DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS CHAPTER 2: ? School teachers should observe children as they play in order to identify victims of discrimination. ? School children should not be divided into classes according to their performances as this promotes separate development. HEALTH, WATER AND SANITATION Challenges ? There are water borne and deficiency diseases and poor health standards in Gokwe. ? There is shortage of blair toilets in the area and besides they are dilapidated. ? Young children are not being immunized. Recommendations ? The government should provide health professionals. ? The government should provide clean and safe sources of water in Gokwe. ? Children must be given free health care, special care, treatment and protection. ? Government should prioritise immunization and the apostolic church members should be encouraged to immunize children. EDUCATION Challenges ? Children walk very long distances to schools which are very far away. ? There is shortage of furniture and stationery in schools. ? Children are affected by teachers' strikes. Recommendations ? Each primary school must have its own secondary school. ? Government should build more schools in rural areas so that children will not walk long distances to school. ? Government should pay teachers in order to avoid teachers' strikes. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Challenges ? Corporal punishment is no longer a way of correcting a child but an abuse. ? Children are beaten or punished by teachers for coming late to school. Recommendations ? Teachers must not beat children to the extent of hurting them. ? Children should follow school instructions and respect teachers. ? There must be an open door policy in schools where children would be free to discuss issues affecting them with their teachers and the creation of suggestion boxes so that children will be able to lodge complaints. CHILD ABUSE Challenges ? Rape is being perpetrated by very close relatives. ? There are adults who are raping children due to the false myth that this will cure them of their HIV status. ? The police sometimes do not treat the reported rape cases seriously. Recommendations ? Children must report child abuse to the police. ? There must be introduction of stiffer and harsh punishments on the offenders. ? JCT should carry out awareness campaigns in Gokwe and educate the adults on children's rights in order to deter would-be abusers. CHILD LABOUR Challenges ? Children work very hard in the morning before going to school. ? Children who stay with step parents are often used as puppets and do not have time to rest. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 51