Assessing the Efficacy of Drop-In Centres in Reducing the Vulnerability of Girl Children in Harare, Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Musasa Project

The prevalence of child violence and abuse remains a critical psychosocial concern globally, with girl children disproportionately affected. This empirical study aimed to assess the efficacy of drop-in centres in reducing the vulnerability of girl children in urban Harare, Zimbabwe, focusing exclusively on the Musasa Project. Employing a qualitative case study design, data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 10 vulnerable girls aged 10–18 years and 3 key informant staff members selected via purposive sampling. Inductive thematic analysis revealed four primary themes: the provision of holistic services (including psychosocial support, legal aid, shelter, and medical care); complex vulnerability profiles characterized by orphanhood, abuse, and homelessness; high service satisfaction culminating in improved quality of life and well-being; and operational challenges including destructive religious beliefs, fear of victimization, and victims' unwillingness to change. Findings indicate that while the Musasa Project is highly effective as an immediate safety net and rehabilitation mechanism, long-term efficacy is heavily mediated by broader socio-cultural barriers and systemic economic challenges. The study contributes empirical insights into non-governmental child protection mechanisms in urban African contexts and offers actionable recommendations for policy, programmatic scaling, and community advocacy.

Drop-in Centres, vulnerability, children, gender-based violence, urban Harare, Musasa Project, Child Protection, qualitative research

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