Reimagining Schools Social Work for Child Protection in Zimbabwe: Emerging Frontiers and Policy Imperatives

Child protection remains an urgent priority in Zimbabwe, where children are exposed to intersecting risks of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and structural poverty. Schools occupy a strategic position as sites for early detection, intervention, and advocacy, yet school social work remains underdeveloped. This desk study critically examines the evolving landscape of child protection in Zimbabwe and reimagines the role of schools social work in advancing safeguarding imperatives. Drawing on an ecological systems perspective, rights-based frameworks, and African humanistic philosophies such as Ubuntu, the paper synthesizes national policy documents, regional studies, and international best practices. Findings reveal persistent gaps in training, multi-agency coordination, and policy enforcement, but also highlight opportunities through Education 5.0 innovations, community engagement, and trauma-informed approaches. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and social work practitioners to strengthen safeguarding systems, embed culturally responsive interventions, and enhance the resilience of Zimbabwe’s education sector.