Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – Justice for Children (JCT), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to improve children’s access justice and the protection of their rights, has opened its first office in the province at Rutenga growth point.
The organisation, which has been providing free legal assistance to children across the province on regular circuits, decided to improve access to its services by opening a new office situated at the Mwenezi Magistrate Court.
Speaking to TellZim News, the organisation’s Sharon Chava said the new place will be capacitated to serve the whole district and beyond.
“We have offices country-wide but in Masvingo province, this is our first office. We have been providing services to various parts of the province through circuits but now the office will be a permanent feature here.
“JCT, among many other roles, provides free legal assistance to children who are below the age of 17 years. The idea is to make sure that children have easier access justice and that they enjoy their rights. Besides that, we also enlighten society about various forms of child abuse,” said Chava.
With rampant cases of child abuse perpetrated and swept under the carpet especially in isolated rural areas due to limited access to information, it is hoped the establishment of the JCT office at Rutenga will complement other efforts being made to protect children’s rights.local