DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS CHAPTER 2: CHILD HEADED FAMILIES Challenges ? Children in these families are not going to school as they cannot afford to pay school fees. Recommendations ? The community should assist these children. ? The government should provide free education to these children. DISCRIMINATION Challenges ? Children in the rural areas are discriminated against and left out as they do not study computers like those in the urban areas. ? Physically challenged children are discriminated against by being placed in separate schools. Recommendations ? Subjects done in schools should be similar for all children whether in the rural areas or urban areas. ? All schools should be built in a way to accommodate the physically challenged children rather than building separate schools for these children. SHORTAGE OF FOOD Challenges ? Children are walking long distances to school and would want food at school. Recommendations ? The government should provide food for children in primary schools for free. HEALTH AND WATER Challenges ? The hospitals are located far away with no professionals like doctors. ? The hospitals and clinics do not have all the drugs. ? The fees paid at the hospitals are beyond the reach of many. ? Kariba is in the region with high temperatures and there is shortage of clean water. Children are using untreated water from unprotected water sources. Recommendations ? The government should build more hospitals and clinics. ? Medication should be for free. EDUCATION Challenges ? Children in the rural areas are not doing computers and other science subjects. ? Textbooks are inadequate in the rural schools. ? Children are walking more than 8km to school. ? The roads have no bridges and during the rainy season children find it difficult to cross and sometimes fail to go to school. ? Children are sitting on the floor at school and during the winter season the cold is unbearable for children. ? Shortage of teachers. Recommendations ? All children whether in the rural areas or in towns should be able to do all subjects provided for by the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture. ? The government should provide textbooks and better furniture in schools. · “more and better schools should be built so that we do not walk long distances.” CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 55