Social protection for orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe: The case for cash transfers

Abstract

The unprecedented number of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe has created an urgent need to create innovative ways to provide for the social protection of these children. Innovative packages consisting of educational, food and psychosocial support are being implemented by non-governmental organizations. However, as the orphan crisis continues to deepen, more needs to be done and, learning from the experiences of other countries, the option of cash transfers for social protection for orphans and vulnerable children offers an attractive option for Zimbabwe. This article explores the possibility of using cash transfers for the support of orphans and vulnerable children and highlights the challenges and strengths of this approach.

Psychological peculiarities of the professional self-determination of social orphans in senior adolescence

“…This necessitates the improvement of the quality of secondary education of orphans and vulnerable children through effective cooperation with governmental and nongovernmental organizations (Lingenfelter, Solheim, & Lawrence, 2017). Another option is to provide social protection to orphans and vulnerable children via money transfer (Mushunje & Mafico, 2010).…”

Social Protection and Poverty Reduction in Four Selected Southeast Asian Countries: An Analysis of the Healthcare Sector towards Pro-Poor Growth

“…Various development agencies such as World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Institutes of Development studies (IDS) have adopted social protection schemes and programs as strategies which could contribute in the achievement of the MDGs goals. These strategies and programs were found to play important roles in tackling poverty in developing countries (Mushunje & Mafico, 2010;Barrientos, 2010;Kabeer, 2009;Nielsen et al, 2005;Kamerman, 2006;Begg & Nectoux, 1995;Barrientos & Hulme, 2008;Aswaf & Jutting, 2007;Frota, 2008;Kaufman, 2007). These studies provide evidences to support that even social protection strategies can play a significant role in enhancing and supporting people to escape from poverty.…”

Protecting the Vulnerable through Social Protection: Options for the Vulnerable

“…These programmes have also provided for social protection for orphaned and vulnerable 15 See Chirisa, 2013, p. 16. children. 19 Despite these initiatives, poverty and vulnerability continue to be major challenges confronting Zimbabwe with insufficient programmes reaching the most in need. The economic situation in Zimbabwe is such that more and more people need social protection as the majority are not gainfully employed or are in informal employment which is a very unpredictable and unstable source of income.…”