School of Law strengthens community legal awareness through strategic outreaches

By Roy P. Muzvondiwa

The Africa University School of Law is rolling out its community legal awareness outreach in Manicaland through the Law Clinic as part of the school’s commitment to community service and public legal education, ensuring that ordinary citizens, particularly in remote areas, have access to information that can help them make informed decisions, protect their rights, and strengthen family and community well-being.

On February 18, 2026, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, the school took this student-driven initiative to Zimunya Village, and through a participatory and engaging session addressed several critical topics with direct relevance to everyday life, including gender equality, property inheritance and succession planning, early child marriages, gender-based violence (GBV), and broader human rights issues. Community members were encouraged to ask questions, share experiences, and seek clarity on common legal challenges affecting families, especially when cultural practices, economic pressures, and limited access to legal services expose vulnerable groups—women and children in particular—to harm and injustice.

The school’s Head of Department of Procedural Law Mr. Victor Nkiwane, delivered key insights on the legal and practical importance of preparing a will while a person is still alive. Mr. Nkiwane emphasized that “succession planning is not only a legal safeguard but also a tool for maintaining peace and stability within families.” He explained “that where a person dies without a will, disputes frequently arise over property distribution, often resulting in prolonged family conflict, mistrust, and in some cases the marginalisation of widows and children.” 

Law students Cinderella Gokoko, Chantelle Mukazi, Marylyn Kudiwanashe Chauke, McKneil Mukusha, and Flor-linda Manhamo (all third year students), facilitated awareness sessions on early child marriages and their harmful consequences. They highlighted that early child marriages “disrupt education, increase health risks, and limit future opportunities for young girls, while also exposing them to long-term social and psychological harm.” The discussions underscored the responsibility of parents, guardians, and community leaders to protect children and support their development through education, guidance, and safe environments.

The students further engaged the community on domestic violence and GBV, outlining how “violence within the home affects not only direct victims but also children who witness or experience abuse. Domestic violence can negatively affect a child’s emotional development, learning, confidence, and ability to form healthy relationships later in life,” they noted.

Participants were encouraged to recognise warning signs of abuse, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and make use of appropriate reporting and support channels to protect victims and prevent further harm. A strong emphasis was also placed on parental responsibility and positive role modelling. 

“Parents must take an active role in shaping their children’s values and behaviour by being present, supportive, and consistent. Children learn most from what they observe at home, and therefore, parents and guardians should demonstrate respect, non-violence, fairness, and responsibility in their daily conduct. Spending quality time with children strengthens the parent–child bond, builds trust and communication, and creates a stable foundation for healthy development,” the students said in their submissions to the community.

Chief Zimunya, the traditional leader of the wider Zimunya community, expressed appreciation for the programme and commended Africa University for bringing timely legal education and human rights awareness to the village. 

“Community members must embrace the wisdom shared and apply the guidance in your households and day-to-day interactions,” he urged.

He also urged the students to continue with their outreach efforts, noting “the value of educating communities on a changing world, one shaped not only by advances in technology, but also by evolving legal principles, rights awareness, and responsibilities in modern society.”

Africa University remains committed to strengthening community engagement through outreach programmes that promote justice, dignity, and informed citizenship. Through these legal outreaches, the School of Law continues to bridge the gap between legal knowledge and communities, contributing to safer families, empowered citizens, and stronger, rights-based local leadership.

The outreach sessions will also extend to Sakubva, Honde Valley, Nyanga, Mutare Remand Prison, and Tongogara Refugee Settlement.

The author, Mr Muzvondiwa, is a first year 1.2 Artificial Intelligence student