As part of the WAVE project, FST, Adult Rape Clinic, and Nzeve Deaf Centre exhibited at the Manicaland Agricultural Show. The event took place from September 21st to September 24th, 2023, to highlight the services provided by the consortium’s three organisations and inform the general public about the WAVE initiative. The event lasted four days, with staff from each organisation taking turns to participate.
During the show, children were able to identify between the many sorts of child sexual abuse and had a strong desire to learn more about the subject. Parents were educated on how to initiate conversations about child sexual abuse to foster open and honest communication between the parent and child. High school students who visited the stand were now aware of their high risk of being sexually assaulted and were knowledgeable about the steps to take in the event of sexual abuse.
Various partners and stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), visited the stand, and it was an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships with them, resulting in their expressed interest in the WAVE consortium’s activities and a willingness to continue working with the Family Support Trust (FST) to prevent and reduce sexual and gender-based violence.
Participants expressed interest in activities provided by partner organisations, including Nzeve, which offers sign language instruction for communication with deaf survivors of sexual and gender-based abuse. Teachers, parents, and guardians expressed genuine concern for children’s well-being and safety.
