In the Shadow of a Pandemic
Harare's Street Youth Experience COVID-19
This story map was made with street youth in Harare, Zimbabwe in May and June 2020. This is their story – captured in film and video, as they share how they find work, food, shelter and safety on the streets, in the shadow of the pandemic.
Harare is Zimbabwe’s capital and largest city. For their safety, the locations where young people shelter are unmarked, but you can zoom in/out on the map.
As far as they know, none of the young people who made this map have been affected by COVID-19 itself. They live in its shadow, not only from fear of infection but because of drastic impacts on their livelihoods and freedom of movement.
Life under lockdown
Young people on the streets, some without a mask, which is now mandatory.
Harare's city centre is surrounded by police and army roadblocks and a daily curfew is in place. Access is only allowed to those with evidence of essential employment. Restrictions continue across the city banning free movement.
Street youth succeeded in recording visual material in these challenging circumstances – going out in pairs early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid police.
Filming and photography is sensitive in Zimbabwe. Only those who live in these contexts could capture their situation or gain permission to film, all on a borrowed mobile phone.
Lockdown began in Zimbabwe on 30 March 2020. A few days before the government conducted roundups of street children to remove them from the streets.
Keeping safe
Mai Future's story
Parenthood and pregnancy in COVID-19 lockdown
Daily life in the shadow
Informal work remains prohibited; removing income sources for street children and youth. If engaging in informal activities young people risk arrest; and paying a bribe for their release.
