The Children’s Cluster under the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) brings together civil society organisations in Zimbabwe dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the rights and well-being of children. Anchored in a rights-based and child-centred approach, the cluster works to ensure that every child in Zimbabwe has access to a safe, nurturing, and enabling environment in which to grow, learn, and thrive.
In the current Zimbabwean context, children—particularly those in vulnerable communities—continue to face significant barriers to quality education, healthcare, and social protection. Economic challenges and constrained public resources have impacted access to schooling, contributing to school dropouts, child labour, and increased exposure to abuse and exploitation. Limited educational access not only affects children’s immediate well-being but also undermines long-term human capital development and socio-economic mobility.
The Children’s Cluster also responds to emerging risks in an increasingly digital society. While technology has improved access to information and learning opportunities, it has also exposed children to online safety risks, including inappropriate content and exploitation. These dynamics have contributed to concerns such as teenage pregnancies, early sexual debut, and peer-related abuse, reinforcing the need for strengthened child protection systems in both physical and digital spaces.
In addition, harmful cultural, traditional, and religious practices continue to affect children’s rights in some communities. Issues such as child marriage, gender discrimination, and restricted access to education and healthcare—particularly for girls—remain critical areas requiring sustained advocacy and community engagement.
The cluster also recognises shifting family and community structures in Zimbabwe. The weakening of traditional safety nets, including the extended family system, has contributed to increased cases of child neglect, abuse, abandonment, and child-headed households. These challenges are often compounded by domestic violence and complex family dynamics, further heightening children’s vulnerability.
In response, the Children’s Cluster provides a coordinated platform for NGOs and child-focused organisations to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and implement integrated, evidence-based interventions. Key focus areas include:
The cluster places strong emphasis on advocacy and policy influence, working with government and stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of child protection laws and policies in Zimbabwe, and to ensure adequate resource allocation for child-focused services.
Through collaboration, capacity building, and community-driven approaches, the Children’s Cluster contributes to building a protective, inclusive, and rights-respecting environment for all children in Zimbabwe, ensuring that no child is left behind and that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.