DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS CHAPTER 2: CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Challenges ? Teachers are beating children even if they are not feeling well with named wooden sticks that are kept in the classrooms. ? Children themselves are beating each other. Prefects have the powers to beat children at school. ? Children living with step parents are the most affected as they are beaten for no cause at all. Recommendations ? Corporal punishment is not child friendly hence teachers, parents and step parents should not beat children with any weapon. Corporal punishment should be banned in schools and parents should exercise it only when necessary. CHILD ABUSE Challenges ? Children are suffering from emotional and psychological abuse perpetrated by parents and teachers. Adults scold children in a way that makes them suicidal. Some are insulted and reminded of their late parents. This affects their performance at school. Some parents are not aware of the effects of abuse. Recommendations ? Parents should be sensitized of the effects of child abuse. ? Verbal abuse should stop and parents should treat children as human beings not morons. The environment at home should be peaceful and friendly. Orphans should not be consistently reminded of their late parents. CHILD LABOUR Challenges ? Orphans are working long hours in order to make a living. Recommendations ? Forced labour to orphans should be stopped and every child has a right to rest. ? Where children are given work, the work should be limited taking into account their age. ? Those forcing children to work should be arrested. PROTECTION BY THE LAW Challenges ? The police are failing children by not handling their reported cases as expected. Sexual abusers are not arrested after the cases have been reported. Recommendations ? The police should be sensitive to cases involving children. ? The law itself should protect children adequately and provide for harsher sentences for those who break the law. RELIGION Challenges ? Children are being forced to go to churches that violate their rights through practices like early child marriages. Recommendations ? Children must not be forced to go to churches which violate their rights. ? Children should exercise their right to choose a religion they want. ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION Challenges ? There are no recreational facilities in Lupane denying children their right to play and leisure. ? Parents deny children their right to play by stopping them from playing with other children. Recommendation ? Children should be allowed to go for sports. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 30