Child Abuse and Its Effects on Teaching and Learning in Mutare, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the effects of child abuse on teaching and learning in primary schools in Mutare district in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a survey design with focussed group discussions as the main data collection technique. Purposive sampling was used in selecting 180 children, 21 teachers, 12 SDC/SDA members and 3 heads as respondents. Qualitative analysis of the focus Group Discussion data was employed. Findings revealed that there was rampant physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect of children in schools and the community. This widespread abuse of children had negative effects on teaching and learning processes in schools. The study concluded that some of the abuse committed by parents was purported child training. Most cases of child abuse were not reported to senior authorities and law enforcement agents. The research recommended that child abuse issues be included in the primary school curriculum.