CONSEQUENCES OF SCHOOL RELATED SEXUAL AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE ON REFUGEE CHILDREN LIVING IN REFUGEE CAMPS, ZIMBABWE

The focus of this research paper is to highlight the consequences of School Related Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SRSGBV) on refugee children living and learning at a refugee camp in Zimbabwe. This is an under researched area as most information on SRSGBV has focused on the normal ordinary schools and largely ignored the refugee child living within a refugee camp setting. There is very little data relating to the issue at hand on record as refugees are difficult populations to access as well as not being forthcoming about such issues. More often than not, cases of SRSGBV go unreported because of the difficulties in the children's circumstances as well as security issues. The study was carried out in Zimbabwe using a qualitative phenomenological approach. The population comprised of 479, 441 school going children, 16 teachers, 1 school counsellor, 5 social workers, 6 police officers and 10 health personnel. A sample of 20 participants was conveniently and purposively selected to partake in the study which made use of interviews, essay writing and observation as research methods. Amongst the findings were issues of cultural perceptions, health risks and negative attitudes. The researchers recommended a holistic and participatory approach which is survivor centred, offering guidance, compassion and information to the affected in dealing with cases of SRSGBV.