ZIMBABWEAN FEMALE PRINCIPALS' PROMOTION OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN DISADVANTAGED SCHOOLS CONTEXTS

This is qualitative multiple case study explored the extent to which children's rights are observed in five disadvantaged school contexts in Masvingo District in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through one-hour individual in-depth interviews. The participants comprised five school heads, four deputy school heads and three teachers-in-charge (TICs). Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The data revealed that a number of children's rights were being flouted. The children's families were generally poor as a result children did not have adequate time to rest and play as they helped to augment family income through working in the fields and vending. The schools lacked adequate facilities and furniture exposing children to discomfort and harsh weather conditions. Some guardians exploited resources meant for orphans for their personal use. Older boys at times sexually abused younger girls. Some teachers applied corporal punishment to school children. The study recommends that government set up programmes that educate the populace on children's rights and the need to respect them. It should invest more resources and improve the conditions in disadvantaged schools. Needy children should be on payroll and should be placed in homes where the government working with other stakeholders could take care of them.