Kasese teachers vow to prevent violence against children

Rwenzori Consortium is together with KALI, Good Hope, RIDE AFRIC, RICNET & KGR are implementing a pilot project in community-led mechanisms to prevent violence against children and adolescents in 15 Primary Schools and one Secondary school in Kasese district.

Teachers joining pupils in singing to denounce violence against Children at Ibuga Primary School, 30th June, 2016

RWECO and the Kasese district Education office organized a teachers learning that was hosted at Ibuga on 30^th June and on 1^st July at Katwe Primary School.  The teachers are key actors in ending violence against children since during the baseline survey, pupils mentioned teachers as the key players in violating their rights. During the learning visit, micro-teaching lessons were arranged and teachers were exposed to different methodologies that are violence free as in Ibuga where children come from different background a teacher had to ensure that he/she use different languages in the lower classes where they thematic curriculum.  The teachers appreciated the learning event at which the district inspector of schools were presented by Mr. Edson Biryandi the Assistant Inspector of Schools in charge of Bukonzo.

During the learning visits, the children presented skits on prevention of VAC and mentioned that denial of mid day meals was hindering them from achieving their goal of education. The pupils called on their parents to provide mid-day meals and teachers to stop violating their rights, provide safe environment and finish the school syllabus also be present at school.  

Other activities include: sensitization meetings  that are  aimed at bringing the parents together and share the findings of the baseline survey.  The partners identified guest speakers during the sensitization meetings and these were parents and role model couples who shared their vast experiences in prevention of violence against children and adolescents. .blogspot.ug/2016/06/parents-speak-out-on-violence-against.html . While in other schools the parents sensitization ,  the sensitization meetings were used as occasions for parents to meet with class teachers and their children.  Children presented poems and skits on VAC and its impacts and how they want a violence free community to achieve their goals. 

Complied by Felista Masika
RWECO Assistant Office Administrator