DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS CHAPTER 2: CHILD HEADED FAMILIES Challenges ? Child headed families are on the rise nowadays due to the HIV (Human Immune Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) pandemic and the migration of most parents to other countries in search of jobs. Recommendations ? Parents should stop leaving children without an adult attending to them. The government should take steps to protect children living alone so that they get basic needs such as shelter and food for survival. ? Schools and hospitals should provide them with free services. The DSS and Non- Governmental Organisations must prioritise them. DISCRIMINATION Challenges ? The bright students play together and exclude the slow learners at school. Those who are disabled are also discriminated against whilst children who have all they need feel superior over the other children. ? In communities children are excluded from activities on the grounds that they are immature and cannot contribute anything meaningful Recommendations ? Local structures should include children where possible and also listen to their views especially on issues that affect them. ? Parents must love their children equally regardless of sex and ability. ? Full participation of children in the constitution making process must be recognized as important. ? All children should have equal opportunities. SHORTAGE OF FOOD Challenges ? Food shortages affect children's health and proper growth. Recommendations ? School feeding schemes should also be introduced in urban areas as the children are also affected by food shortages. ? Parents and guardians should ensure that children get balanced diets. HEALTH, WATER AND SANITATION Challenges ? Chitungwiza is popular for burst sewer pipes and a dirty environment which is a health hazard. ? Some religions deny children access to immunization and medication. Recommendations ? Government should force churches to allow children to get medication. ? The environment that children live in must be clean. ? Local clinics and hospitals must have special units with all facilities to treat children. OVCs and children below 16 years must be treated for free. ? Boreholes should be sunk in all schools and at community centers. SHELTER Challenges ? Children living in the streets have no shelter and some children are living in overpopulated areas with dilapidated houses. Recommendations ? The government and NGOs should build children's homes for children in the streets, those without parents and guardians and those who are abused. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 8