This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the girlchild affirmative action policy in secondary schools in Zimbabwe using Christian and Ndarama high schools as case studies. Both theoretical study and empirical research methods were used to ensure a balanced evaluation of the problem. Ninety nine of the 230 Form six students at the two schools were used as questionnaire respondents, and 2 focal point teachers of the 20 A level teachers at the schools were sampled for the interviews. Case study, descriptive survey and qualitative participatory approaches were used as the main research methodologies. The study established that male students are more than female students in all advanced level disciplines studied at the schools; both male and female students do not support the idea of affirmative action in their schools; authorities are not doing enough to conscientise both teachers and their students on the need for affirmative action in schools; the affirmative action policy is not being implemented in secondary schools in Zimbabwe and thus the policy is not yet effective in meeting the desired goals. The main challenge faced by secondary schools in the implementation of affirmative action was found to be mainly the issue of negative attitudes towards affirmative action. Entering school at lower points than boys reinforces the idea that women are academically weaker than men. The study recommends intensive awareness campaigns and advocacy to remove negative attitudes towards affirmative action; formal training sessions on affirmative action in the schools to help students contextualize the concept of affirmative action; government monitoring and followups to ensure that the affirmative action policy is being implemented; among other recommendations.

Information and communication technology have taken centre stage of almost every interaction, communication and learning processes among people of this world. This study is a comparative analysis of the usefulness of modern information and communication technology (ICT) in the transmission Review of Information Engineering and Applications Contribution/ OriginalityThe overall aim of this study is to contribute a theoretical framework that will help towards the generation, development and use of ICTs and projected media in both urban and rural secondary schools in Zimbabwe and the world. Our aim is to widen the knowledge base and understanding of the generation, development and utilisation of ICTs and projected media in Zimbabwe and the global community.

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This study sought to investigate perceptions and experiences of female parent students on delegated parenting using a sample of twenty parent students at Zimbabwe Open University, Masvingo regional campus. The study was qualitative. Data was generated using focus group discussion. The study revealed that, the young female parents did not trust their maids but still they had to rely on them since they were all employed and going to school. Respondents shared instances and reports of child abuse in their families and stories from the media about child abuse. The study recommended that government, employers and local authorities should come up with supportive policies to create a conducive environment for parenting responsibilities; efforts should be made to improve the quality and conditions for child care in both the informal and formal environment through caregiver training; and parents should always create quality time for their children.

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