The rise of child-headed households (CHH) in Zimbabwe, largely driven by the Human Immune Virus Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic, poverty, and socio-economic challenges, presents a significant child protection concern. This paper is based on a study that investigated the efficacy of communitybased intervention strategies aimed at improving the welfare of CHH in Epworth, Harare. Guided by the Ubuntu theory, the research adopts a qualitative research approach where in-depth interviews, focus group discussions were conducted to explore the effectiveness of community-based intervention strategies on improving the social development of child-headed households in Zimbabwe. Findings reveal that CHH face multifaceted challenges, including emotional distress, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, educational barriers, and stigmatisation. However, various community-based interventions; from extended family networks, religious organisations, NGOs, and government social support systems, play a critical role in mitigating these challenges, despite limited resources. The study recommends a holistic, multi-sectoral approach that strengthens existing support systems, enhances coordination, and tailors interventions to the psychosocial, economic, and developmental needs of CHH. A Community-Based Parenting Model is proposed as a sustainable framework for strengthening resilience and improving outcomes for these vulnerable households.
