Young voices demand better education and protection
Saturday, June 15, 2024
By Nakitto Joselyn Elizabeth.
As the world anticipates for the commemoration of the African Child’s Day on June 16, 2024, the Children’s Parliament has gathered over 500 children at Kiryadongo district headquaters today June 15, 2024 to discuss and advocate for their right to education and needs.Tallea Franco, Assistant Commissioner for Children Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development has spearheaded the children’s Plenary.
This year’s event, themed “Education for African Children: The Time is Now,” aims to provide a platform for children to express their views on education. Trained on the Charter of the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the children have engaged in discussions to highlight their expectations from government officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders regarding education.
“Since this event focuses on children, their participation and views are very important.This is one of the most important events, if you can achieve this, then the rest can really flow. That’s why we are here.” states Tallea.
Key issues raised included the need for more trained teachers, especially for children with disabilities, and improved educational infrastructure.The children also emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in protecting their rights.
“Most parents believe that early marriage is a source of wealth, this results to the violation of children’s rights yet children deserve a right to parental love and education. No one succeeds without education. ” said Canon Victor a student at Bweyale Church of Uganda primary school.According to Tallea Franco, Kiryadongo was chosen as the venue due to its high rates of child rights violations, including sexual abuse, aiming to raise awareness and prompt action.
He added that community dialogues and outreach activities happened the previous week to sensitize parents and community members about children’s rights.
Tollea highlighted the cultural dynamics in Kiryadongo, with its mix of tribes and refugees, which complicate efforts to address child rights violations. However, ongoing government programs, such as training para-social workers and a pilot project in schools, aim to address these challenges.
The Children’s Parliament provides a crucial platform for children to voice their opinions and shape future policies. Initiatives like these are crucial in fostering a safer and more supportive environment for African children, ensuring their rights are protected and promoted as Tollea elaborates.
Joselyn Nakitto is a staff writer at SML News Ug with passion in health, business and current affairs. She can be contacted on 0709603158
