed with their schooling. We challenge you parents to guard against early child marriage in the home. Here at school we will also play our role,” declared.

Principal Yolanda Mazwirizwi expressed gratitude for the community’s support for the cause. She called on parents to be proactive in guiding their children.

“We urge parents to empower the learners by counselling them at home to shun early child marriage,” she said.

The academy’s ongoing campaign represents a localised effort to tackle a deep-seated societal challenge through education and advocacy. The campaign has support of councillor for Chimanimani Ward 2, Clr Maxwell Mbandure.