Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Rights Group: Zimbabwe's Economy Pinching Children, Too

Columbus Mavhunga

   HARARE - Zimbabwe's deteriorating economy is forcing many families to
   put their children to work. Child rights activists say an increasing
   number of children are selling items on the street to supplement the
   family income.

   On a busy corner, a 16-year-old we shall call Tribunal sells wares.
   Tribunal said this has been her story for the past two years sinceher
   mother died and she dropped out of school. She now lives with her
   22-year-old sister. She said she gets about $5 a day in sales.

   Tribunal said she actually wishes for a decent life and does not want
   to sell stuff here, but that she felt she could not force her father to
   pay her school feesbecausehe is no longer employed. Tribunal said her
   father is even failing to pay fees for her 12-year-old brother, which
   she is now doing. She said she hopes her brother makes it in life.

   On Thursday, Health and Child Welfare Minister Obadiah Moyo said
   President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government was aware of the plight of
   Tribunal and other children. He said Harare was working with
   organizations like UNICEF and other rights groups to remedy the
   situation.

   Ratidzai Moyo, a program manager at children's rights group Childline
   Zimbabwe, said her organization has noted an increase in the number of
   youngsters being forced into working to survive as the economic
   situation deteriorates.

.