DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS 2.19 DISTRICT: PROVINCE: VENUE: DATE: PARTICIPANTS: CHAPTER 2: SHURUGWI DISTRICT MIDLANDS PROVINCE TONGOGARA HIGH SCHOOL 12 JULY 2010 203 CHILDREN (104 GIRLS AND 99 BOYS) CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS BIRTH REGISTRATION Challenges ? Some children do not have birth certificates because of various reasons. Some are orphans, others were born at home, while some have parents who do not have IDs and some do not know when the children were born. ? Those without birth certificates fail to acquire IDs and get jobs. Recommendations ? The government, relatives, councilors and school heads should assist children to obtain birth certificates. ? COPAC should ensure that the right to birth registration is enshrined in the constitution. CHILD HEADED FAMILIES Challenges ? Most OVCs are not going to school because they have no birth certificates. ? There are no programmes targeting OVCs in the community. Recommendations ? Birth Registration offices must be set in rural areas and OVCs must be allowed to carry out the registration process alone. ? The Social Services Department, other government ministries and UNICEF must provide fees and homes for the children. DISCRIMINATION Challenges ? Disabled children are affected by discrimination. Recommendations ? Guidance and counseling can help prevent discrimination among children. ? Government should set up schools which suit the disabled children. HEALTH, WATER AND SANITATION Challenges ? Poor sanitation in schools and homes is adversely affecting children. Recommendations ? Government must improve the standards of toilets in rural areas. ? Hygiene in school and at home must be emphasized. EDUCATION Challenges ? Parents cannot afford the high school fees. ? Children do not have uniforms and other school requirements like stationery. ? There are no adequate teaching and learning materials in the schools. ? Children walk long distances to and from schools. ? The teachers are demotivated due to poor working conditions. ? Most schools have unqualified teachers. ? OVCs are more affected by this state of affairs. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 48