DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS 2.7. DISTRICT: PROVINCE: VENUE: DATE: PARTICIPANTS: CHAPTER 2: KHAMI DISTRICT BULAWAYO PROVINCE MAZWI PRIMARY SCHOOL 2I JUNE 2010 132 CHILDREN (63 GIRLS AND 69 BOYS) CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS BIRTH REGISTRATION Challenges ? Children without birth certificates are failing to enroll at schools of their choice and participate in sporting activities. Recommendations ? The government should financially assist every child to acquire a birth certificate so that they will not fail to go to school and participate in sporting activities. CHILD HEADED FAMILIES Challenges ? Children in child headed families are affected by lack of shelter since they have no one to provide for them. Recommendations ? The government and the Ministry of Social Services should provide orphans and children living in the streets with housing. DISCRIMINATION Challenges ? Children are discriminated against during sporting activities at school. The physically challenged and the poor are usually left out. Recommendations ? Every child should be given an opportunity to participate in any activity regardless of their status in society. HEALTH Challenges ? High fees are being charged for medical treatment. ? There is a shortage of medical staff in the hospitals and clinics. Recommendations ? The government should pay the nurses so that they will always be available to attend to the sick. ? Medical drugs should be for free. ? There is need for provision of more health workers. ? Every child should be immunized. EDUCATION Challenges ? Children are forced to study either Shona or Ndebele depending on the location of the school. For instance, schools in Matebeleland region insists on students learning Ndebele and those in Mashonaland region teach Shona. ? The strike by teachers due to poor working conditions has affected children in their studies. ? Most parents cannot afford the high fees and requirements for school uniforms and books. Recommendations ? Children must be taught in languages they understand at any school. Minority languages should be considered in the education sector. ? Teachers should be paid well so that they will not strike. ? Education should be free such that every child will be in school or at least the government should finance for the education of orphans. ? The government should provide textbooks and writing books in schools. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 20