The adversities in the lives of street children with disabilities during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic: The case of Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Street children with disabilities are some of the most vulnerable children on the planet. This study explores the challenges that these children have been facing in the wake of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Masvingo. The pandemic has already had a devastating impact on people’s wellbeing and children with disabilities seem to have been plunged into more misery. As such we adopted the Ubuntu theory in an attempt to analyze the realities of street children with disabilities in this difficult time. We then respectfully selected and had dialogue with 13 participants. The research findings from the participants revealed that, street children with disabilities lack shelter, social networks or social capital, health care, prone to drug addiction, low self-esteem, limited access to basic education, vulnerable to abuse and violence. Using the Ubuntu theory, the researchers are of the view that there is need for a world where street children with disabilities live with dignity, in safety and security. Given this, the researchers offer suggestions for the government’s Department of Social Development and other key stakeholders to deal with the current adversities in the lives of street children with disabilities during COVID-19 pandemic.