KALI is implementing a
pilot project on “community mechanisms to prevent violence against children and
adolescents” in the Rwenzori region. The project is targeting 16 schools (15
primary schools and one secondary school) and their communities in eight sub counties
in Kasese district. KALI
is working with Four schools; Mundongo, St. John’s Bukangara, Katwe Quran and
Katwe Primary Schools in two sub counties of Nyakiyumbu and Katwe Kabatooro
Town Council.
Teacher’s had exchange
visits. Teachers from Bukonzo County from all the project schools visited Ibuga
Primary School in Busongora county. It was visible that the school lies
on 6 acres of land. Ibuga community is a mixed community of which the lower side are
cattle keepers and the upper side are cultivators. This community has had
tribal and land conflicts between these two groups. However, the school land
has been a motivational factor for teachers who have been offered land by the
school to do farming. It has motivated them to keep at school. This school also provides mid day meal to its pupils.
For the start, they have started providing porridge to all pupils at school and
ho[e to graduate too a real meal after seeing the commitment from the parents.
Parents of Ibuga Primary School despite the conflicts as mentioned above have
realized how important it is for the pupil to have mid day meals and hope that
this is going to yield results in the forth coming P.L.E
Visiting teachers had a
chance for macro teaching where they shared experiences. Teachers of Ibuga
Primary School were advised to first shed off their personal problems before
they enter class because these are transferred to pupils in form of anger that
leads to corporal punishments. That teachers do their teaching scheme and
always follow it. That visual aid is also very paramount for the learners.
The head teacher of Ibuga
Primary School Mr. Thembo Barnabas assured the visitors teachers do not use corporal punishments
like canning, stone lifting and those abuses that insult children.
 |
| Head teacher, Ibuga Ps introducing the Chairman School Management Committee as the Inspector of school in charge of Bukonzo County looks on from extreme left |
Teachers from Busongora
County visited Katwe Primary School and also shared their experiences. Katwe
Primary School community is basically fishing and salt mining. These economic
activities affect greatly children who escape from schools to labor for petty
cash. There is also a problem of crocodiles that have attacked two pupils from
this particular school. Some community members have faced this deadly and
traumatizing situation. Some community member (name withheld) shared his tale
of survival from the sharp teeth of the crocodile as he had gone fishing on the
other side of the lake. Children also do fish and are exposed to the similar
incidents where some die. There is rampant abuse of children sexually.
Defilement cases are so rampant in this community but parents tend to settle
such cases at home in mind that the compensation which is always in money form
is paid to the parents and these children left in their traumatizing situation.
 |
| The class room block that was destroyed by storm is now under construction by Katwe Kabatooro Town Council |
Visiting Teachers were
shocked at this news and were advised to stick to their professionalism. Teachers
are referred to as community changers and should use this to change this
community. Visitors requested KALI to further the sensitization in this
community but however teachers should do the teaching. The head teacher also
reported that the school is understaffed with only seven teachers for over 520
pupils
The Inspector of Schools
in charge of Bukonzo condemned all the above. He advised that all sexual abuse
cases should be followed until the culprit is brought to book. He thanked
government for building cages as safe areas to fetch water. He also assured the
school that in the next transfers, Katwe will receive more teachers and that
KALI was working hand in hand with the police to make arrests of the cinema
halls that allow children in these cinema halls.
Prepared by
GILBERT MASEREKA
No comments:
Post a Comment