The purpose of this study was to contextually describe and explore the experiences and challenges of the juvenile offenders and pre-trial diversion officers (PTD) involved in the pre-trial diversion programme (PTD) in the Chitungwiza community. In this study, the qualitative research methodology was applied. Research designs used were explorative, descriptive and contextual of nature. Furthermore, the multi-case studies design within the qualitative approach applied. The non-probability purposive and snow-balling sampling methods were used to select the sample from juvenile offenders and PTD officers who have been involved in the PTD programme. Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews with an open-ended interview guide. The eight steps of Tesch (Creswell, 2009:186) were employed to analyse the data. To demostrate the trustworthiness of the research findings, the researcher used Guba`s model (Krefting, 1991:214-222). The findings of the study established that most children commit criminal offences due to socio-economic reasons and that the pre-trial diversion programme is largely effective in the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. Recommendations were made for the PTD programme to activate socio-economic interventions and improve resources allocation in order to enhance service delivery. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

This study investigates the experiences of at-risk secondary school students in the Chitungwiza District, Zimbabwe. At-riskiness is defined as a condition in which students are likely to produce poor academic achievement, irregular school attendance, grade retention or dropout due to various individual and social factors. At-riskiness has increased in Zimbabwe’s school population since the adoption and subsequent failure of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP) which has contributed to poverty and concomitant poor social conditions. A literature study explored at-riskiness in the light of socio-cultural perspectives on at-riskiness and also discussed contextual factors in the Zimbabwean schooling system which influence students’ vulnerability to at-riskiness. A qualitative inquiry using a narrative approach explored at-riskiness in the life stories of three male and three female secondary school students attending two selected schools in Chitungwiza, an economically deprived area close to Harare. Selection of schools was based on high levels of absenteeism and sustained poor performance in the national school leaving examinations. Purposeful participant selection was based on school records on grade repetition, absenteeism and poor behaviour. Semi-structured Interviews with participants, based on the Dan MacAdams framework for life story research, were used to gather rich data. Ethical compliance included written parental consent and participant assent and the assurance of anonymity, confidentiality and the right to refuse information. Findings were categorized under family related factors, school related factors and resource limitations. At-riskiness was exacerbated by parental unemployment, poor socio-economic conditions at home and a lack of cultural capital. Participants were compelled to undertake casual work to supplement household income in addition to the fulfillment of academic responsibilities. Poor school conditions comprising poor discipline and unprofessional teacher conduct increased at-riskiness especially among female participants. Resource limitations included poor nutrition, lack of basic necessities required for personal hygiene, in adequate parenting and the absence of psycho-social support mechanisms. Based on the literature study and empirical inquiry, recommendations were made for a more inclusive educational model, poverty alleviation and special support for disadvantaged students to reduce at-riskiness among students in Zimbabwe. / Educational Foundations / D. Ed. (Socio-Education)

Master of Public Health - MPH / PMTCT is an effective strategy in preventing paediatric HIV infection. In Zimbabwe the success of PMTCT is entirely dependent on pregnant women accessing antenatal care services and through that, getting linked to PMTCT. Failure of pregnant women to book for antenatal care through the course of pregnancy presents a missed opportunity for PMTCT and a high risk for maternal HIV transmission. It is therefore important to determine the burden of unbooked women and the factors associated with it, if elimination of maternal HIV transmission is to be achieved in the country.