DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS CHAPTER 2: GOVERNANCE Challenges ? Children are being affected by politics and political violence. ? There is no electricity in rural areas because funds are corruptly diverted by politicians. Recommendations ? Children must not be involved in political activities because they do not vote. ? Rural electrification must proceed and funds must not be diverted. ·“Children's rights are human rights.” 2.20 DISTRICT: PROVINCE: VENUE: DATE: PARTICIPANTS: GOKWE DISTRICT MIDLANDS PROVINCE NJELELE HIGH SCHOOL 13 JULY 2010 167 CHILDREN (86 GIRLS AND 81 BOYS) CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS BIRTH REGISTRATION Challenges ? Parents' reluctance, poverty and lack of knowledge on the importance of birth registration are the causes of non registration. ? Children without birth certificates are failing to write examinations. Recommendations ? The public must be educated on the importance of birth registration. ? Hospitals must issue birth certificates at the time of birth. ? Birth registration should be for free or where fees are paid they must be affordable. CHILD HEADED FAMILIES Challenges ? Child headed families are rampant in Gokwe due to HIV and AIDS. Recommendations ? The social services department, relatives, members of the community, churches and NGOs who deal with children should commit themselves to protecting children within child headed households. ? Churches should help to uplift the plight of the children within child headed households. DISCRIMINATION Challenges ? Children from rich families do not associate with those children from poor families. ? The disabled and albino children are often isolated and discriminated. Recommendations ·“Guidance and counselling must be taken seriously and the government should provide schools which suit the disabled children or the existing schools should adequately provide for the disabled children.” CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 50