Survival Strategies Employed by Child- Headed Household In The Face of COVID-19. A Case of Mt Hampden

Author

Mawunga, Charlene T.

Title

Survival Strategies Employed by Child- Headed Household In The Face of COVID-19. A Case of Mt Hampden

Abstract

The study on the Survival Strategies Employed by Child Headed Households in the face of COVID 19 had the following objectives: to identify the survival strategies employed by Child Headed Household; to explore the effectiveness of the survival strategies; and to identify ways to improve the coping strategies. The study triangulated qualitative research designs making use of focus groups, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews as data collection methods. The study found that Child Headed Households employed their own ways of survival during COVID 19 which include early marriages, prostitution, dropping out of school and getting assistance from the Government of Zimbabwe and Non-Governmental Organisations. These survival strategies proved to be both effective and ineffective, with early marriages and prostitution being ineffective because they infringed the rights of the girl child. Dropping out of school proved to be effective because it made these children perform all kind of tasks without limitations of going back to school. The government of Zimbabwe should enforce laws that protect the girl child, allow free legal representation to the children when involved in property wrangles. The study came to conclusion that the CHH are forced by the situations to portray certain behaviours which can be harmful to themselves and the community hence the community and the government of Zimbabwe should make sure these children are well protected and get the assistance they need.

Date

2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

COVID-19

Child-Headed families

Corona virus disease

Supervisor

Dr Mangwiro, V.P.