Adoption in Zimbabwe;knowledge,attitudes and practices towards adoption.a study in Chitungwiza Unit B residential area

Abstract

The main focus of the research was to make an asessment on people’s knowledge,attitude and practice towards child adoption in Chitungwiza Unit B residential area.The researcher used a survey and two research instruments which included indepth interviews and questionnaires to explore the respondents point of view and feelings towards adopting children.The key results that were obtained from the research included that people in Chitungwiza Unit B have poor knowledge concerning adoption.Most people had an idea on the meaning of adoption but did not have correct information petaining the whole adoption process.The majority of people in Chitungwiza have a negative attitude towards adoption because of their shona culture which do not support intergrating a child with a different totem in the family as this may invite avenging spirits (ngozi).The major myth surrounding adoption practice is, fear that biological parents may come aand reclaim the child later in life. The major recommendation of the study is for the Government through the Chitungwiza Social Welfare Department to find appropriate ways like awareness campaighns to educate and conscientise the whole community in Chitungwiza on issues of adoption.This will increase the Chitungwiza community knowledge towards adoption and demystify the myths and misconceptions surrounding adoption.