By Victor Fanuel
PENHALONGA, Mancicaland Province —Penhalonga residents in Tsvingwe have raised alarm over an alleged rise in child marriages, school dropouts and substance abuse among learners, amid concerns that mining activities are taking place close to a local school.
Concerns were raised during a community engagement conducted by the Rural Young Women Support Network.
Residents said the proximity of a mining claim to the school was exposing children to unsafe environments and threatening their safety, welfare and ability to learn.
One community member said child marriages and school dropouts had become more noticeable in areas where mining activities were taking place close to schools.
“We see a surge in child marriages, school dropouts, because mining areas are nearby schools,” she said.
She further alleged that some artisanal miners were supplying schoolchildren with drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
“Artisanal miners are giving school children drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, children ending up smoking in schools,” she added.
Such allegations have heightened concerns over the impact of mining activities on learners, particularly their exposure to substance abuse and other risks.
Community members have called on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to intervene.
“We plead to the Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Education to intervene in the case,” she said.
Residents also want the safety and welfare of children to be considered when mining claims are allocated, particularly in areas surrounding schools.
Calls have been made for authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of mining operations located near learning institutions and prevent activities that could expose children to substance abuse, exploitation and other harmful environments.
Community members said mining operations should be kept at a safe distance from schools to ensure learners can access education in a secure environment.
Beyond mining regulation, residents said the safety of learners and their right to education should be considered when authorities assess and allocate mining claims.
Sustainable Development Goal 4 calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, with safe learning environments forming part of broader efforts to protect children’s access to education.
