KALI held an important stakeholders meeting with youth representatives, women groups representatives and some local leaders to discuss community driven approaches to prevent violence against children
and adolescents.
As part of Agenda 2030, the world’s
governments have set ambitious targets to end violence by 2030, in order to
deliver the vision of a world where all children – girls and boys alike – grow
up free from violence and exploitation.
The Global Partnership to End
Violence Against Children will support the efforts of those seeking to prevent
violence, protect childhood, and help make societies safe for children. We
therefore have a mandate to work on protection and prevention of violence
against children and adolescents.
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| Members during the stakeholders meeting at KATWE Quran P/S |
Gilbert Masereka (KALI) in his opening
remarks emphasized that we as the stakeholders need to change the way policymakers, campaigners and the public think about ending violence, winning
the argument that we should – and can –make societies safer for children by making 'the' violence free societies.
Remember a community where children face violence turns to be violent, this is on record (lets keep that for another discussion).
Prevention of Violence against
children and adolescents is
bringing together stakeholders from across the world to end all forms of violence against children, turning the
belief that no violence against
children is justifiable and all violence is preventable into a
compelling agenda for action. Let us act now.
The Community Development Officer of
Nyakiyumbu Sub County Mr. Masereka Kabughuma assured the participants that
SOVCC and CPC of Nyakiyumbu are now very active on matters concerning children
well being. That Children Protection Committee have been sensitizing in
churches and schools like Nyakasojjo, Katolhu Primary, Musyenene church of
Uganda. All these places were visited and members sensitized. He assured KALI that the sub county will put children
issues upfront in their activities.
Bukangara Twanzane Women Savings and
Credit chairperson Ms Masika Mary assured members that in the last training, we
agreed to act as ambassadors to all the members of the group. She said that all
members know about violence against children and agreed to prevent fro such. The
youth group of Musyenene also that they have composed songs on prevention of
violence against children and adolescents. In particular, Musyenene youth is a a group of motorcycle riders who have taken up the mantle of fighting against violence of children and adolescents.
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| Katwe Youth dramma group entertaining members who attended the sensitization meeting |
Katwe Tourism Information Center
showed concern on the nature of the activity they deal in. They have projects
aimed at improving and empowering women economically. They have a fridge at
their office where they invest in cold drinks during the sunny / hot period and
use that money for making baskets that in turn empower them economically. they also have salt pans where they mine as a group and profits shared amongst the member or re-invested on a resolution. Katwe
Kabatooro Youth Association have resorted to recording songs and skits that
they perform on different functions like weddings. All the above was an action
point geared to disseminating messages on prevention of violence against
children and adolescents.
We retooled these groups on
community driven approaches on prevention of Violence Against Children like mid day meal, positive disciplining, role model families, child activists, involving local government structures, radio talk shows and radio dramma.
Conclusion
We need a world that will exploit
the true potential of the children because you don’t know what the child will become in the
future, save for your future, bring up a loving and caring child who will care
for you during your old age. And for a non violent community, say no to
violence against children.
Prepared by;
MASEREKA
GILBERT
Project
Officer – VAC
