DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS CHAPTER 2: ? Children living with HIV and AIDS require a good diet and the government must provide them with food and medication. ? School structures should accommodate the disabled and the Braille system should be available in every school so that children do not have to look for special schools which are unaffordable. ? HEALTH, WATER AND SANITATION Challenges ? Hospitals and clinics are not well resourced in terms of staff, equipment and medication. ? People are charged fees for treatment at clinics. ? Children are being affected by religious practices which do not allow immunization. Recommendations ? Ministry of Health and Social Services Department should provide more resources for rural hospitals and clinics. ? Treatment should be for free to all children. ? Immunization should be emphasized and those who do not immunize children should be arrested. ? The new constitution should guarantee children's right to health. SHELTER Challenges ? Some children are staying in houses which are not conducive for habitation. Recommendations ·“A safe environment is our basic right.” EDUCATION Challenges ? Children are affected by shortage of schools as they walk long distances to school. ? Children are failing to write examinations due to high examination fees. ? In primary schools, some teachers are good at one subject yet they are teaching more than six subjects. ? Teachers' strikes are affecting children. ? Children are being expelled from lessons after failing to pay school fees. ? There is no adequate furniture in schools. Recommendations ? The government should build more schools in rural areas as many children walk miles to school. ? ZIMSEC should charge affordable examination fees. ? Primary schools should have special teachers for each subject like what is happening in secondary schools. ? Teachers' salaries should be increased so that teachers can work without disturbances and strikes. ? There must be a law that forbids school authorities from dismissing children or refusing them admission into the school premises for not paying the fees. ? The government and School Development Committees should source furniture for schools. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Challenges ? Some teachers employ corporal punishment to settle personal differences with a child. ? Corporal punishment is harmful to children. Recommendations ? Teachers should desist from beating children in the name of the word discipline. ? Excessive beating should be stopped especially in schools. ? Corporal punishment is abusive and it affects children negatively and it must end. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 25