The education of children in rural areas has also been affected by the evictions. Some of the rural children were living with friends or relatives in towns while attending school on weekdays. In Mvurwi, for instance, 226 commuting farm children are reported to have dropped out of primary and secondary school following the Operation, 28% of whom were orphans.73 In Bindura, a primary school located near a farming area reported that 20% of its enrolled students had recently left school as families were forced to relocate. In a few areas such as Dzivarasekwa Extension and Hatcliffe enrolment in some primary schools reportedly went up during the first phase of the Operation, following the destruction of other schools deemed illegal and the influx of evictee families from other areas.74 Owing to uncertainty over rules governing transfers of evicted teachers and children, school heads are reportedly reluctant to offer placement for children who have moved into a new area. It is still not clear how displaced children registered for the June examinations will be accommodated. There are currently no education facilities in or near the Caledonia Farm transit camp despite the growing number of children living in the camp. There are also no education facilities in the camp at the Sports Oval in Mutare. Many displaced parents who lost their homes as well as their livelihoods can no longer afford to send their children to school. For example, all school children residing at the Caledonia Farm 26 km from the city of Harare, were expected to pay their bus fares to attend school in the city. Many could not afford to do so. 3.6.7 Children and Youth Highly vulnerable children, including orphans as well as children with disabilities or HIV, and those with special needs, were generally disregarded by the authorities during the Operation. An estimated 83,530 children under four were directly affected by the Operation. Child-headed households are particularly vulnerable following the evictions. There have also been examples of children being accidentally separated from their parents during forced relocations.75 The mission was unable to identify any comprehensive measures by the Government to: prevent further separations; register separated children; ensure appropriate care and protection; and institute immediate measures for tracing and reunification. The destitution has also made children more vulnerable to various forms of abuse. The psycho-social impact on children worst afflicted is likely to be profound. The UN interim response plan is targeting 50,000 children for educational assistance at a cost of USD 460,000 over three months. Priority interventions include: rapid assessment of schools, children and teachers affected; advocacy for a Government policy on access to education for evicted children; setting up of temporary learning spaces; procurement of tents and movable boards; play and learning materials for displaced children; psychosocial support services for affected children; and help for displaced orphans with school fees, uniforms and other support. The view of the mission is that this figure will have to be revised upwards. Special support must also be targeted for affected teachers. 73 Confidential submission. “Interim United Nations Multi-Sectoral Response Plan to the Recent Evictions in Zimbabwe”, 27 June 2005. 75 Confidential submission. 74 42