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By Timothy Eodu-Moroto
Nadunget Town Council in Moroto district in partnership with KAWUO, Mercy Corps and others is using change makers, girls and young women groups to sensitize communities about the dangers of early marriages, child labour among other challenges that are faced by mainly the girl child.
While addressing the gathering at Nadunget market today, Israel Lowal the community development officer for Nadunget Town Council stated that as schools are soon opening, many parents tend to keep their children at home, force them into marriage and or use them to do home chores and as a result, they fail to return to school.
Mr. Lowal added that by using drama groups of peers like the young girls and change makers, this can help parents to learn from the young people and in return, make informed decisions about the future of their children, especially the girls.
The head teacher Nadunget Primary School Mr. Richard Etau said this format of engagement creates a lot of impact because the acts communicate directly to revelers. He said the main purpose of this back to school campaign is to rally parents and their children to enroll back to school but also increase enrollment.
He encouraged the change agents, girls and young women to continue using their acting talents to transform their societies.
Simon Lonya a representative from Mercy Corps stated that they are working closely with girls and male change agents to influence change in the communities because some of them have gone to school and others have experienced the challenges which hinder their progress in education. Lonya said all children have a right to education, health care among others.
The wabibi representative Mrs. Charlotte Okumu said in most areas in the region, girls are affected due to menstruation, which makes them not attend school. She called upon parents to support their girl children stay and complete school by providing them with pads whenever they may need them.
Okumu says they are partnering with the sub counties and schools in Moroto district to sensitise the communities around them and also provide support to the girls.
Irene Nakong, the president Karamoja She leads Alliance-KASLEGA mentioned that through acting dramas, they intend to sensitize the communities by showing them exactly what happens in the various problems the young people, especially girls are going through.
Solomon Erisu, the OC CID Nadunget said this go back to school campaign is very important in such a way that it reduces the crime rates in the communities and also enlightens parents on the roles that they are supposed to play in educating and taking care of their children.
