RICNET MEETS WOMEN GROUPS, YOUTH AND LEADERS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN

CBOs representatives in Kitholhu sub county

As minors, children have inadequate capacity to make decisions on their own for themselves in any known jurisdiction of the world. Instead their adult caretakers, including parents, social workers, teachers, youth workers, and others, are vested with that authority, depending on the circumstances, which  give children insufficient control over their own lives.This leaves them vulnerable to abuse and at a high risk of being marginalisation  and violation. Basing on the above setback in the childrens’ lives, Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence (RWECO) funded by the East African Children Fund has intervened to uplift the dignity of children and create a child friendly environment using community led mechanisms to prevent violence against children and adolescents in Kasese district.

John Silco the of RIC-NET training CBO members

Rwenzori Information Centres Network (RICNET), a partner organization of RWECO on 27^th Jan,2016 held a sensitization meeting with women groups, youth groups and leaders of Kitholhu at the sub-county headquarters to preach the gospel and bring to peoples mind the need to prevent violence against children in Kasese. This meeting follows several other meetings of the kind held with school head teachers, PTA members and school management committees among others. During this meeting, different childrens’ rights were explained, parents’ responsibility in the upbringing of children categorized in the 3 P’s that is provision, protection and provision were discussed and emphasized the fact that parents were obliged to giving all the 3 P’s to their children to allow them grow up healthy and free. Further more people were asked to draw a line between punishing and hurting children since it is from that background that violence against children will be kicked out children’s lives.

Ms. Jetrida, a women leader making a contribution

After a long days discussion characterized with questions and answers, a way forward was agreed upon which among others included; sensitizing others in the community about violence against children, living by examples by having violent free homes, making by-laws and monitor those violate children’s rights among others.