LET THE CHILDREN SPEAK

And He said let the little children come to me, Mathew 19:14. Jesus acknowledged that Children too needed to brought on board and also listened to. It is unfortunate however that many times we brush off children’s opinions or even deliberately choose not to consult and or involve them in our plans and decision making processes whether the decisions made will affect them negatively or not.  This has times without number happened in our homes, churches, community and schools. It is a shame and not nice at all if u asked me! Can’t help wondering what happened to the children’s rights and the freedom of speech and expression gospel…And how on earth we go on planning and doing things for people without involving or consulting them

With the mandate and calling to voice the silence and unlock people’s potentials, RIC-NET in collaboration with RWECO Coordinating Unit mobilized over 1000 students and pupils from approximately 40 secondary and primary schools in the Rwenzori region to participate in an essay and poem writing competition and art and painting competition.

This exercise was geared at giving the children a platform to share their opinions on the selected topics. For instance secondary students were asked to write comprehensive essays or poems on how adequate the government interventions in boosting agriculture and education sectors in light of the different, NAADS, USE and UPE initiatives have been. This was aimed at highlighting the impact of government efforts in these sectors.

In addition to this, the same students were also tasked to draw pictures depicting the status of services in the schools within their vicinities. This too was aimed at creating understanding on the status of service delivery in education/ schools in the Rwenzori region. On the other hand pupils were asked to draw and paint pictures depicting a child friendly learning environment. This as well was aimed at creating awareness and bringing out the children’s opinion about an ideal learning environment visa-viz the actual learning environments in their schools.

RIC-NET conducted this exercise with an idea of gathering and understanding the children’s views and opinions. It is planned that the information gathered will be repackaged and shared with the concerned authorities and stakeholders, and also be used for further advocacy where necessary. Approximately 754 children from both primary and secondary

Teachers of english & art marking at RIC-NET boardroom.

schools participated in this exercise. Beautiful, touching and talking art pieces were drawn, while comprehensive and educative essays and poems were also written.  These beautiful pieces have been marked by a team of four competent teachers of English and art. Winners in the different categories have been identified and are yet to be awarded presents for their good work, while the rest of all the other participants receive certificates of participation in this noble exercise.

In the same vein a magazine of the best art, poem and essay pieces is being developed for sharing with the pupils and students, the community and other relevant stakeholders. We believe this will help in bringing to light or to the attention of the duty bearers and service providers what the children think about service delivery and the government interventions in the two sectors and what they want to see to facilitate their learning, development and bright future.

We are grateful to the teachers in the schools that participated. Thanks for finding it within your busy schedules to guide and help the children speak out their minds through the pieces of work shared.

Watch this space for more updates on the winners, the best pieces of work and the awarding ceremony of the best participants.