The government brought mobile documentation teams to remote villages in Binga District where people have lived without papers for years. Felix Lunga waited two years to get his daughter documented because the nearest office sits 160 kilometers away and costs 30 dollars just for transport. Dangerous animals like elephants and lions roam the roads making travel risky for villagers who walk or use basic transport. Many young people missed out on jobs and community programs because they had no identity documents. The expensive bus fares kept poor families from making the long journey to registration centers.
Chief Sinamsanga celebrated when government workers arrived at his village with mobile registration equipment. His people could not get drought relief food last year because they lacked proper documentation. The traditional leader thanked the government and international partners for bringing dignity back to his community. Villagers lined up to finally get national identity cards after being invisible to the system for decades. The mobile teams also brought health workers to provide medical services alongside the documentation drive.
Zimbabwe wants every citizen documented by 2030 as part of global development goals. Birth registration currently covers only 57 percent of the population according to recent surveys. The program targets eight provinces focusing on hard to reach areas where geography and poverty block access. Government officials work with UNICEF and the Swedish Embassy to fund these mobile outreach missions. Deputy Registrar General Christina Chikerema said no Zimbabwean should miss out on basic rights due to where they live.
Chief Sinamsanga celebrated when government workers arrived at his village with mobile registration equipment. His people could not get drought relief food last year because they lacked proper documentation. The traditional leader thanked the government and international partners for bringing dignity back to his community. Villagers lined up to finally get national identity cards after being invisible to the system for decades. The mobile teams also brought health workers to provide medical services alongside the documentation drive.
Zimbabwe wants every citizen documented by 2030 as part of global development goals. Birth registration currently covers only 57 percent of the population according to recent surveys. The program targets eight provinces focusing on hard to reach areas where geography and poverty block access. Government officials work with UNICEF and the Swedish Embassy to fund these mobile outreach missions. Deputy Registrar General Christina Chikerema said no Zimbabwean should miss out on basic rights due to where they live.
