Gweru Launches “Not in My School” Campaign to Combat Violence and Bullying

Gweru - The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) has rolled out the “Not in My School” campaign in Gweru District, Midlands Province, marking a decisive step in Government’s drive to eliminate violence, bullying and abuse in schools.

Speaking at the launch, District Development Coordinator (DDC) Tarisai Mudadigwa, who was Guest of Honour, hailed the initiative as a milestone in safeguarding learners and promoting a culture of respect and protection within the education system.

“Violence in our schools is a painful reality we cannot ignore,” Mudadigwa said.

“It takes many forms, bullying, physical abuse, emotional harm and even neglect.

"Disturbingly, we are also witnessing cases of sexual violence, particularly against adolescent girls, which have led to early marriages, teen pregnancies and school dropouts," he said.

Mudadigwa said the campaign was inspired by the World Education Forum Declaration made in London in 2025, where education ministers committed to ending violence against children in and around schools.

Zimbabwe, he added, had responded through the Ministry under Honourable Dr. Tonderai Moyo, ensuring that violence‑prevention measures are integrated into national and district education policies.

He said the initiative mirrors President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Not in My Village” campaign launched in 2024, extending the fight against child abuse from communities into classrooms.

It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 16.2, which calls for ending abuse, exploitation and trafficking of children.

Mudadigwa urged parents, teachers and traditional leaders to take collective responsibility for child protection, stressing that a child does not belong only to the parent or teacher,  the child belongs to all.

He called on learners to speak out against violence and report abuse to trusted adults, warning that silence only shields perpetrators.

Lunga echoed the call for action, directing school cluster chairpersons to replicate the campaign across Gweru’s 20 clusters within a week.

“Schools must be places of respect and safety for our learners,” Lunga said.

“The message is clear, not in our schools, no violence whatsoever," he said.

The launch drew educators, law‑enforcement officers, community leaders and learners, all pledging to uphold the campaign’s declaration that violence has no place in Zimbabwe’s schools.

Mudadigwa concluded by officially declaring the “Not in My School” campaign, urging communities to transform the slogan into sustained action.

“Let every school, every teacher, every parent and every learner boldly say, 'not in my school', not in my community, not in my lifetime,” he said.