BY MATHIUS KAHUNGU
School going children in Kasese district have expressed concern over the manner in which their counterparts are being subjected to violence, hence resulting into the increasing cases of school dropouts.
The learners sounded their concern yesterday afternoon in an exclusive interview our reporter shortly their debate that was held at Kacungiro Primary School in Munkunyu sub-county, Bukonzo County East under the theme, “Violence Against Children is Responsible for High Rates of School Dropouts.”
Mary Kabugho, a primary seven pupil and Provia Biira, a primary six pupil at Kacungiro Primary School revealed that some caregivers including parents and teachers sometimes infringe on the rights of children through abusing them sexually.
According to them, failure to provide them with the basic necessities as well as giving them heavy punishments demoralize them thus cutting their academic journey short.
However, Cosmas Masereka and Edwin Bwambale Dimo, both primary six learners from the same school had mixed reactions about the possible causes of school dropouts.
They argued that some learners drop out of schools after joining bad peer groups and developing the desire to have quick money among other reasons.
Ms Jackline Akong, a Gender Trainer for Justice Livelihood’s Health, appealed to the children to always open up fully and report cases of Gender Based Violence meted on them.
ENDS