Psychotherapy Care and Counseling Services – Safe Communities Projects

Providing hope and supportive rehabilitation for youth and young adult victims of violence.

The Safe Communities Project (SACOP) addresses the needs of children who are subject to maltreatment because they are orphans or because they have certain conditions deemed undesirable in Zimbabwean society, such as hydrocephalus (a brain disorder that causes fluid on the brain), deafness or albinism. Each day, the safety and well-being of some children and youth in Zimbabwe are threatened with abuse, abandonment and neglect by society and sometimes by their own families who misunderstand the child’s condition. Consistent failure to respond to a child’s need for nurturing, encouragement and protection; constant name-calling or threatening of children; and isolating children from having normal social contacts with other children and adults are types of child neglect that this population of children often experience. Continuously living without these necessities can delay and even prevent proper brain development, which can lead to problems with interpersonal relationships, doing poorly in school, early childhood marriages, delinquency, substance abuse and other health issues.

We work to ensure the safety and well-being of Zimbabwean’s children, youth and families by raising public awareness of the impact of abuse and neglect and by developing and promoting effective care and prevention strategies. SACOP is addressing this problem by equipping caregivers with parenting skills and establishing Mental Health Awareness Clubs in 11 high schools in the Mutare District to equip over 2000 students with positive coping skills. We have entered into partnerships with local hospitals to offer mental health care to over 100 abused children, youth and adults who struggle with psychosomatic problems. We also have partnered with city council health departments and rural district councils to reach out to vulnerable out-of-school youth every month. We offer them life skills and assist them with making informed, constructive life choices.

Because of challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, SACOP is expanding its services. We realize this population needs a place of safety and trauma rehabilitation to ensure that vulnerable children and youth find refuge and learn better life skills. The rehabilitation center will serve at-risk children affected by substance abuse and children suffering from trauma. At the place of safety, young adults and other vulnerable populations will be offered counseling and care services to restore their well-being. This place of safety will ensure a caring and supportive environment for people to heal and to reclaim and restore their peace of mind.

Keeping our children and youth safe from all forms of maltreatment (abuse abandonment and neglect and reduce the impact of emotional and psychological harm). We strive to enable protection, safety, strength and hope to children, youth and their families.

(a) Improved care and protection of children and youth. (b) Increased knowledge within the community on the role they have in protecting children and supporting families. (c) Decreased incidents of child abuse. (d) Strengthened family and community members’ response to the needs of children. (e) Improved quality of life and growing competence in positive coping skills.