The Crucial Need for Child Assessments and Interventions Training in Zimbabwe
Authors: Joshua Susan Samantha , Soko Mercyline , Mapfumo Wendy 
Published: July 2024

In Zimbabwe, children face significant challenges that impede their well-being and development, including poverty, violence, abuse, and limited access to healthcare and education. These adversities profoundly impact their physical, mental, and emotional health. Over 70% of the population lives in poverty, depriving children of essential resources such as nutritious food, clean water, and proper sanitation (World Bank, 2022). High incidences of violence and abuse further jeopardise children’s development, with approximately one in three girls and one in five boys experiencing sexual violence before the age of 18 (UNICEF Zimbabwe, 2019). The healthcare system is strained by a shortage of professionals and insufficient training in child-specific needs, failing to provide adequate care (Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, 2021). The education sector also struggles, particularly in rural areas, where children face inadequate facilities and untrained teachers (Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, 2020). To address these challenges, robust training programs in child assessments and interventions are crucial. Such training would equip healthcare providers, educators, and social workers with the skills to identify developmental disorders and other issues early, allowing for timely and appropriate interventions. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2020). Investing in child assessments and intervention training would enhance professionals’ abilities to support children who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect. This investment would also address the impacts of poverty and violence by enabling targeted support such as counselling, nutritional assistance, and educational programs. Effective community-based interventions, supported by well-trained professionals, can mitigate the adverse effects of socio-economic challenges (Cluver et al., 2018). Moreover, comprehensive training programs for educators can enhance educational outcomes for children with special needs. Early identification of learning disabilities through thorough child assessments allows for the development of individualised education plans (IEPs), providing customized support to meet each child’s unique needs (Shaywitz, 2003). Improving access to healthcare through mobile clinics and telehealth services, alongside training healthcare providers in child assessments, can bridge the gap in healthcare services for children, especially in rural areas. Developing a supportive infrastructure, including standardized assessment tools, training programs, and a robust referral system, is essential for effective implementation (van der Linde et al., 2018). By prioritizing child assessments and intervention training, Zimbabwe can create a supportive environment for children’s development, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This coordinated effort will pave the way for a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s youth, fostering their growth and development amidst challenging circumstances.