Own Correspondent|Zimbabwean parents in the diaspora are reportedly sending some of their children back home to so they get to learn African values and manners.

A Zimbabwean parent based in the UK said that ‘powerless’ parents felt they had no choice but to send some of their kids back home as laws in that country fail them in declining their children.

She said most families from Zimbabwe were flying their children back home to learn discipline and respect.

‘They’re resorting to taking their kids to boarding school. And to be cared for by their grandparents back home,” she said.

‘It’s seen as a retreat. It’s like a time-out.’ 

Tshengi Mlilo of Bulawayo said she was aware of six families who had made the tough decision, including a girl who was going to parties with the wrong crowd.

She said at least two families had seen their children return and go on to get jobs or study at university.

Mlilo said some families decided to send their children back home because of growing gang problems in the diaspora communities. 

Fearing their kids could be caught up in the violence, they decided to act.

‘Things are stricter back home. There’s very little uncontrolled drinking or substance abuse,’ she said.

‘The schools are quite harsh. The kids have to perform well.’