Child Deprivation: Experiences of Adults and Children in Mucheke Squatter Camp in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This research sought to find out the experiences of adults and children living in a squatter settlement. The research employed the qualitative paradigm. Data was gathered using the structured and unstructured interview guide and observation schedule. The study centered on Mucheke Squatter Camp with about 50 shacks and 300 inhabitants and was conducted between February and March 2005. This was immediately before the camp was demolished by the clean up operation. It targeted the experiences of both adults and children. 15 adults and 11 school going pupils gave testimonies on the conditions under which they lived. The findings of this study were that the inhabitants did not have access to basic facilities/amenities such as clean water, food, protection, health care, lighting and recreational facilities. They were exposed to cold, sexual abuse, labeling and all sorts of hardships associated with squatting.
These testimonies were also confirmed by observations made on several visits to the camp. The study among other things recommended multi-sectoral approaches to the alleviation of the plight of children in squatter settlements. It also recommended further studies to be carried out on the effects of the squatter tag on the children’s performance in school and the relationship between squatter life and discipline in schools.