CHAPTER DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS 2: EDUCATION Challenges ? There is a shortage of teachers which is sometimes addressed by having too many unqualified teachers. ? The examination fees are high. ? There is also a shortage of learning materials and furniture which has contributed to hot sitting. ? There is poor career guidance. ? Children are being sent away from school for failure to pay school fees. Recommendations ? Children should not be victims of their parent's poverty and the government should ensure free primary education whilst secondary schools are made affordable. National examinations must be free. ? Students should not be taught by untrained teachers. All schools must have qualified teachers who must be adequately paid in time to avoid strikes. ? Students should have the right to be taught in a language of their choice. There must be proper career guidance in schools. ? All schools should have libraries and computers. ? Hot sitting should be abolished as it is not conducive for learning. ? All secondary schools must have Advanced Level classes and the government should provide loans after A' Level so that students receive tertiary education. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Challenges ? Teachers are using weapons not recommended for beating children. Recommendations ? Children must have the right not to be beaten by teachers. Beating of children in schools should be banned in the new constitution. CHILD ABUSE Challenges ? Early child marriages, forced marriages and sexual abuse by parents are common. Recommendations ·“As children we are like an egg and need proper care. Failure to do so means we have no hope in future like an egg if it breaks there is no repair. So as children if we don't have proper care our lives will be miserable and this causes some of us to become thieves, street kids, prostitutes because our life has been broken.” ? Children should be protected from traditional practices such as child pledging. ? Children abusing other children e.g. bullying in schools should not be tolerated. GOVERNANCE Challenges ? During times of high political activity children cannot freely walk in the streets to and from school. ? Lack of democracy in the country. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 9