Zimbabwe: Youth leadership empowered to protect and uplift learners

Story

In the rural community of Silobela, nestled in the outskirts of Gweru, stands Umelusi Secondary School. A place of learning surrounded by thick forests, fresh air, and towering trees. For Form 3 student Behold Makanaka Mungate, this school is not just an institution; it is a unique environment that protects learners from distractions, harmful behaviours, and the pressures of village life.

Set far from shops, busy roads, and noise, Umelusi Secondary School offers a peaceful learning environment. There are no loud speakers, no street fights, no drunkards roaming nearby. The forest surrounding the school shelters it from strong winds and provides fresh air unlike the polluted atmosphere of urban schools. It even supplies teachers with firewood, another reminder of the school’s deep connection to its natural environment. But despite these advantages, Umelusi faced a growing crisis. Students sneaking out of school, particularly girls, who were exposed to child marriages, risky relationships, and violence. Many learners, especially adolescent girls, were leaving school grounds to visit nearby shops or meet boyfriends in the forest. The absence of clear physical boundaries put them in danger and weakened their academic performance. The community recognized something had to change.

The Need for Protection and Structure

The issues affecting learners—truancy, risky behaviour, harassment, and declining school performance—prompted the Child Protection Committee (CPC) to take action. Students were leaving during school hours, compromising safety and exposing themselves to harm. Some girls became victims of emotional and physical abuse linked to multiple love affairs or predatory relationships.

This behaviour not only threatened children’s safety but also eroded moral values and damaged relationships between learners, teachers, and parents. It became clear that fencing the school was necessary to restore discipline, strengthen protection, and safeguard learners' futures.

The Change: A Fence That Transformed a School

The installation of a diamond‑mesh security fence marked a turning point for Umelusi Secondary School. What seemed like a simple physical barrier became a powerful tool for protection, discipline, and development.

Improved Security

The fence prevented learners from sneaking out during school hours. The gate now remains locked until 4 p.m., ensuring students do not leave without permission. This significantly reduced risky behaviour, particularly among girls.

Enhanced Moral and Social Behaviour

Learners who were previously involved in sneaking out experienced behavioural improvements. With limited access to external influences, students built a renewed sense of self‑worth and respect for authority.

Better Academic Performance

Attendance improved. Focus improved. Students began to take classwork more seriously. While not all challenges disappeared, the positive behavioural shift led to stronger academic engagement.

A Safer Learning Environment

School staff also felt more secure. The fence discouraged loitering by former students who previously camped behind school grounds, posing safety threats to teachers and learners.

In short:
The fence created order, safety, discipline, and a renewed commitment to learning.

How the Change Happened The transformation began when CPC members, including Behold, noticed the growing problem and held a meeting to address it. They escalated the concern to the headmaster, who then convened a larger meeting with parents, teachers, CPC representatives, and community members.

Together, they agreed that fencing the school was the best solution. Funding was mobilised through school fees, and community members also offered their support. Once installed, the fence dramatically changed the school culture.

Evidence of this transformation could be seen everywhere—photos, videos, student testimonies, improved attendance records, and positive feedback from teachers and parents.

Sustaining and Scaling Up the Change

The school community understands that a fence is only effective if properly maintained. 

To ensure long-term impact, they have outlined several strategies:

1. Regular Maintenance

Routine inspections, repairs, and upkeep are essential to prevent damage.

2. Community Funding

Parents, local organisations, and community members are encouraged to contribute towards maintenance and security improvements.

3. Learner and Teacher Engagement

Learners are educated on the importance of safety and encouraged to report breaches. Teachers participate in monitoring the perimeter and maintaining discipline.

4. Security Personnel

Trained guards help strengthen surveillance and prevent vandalism or unauthorised access.

5. Collaboration with Local Authorities

Partnerships with police support crime prevention strategies and emergency response planning. These measures ensure that the fence continues to protect learners and that the school remains a safe, responsive, and thriving environment for education.

Evidence of Change

The impact is visible across the school community:

• Before-and-after photographs show the transformation.
• Students, teachers, and workers have provided testimonies about improved security and behaviour.
• The school’s records confirm reduced truancy and improved attendance.
• Community feedback reflects increased trust in the school’s safety measures.

Visitors can confirm the change simply by walking around the fenced school grounds—an undeniable sign of progress.

Voices of Change

Tomas Chibwana (Head)- Development comes in small chunks that finally constitute the visible whole.

Counsellor Lovemore- No man outside your territory shall ever come to see you through your troubles.

Rueben Mungate (Deputy Head)- A leader is hardly ever right. Yet, as soon as he is gone, his glories begin to be seen.

By: Behold Makanaka Mungate