Establish a national child safeguarding framework in Zimbabwe
The Issue
On 22 March 2026, our son Jared Boka, tragically drowned in a dam at Falcon College. As a boarding student, he ventured unsupervised into a hazardous situation without the availability of life jackets or life savers around the dam—a devastating oversight in child safety and supervision. This incident painfully underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to safeguard our children in educational institutions.
In Zimbabwe, we entrust schools and institutions with the vital responsibility of nurturing and protecting our children. However, the lack of a standardized safety framework has led to tragic incidents like Jared's. In response to this ongoing risk, we urgently call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to establish a National Child Safeguarding and School Safety Framework. This framework should be applicable to all schools and institutions responsible for the care and education of children.
According to UNICEF, child safety in educational settings is a critical issue that requires immediate intervention. Statistics show that many schools in Zimbabwe lack adequate safety protocols, putting thousands of children at risk every day. By implementing a comprehensive framework, we can ensure that safety measures, such as supervision protocols, emergency preparedness, and the availability of lifesaving equipment, are standardized and enforced across all institutions.
Concrete solutions to this issue include the deployment of trained safety officers in all schools, mandatory safety training for staff, regular safety audits, and the installation of necessary lifesaving equipment, such as life jackets and emergency response kits. Additionally, schools should establish emergency response teams ready to deal with accidents or emergencies swiftly and effectively.
The establishment of a National Child Safeguarding and School Safety Framework would not only prevent avoidable tragedies but also reassure parents and guardians that their children are learning in a secure environment. It is our moral obligation to protect the lives and well-being of our children.
Therefore, we urge the Government of Zimbabwe to take immediate action. Stand with us in demanding a safer future for all our children. Sign this petition to make our schools safer and to honor the memory of Jared Boka and countless others who deserve better protection.
2,603
The Issue
On 22 March 2026, our son Jared Boka, tragically drowned in a dam at Falcon College. As a boarding student, he ventured unsupervised into a hazardous situation without the availability of life jackets or life savers around the dam—a devastating oversight in child safety and supervision. This incident painfully underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to safeguard our children in educational institutions.
In Zimbabwe, we entrust schools and institutions with the vital responsibility of nurturing and protecting our children. However, the lack of a standardized safety framework has led to tragic incidents like Jared's. In response to this ongoing risk, we urgently call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to establish a National Child Safeguarding and School Safety Framework. This framework should be applicable to all schools and institutions responsible for the care and education of children.
According to UNICEF, child safety in educational settings is a critical issue that requires immediate intervention. Statistics show that many schools in Zimbabwe lack adequate safety protocols, putting thousands of children at risk every day. By implementing a comprehensive framework, we can ensure that safety measures, such as supervision protocols, emergency preparedness, and the availability of lifesaving equipment, are standardized and enforced across all institutions.
Concrete solutions to this issue include the deployment of trained safety officers in all schools, mandatory safety training for staff, regular safety audits, and the installation of necessary lifesaving equipment, such as life jackets and emergency response kits. Additionally, schools should establish emergency response teams ready to deal with accidents or emergencies swiftly and effectively.
The establishment of a National Child Safeguarding and School Safety Framework would not only prevent avoidable tragedies but also reassure parents and guardians that their children are learning in a secure environment. It is our moral obligation to protect the lives and well-being of our children.
Therefore, we urge the Government of Zimbabwe to take immediate action. Stand with us in demanding a safer future for all our children. Sign this petition to make our schools safer and to honor the memory of Jared Boka and countless others who deserve better protection.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 25 June 2026