Children, Youth and Migration in Zimbabwe: An Indigenous Knowledge Systems Perspective
Tenson Mabhuya Muyambo · Alternation Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa · 2020
Discourses on migration are plentiful and reflect different viewpoints.Migration is not a new 21 st century phenomenon but has been in existence since the recording of history.Migration is occasioned by various reasons ranging from social, economic, political to religious ones.However, the challenges of the 21 st century have ushered in new dimensions of migration and its impact on humanity in general.Globalisation and technology have made migration a lot easier and more frequent.While some scholars view migration from a Human Rights, ethical and gender perspective, this chapter discusses the impact of migration on the youth in general and the children in particular from an indigenous knowledge systems perspective.It answers the question: What role does indigenous knowledge systems play on children, youth and migration in Zimbabwe?Using observation, in-depth interviews and available literature, the chapter focuses on the impact of migration on children and youth who remain behind when their parents and guardians emigrate.It argues that the challenges faced by youth and children following the emigration of their parents and guardians could be minimised by tapping into ruzivo rwevanhu (people's indigenous knowledge systems).