DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS 2.8. DISTRICT: PROVINCE: VENUE: DATE: PARTICIPANTS: CHAPTER 2: MZILIKAZI DISTRICT BULAWAYO PROVINCE SIGOMBE PRIMARY SCHOOL 21 JUNE 2010 187 CHILDREN (98 GIRLS AND 89 BOYS) CHALLENGES AND RECOMENDATIONS BIRTH REGISTRATION Challenges ? Corruption at the Registrar General's (RG) offices hinders the progress of children in getting birth certificates. ? Requirements at the RG's office prevent orphans in accessing birth certificates as some relatives are discouraged with these requirements. ? The RG's offices are far which poses the problems of traveling expenses to the people. ··“It is my right to have a birth certificate .” Recommendations ? Those corrupt officers should be arrested. ? Registration offices should be localized. ? Orphans must get birth certificates on their own if relatives are not cooperating. ? Parents should be encouraged to get birth certificates for their children soon after birth. CHILD HEADED FAMILIES Challenges ? These children are young to manage a home and are prone to abuse. ? The communities do not assist these children hence they become destitute and move to the streets. Recommendations ? The government must build orphanage homes where these children can be cared for. ? The community must take care of the orphans. DISCRIMINATION Challenges ? Boys are treated differently from girls and vice versa. ? Albino children are discriminated against and neglected. ? Taking physically challenged children to separate schools is discriminatory. “disability is not inability.” Recommendations ? Children, including albinos, should be treated fairly, equally and as human beings. ? There should not be separate schools for the physically challenged children. Every school should accommodate them. SHORTAGE OF FOOD Challenges ? The cost of food is high in the shops. ? Children are getting hungry at school as they spend the day doing sports. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 22