Implementation of Article 11(3)(a) of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in Zimbabwe: The Case of San Minority Children

Abstract

Article 11(3)(a) of the African Children’s Charter enjoins state parties to facilitate access to free and compulsory basic education for all children. In this article, we assess the significance of Article 11(3)(a) and critically interrogate its implementation in Zimbabwe with a special focus on the legal, policy and institutional reforms. Zimbabwe is guided by Article 11(3)(a) of the Charter, made some commendable progress in ensuring that children access basic education. Be that as it may, a lot still needs to be done for minority San children as they still struggle to enjoy their right to education. The struggle to enjoy this right comes from various factors including resource constraints, a limited will to implement frameworks, poverty, lack of infrastructure, low knowledge and harmful practices which limit minority and indigenous children’s educational attainment and retention. This article thus recommends the strengthening of legal, policy and institutional frameworks, and increased funding and investment in infrastructure for minority communities.