NURTURE YOUR CHILD INTO A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN

In an effort to prevent violence against children and adolescents in Kasese district, RIC-NET supported Kamasasa Primary School in Karambi Sub County to organize an Open Day that took place on 3rd may 2017 at the school. The Open Day aimed at showcasing pupil’s works, interactions between students and parents, and sessions to bring back the spirit of parent-child communication. The function was attended by over 130 parents(with the number of female parents being more than that of male parents), the LC3 chairperson, the CDO, the parish chief, the PTA and the school management committees, the area inspector of schools who was represented by the zonal leader, and councilors of Karambi Sub County.

The LC3 chairperson who was one of the guest speakers addressed the parents on the role of adults/parents in taking care of children referring to the Children’s Act of 1997. He advised parents on how to raise their children with a notion; "You reap what you sow". That is, if you bring up your child well and support him/her today they will become successful and a good example to others in future who will take care of you in your old age and the reverse is true.He also encouraged parents to always follow up their children's education and support them at all levels; financially, morally and materially.

The LC3 chairperson Karambi making his remarks

RIC-NET's  staff Charles Kaliba  who was also present at the Open Day engaged parents on child upbringing highlighting 3 core responsibilities of parents in child upbringing as protection ,provision and involvement in participation of a child's growth. He advised the parents on how they  ought  to protect their children from harm and other unpleasant acts ,provide for them the required necessities like education ,health care ,shelter ,food and emphasized the point of parents providing midday meals for children while at school and involvement of children in decision making as this makes them  feel valued and worthy and grow into good and successful people .

Students made presentations that included poems, songs and skits that talked about rights and responsibilities of children and the role of parents in the upbringing of children and the relationship between children and their parents.

Pupils presenting a traditional folk song

Parents later involved in a discussion and agreed that their role is to bring up their children well so that they can become important people in the society and we believe with such commitments violence against children and adolescents will reduce in Kasese and Uganda as a whole.