Friday, July 1, 2016

CHILDREN AT THE CENTER STAGE OF VIOLENCE IN KATWE KABATOORO T/C


Since construction in 1952, Lake Katwe Primary  School still faces challenges of child labour and absenteeism due to the two major economic activities of fishing at Lake Edward and salt mining at Lake Katwe which puts children at the center stage of violence.
The head teacher Katwe P/S giving his remarks
This was learnt during a teacher exchange learning visit at Katwe Primary School on the 1st of July 2016 that brought together 2 teachers from a couple of  schools;  Ibuga, Kyanya ,Karusandara ,Kenyange Muslim ,Kitswamba SDA and Nkaiga primary schools  to find a solution for the challenges the children in Katwe face as result of the the economic activities in the area. 
Cases of violence against children that exist in the area  were: children also join in the economic activities which makes them absent from school and eventually drop out, other children are involved in petty businesses of selling G.nuts and sweets, early marriages, defilement, video halls that make children absent from school among others. ways on how the children are handled in such an environment were discussed which among  others were; parents sensitization meetings about VAC are held, the school works with local councils and police on cases of children missing school during school days and this has helped in reducing absenteeism and giving children lighter punishments .
Participants during the exchange learning visit
  “Teachers will be judged strictly “according to James 3:1, said Mr. Biryande Edson inspector of school, who urged teachers to handle children well as they are innocent people,  fight for children’s rights other than class work and also champion the fight on violence against children by preaching the gospel of childrens rights to other people in their schools and communities.
The inspector of schools sharing with the participants