Parents Tasked To listen To Children

As the rest of the world joined hands to commemorate the  African child last week, parents are reminded of listening to their children.

The reminder, has been made by a one Edna Mawata, a sponsorship program officer at S.O.S village Fort Portal, who has appealed to children care takers and parents at large, to pay attention to their children’s voice.

 She notes, that parents have time and again taken children’s view for granted, which has negatively affected the little ones’ esteem.

 

According to Mawata, parents need to respect the vulnerability of children, and do away with expecting the young to act or think like adults.

She adds, that in many cases young boy children have been left unattended to, with a notion of ‘He is a man, he will figure it out’, without caretakers reconsidering the immediate impact such a mindset can impose on a child.

Her argument, corresponds to the theme of Day of African child (DAC) 2022 theme of ‘Eliminating harmful practices affecting children: Progress on policy and practice since 2013’. as selected by the African Committee, established under Article 33 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the child.

Due to her much attachment to children by virtue of her duty, she says that children are victims of circumstances beyond their own making like rigid cultures which assume automatic boldness and maturity from children.

Mean while, as a community, the twelve homed S.O.S orphanage took DAC recognition to a home level where every mother addressed her family on its effectiveness to their dear children.

The home heads, not only took time to listen to their children’s views on the day, but also appreciated creativity by some of their children who composed songs and poems about the day.

The Butebe based home, has previously succeeded in bringing up adopted children in different cultures country wide, and believes that peace comes around with a happy child.

S.O.S village aim, is to alleviate hardship and maintain family stability so that children will be safe and protected as they grow up in a loving home.

The SOS Social Centre in Fort Portal, ensures that children have access to essential health and nutritional services, as well as education.

They assist parents by providing guidance on income-generating skills and parenting practices, as well as counselling and psychological support where needed. In cooperation with local organizations,

The village, also work towards strengthening support systems for vulnerable families within the community.

According to Mawata, the mothers to the 12 homes in their community, have a right to participate in decisions of schools where their can  children suitably go.

Their children attend schools around Fort Portal, like any other children. Some of the Schools include Banyatereza primary school, St. Charles Lwanga among others.

The administrator, notes that the staff carefully traces for the original religion of their adopted child, and ensures maintenance of that religion.

Currently, the S.O.S family caters for Anglicans, Catholics, Moslems among others.