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Children’s views are as important as those of adults
2006-03-29 08:05:15
By JOYCE MKINGA
IF there was any group that was well represented in the election campaigns at all levels, its children. In some instances they were more than men and women. Nobody asked them what they wanted at the elections campaign despite being there just as spectators of what was being said and done.
In a quick observation one could just say the children attended campaign rallies to enjoy music and dances that were performed.
However, in some incidents they were used to deliver different massages to the public and election candidates who most of the time would be ready for anything.
It is during the election campaigns that we saw candidates greeting everyone, even those whom they would not greet under normal circumstances.
Soon after getting what they wanted they pretend not to know anyone even those who assisted them in the process of getting into that high office. Only a few maintain their good-hearted behaviour of greeting everybody.
Children are used to give messages to the public that they elect leaders who would care for children’s rights and their development.
There are many issues that children would advocate for during election campaigns including education for all.
The importance of education is well known to everybody. It is of importance to note that quality education at an affordable price is paramount to the development of children.
Different international declarations on the rights of children have clearly stipulated the importance of education to all societies. However, there are groups of children who are not studying because of different reasons.
These groups include girls who are forced into early marriages, children from poor families, orphans, disabled children and those who are mentally disturbed.
Leaders have the responsibility of looking for solutions to ensure that these groups of children are taken to school.
Health services are one of the vital requirements to children’s rights to life. Every child has a right to better health services, prevention, nutrition, safe and clean water.
Thanks to the government policy which provided for free medical services to children under five years old.
However, a five year old child is still very young, the government could also think of increasing the age to at least ten years old.
Despite the fact that the government provides for free medical services to that age, there are no medicines in the hospitals. Parents are forced to incur the expenses.
Transport problems to and from school is the problem that the leaders need to look into it.
The problem of transport for students especially in urban areas has been chronic and to date there is no solution. There are incidences when the bus conductors beat students simply because they have boarded the bus.
A permanent solution to student transport problems would be the biggest relief to students because the problem affects their performance in schools.
The problem must not be left to the private sector alone because they are interested in making money not about the welfare of the children, i.e. safe and reliable transport. The government must also chip in and help find a solution to the student transport problem.
Child labour is another issue that needs to be checked because it denies children’s rights to education, good health, time to rest and parental love.
The children are forced into child labour in order to contribute to family income or in order to get basic needs such as food, clothing, and school fees.
There is need to stop child labour and put stern measures against the culprits especially those who employ children in mining and big plantations.
Children should also be educated on the effect of HIV/Aids, the disease that has greatly ruined children’s lives. The scourge has orphaned many children.
Counseling, medical services and food should be offered to children infected with the disease.
With the ever increasing rate of orphans in the country more orphanage centres need to be established with support from different stakeholders.
Government alone cannot manage because the number is too big.
Children are at different stages of growth hence need protection against bad things that can affect children’s rights. Children need to be protected against rape, sodomy as well as female genital mutilation.
Sports are crucial for proper growth of children and therefore it is important that there are open areas that are left for sports.
The issue of sports is not only important at home but also at school where they need different competitions.
Sports is vital for refreshing the minds of the children after a long day’s work.
Children have rights to contribute to different topics in society.
It is important to consult children on matters concerning them.
It’s encouraging that the Fourth Phase government has started the job by advocating for children’s right to education.
President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Prime Minister Edward Lowassa are taking steps to sensitize other leaders on the importance of sending children to school.
The President has also ordered that children living under difficult conditions should not be left to the NGO alone but the Ministry of Community Development Gender and Children should spearhead the process of assisting these children.
According to him it seems nobody is responsible for children who are seen begging in the streets and that they must be moved out of the street.
’If these children are be left in the streets they will never go to school hence they will live under difficult conditions for the rest of their lives,’ he said.
Therefore although children are not voters, they are part of society and have rights to important social services.
Children are watching the leaders to see if they care about their plight or not. Please consider children’s rights!
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