By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto.
Refugees in Obongi district have been urged to take on the responsibility of nurturing their children while preparing them to be productive citizens for the next generation.
Itula Sub County Local Council III chairperson, Mr. Siraji Karala Karala, made the call on celebration of the Day of African Child held in Morobi Zone II, Palorinya Refugee Settlement, Obongi District.
The event was marked under the theme “The Rights of the Child in the Digital Era”.
Mr. Karala who noted abuse of the rights of majority of African children, says mistreatment by parents was a great challenge affecting the growth and development of children.
“Many are not being sent to school by their parents because they are always in the gardens,” Siraji pointed out.
The local council chairperson expressed feeling victimized to see young children carrying 20-liter Jerry cane of water.
“My consciousness has always been disturbed to see children starving in the community,” the chairperson lamented.
He appealed to parents to support their children since they are the next generation that will stand to develop the nation.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nadoku Radia, the education secretary for Morobi Zone II resettlement camp, said they are on their toes as refugee leaders to ensure no child is left behind in education.
“We have a structure in the education system called the village education community that aims to address the education challenges at all levels in the communities,” she remarked.
However, Mr. Chris Egola, representing partners during the occasion, stressed inadequate resource envelope due to the outbreak of COVID-19 to support both the refugees and the host communities.