Abstract
This is qualitative multiple case study explored the extent to which children’s rights are observed in
five disadvantaged school contexts in Masvingo District in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through
one-hour individual in-depth interviews. The participants comprised five school heads, four deputy
school heads and three teachers-in-charge (TICs). Content analysis was used to analyse the data.
The data revealed that a number of children’s rights were being flouted. The children’s families were
generally poor as a result children did not have adequate time to rest and play as they helped to
augment family income through working in the fields and vending. The schools lacked adequate
facilities and furniture exposing children to discomfort and harsh weather conditions. Some guardians
exploited resources meant for orphans for their personal use. Older boys at times sexually abused
younger girls. Some teachers applied corporal punishment to school children. The study recommends
that government set up programmes that educate the populace on children’s rights and the need to
respect them. It should invest more resources and improve the conditions in disadvantaged schools.
Needy children should be on payroll and should be placed in homes where the government working
with other stakeholders could take care of them.