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"id": 239731,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/239731/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. ole Metito",
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"speaker": {
"id": 199,
"legal_name": "Judah Katoo Ole-Metito",
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"content": "When I speak about orphans, I mean children who are orphaned either by the HIV/AIDS or other causes because an orphan is an orphan. Education is the key to empowering orphans. It lays the foundation for economic empowerment and redress to gender inequalities. Education is the key to the leadership of any country. Orphans are often stigmatized and discriminated against in their families and communities. Therefore, they require the Government intervention, especially in education. It is very difficult for orphans who lack access to education and other services to become productive members in the society. Education constitutes an effective way to fight poverty, eliminate disease and promote democracy and development. Therefore, education is one of the valuable ways in which vulnerable children can escape the cycle of disease, disadvantaged living and poverty, and allow them to August 2, 2006 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 2539 pursue a productive and safe future. Eduction improves the lives of children and the future of communities while also reducing the yearly financial burden on the poor and orphaned families. It has a vital role in safeguarding these children against exploitation, especially that of a sexual nature and also hazardous labour. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the second goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is to provide universal education for all. In 2003, Kenya introduced the Free Primary Education Programme (FPEP). It attracted an influx of over one million children to primary schools, from 5.9 million in 2002 to 7.2 million in 2003, including adults. A number of African countries that include Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Lesotho, Cameroon, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Burundi have also recorded similar dramatic enrolment following the elimination of school fees. This influx of previously unaccounted for and unexpected children in the schools system explains how poor and vulnerable children are left behind and forced out of the education system due to lack of school fees. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the implementation of free primary education in many countries has rescued the poor and vulnerable children who could not afford the cost of primary education. However, secondary education continues to be bedeviled by high cost, poverty and the negative effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, among other factors. Consequently, poor and disadvantaged children continue to record high drop-out rates at the secondary level due to lack of fees and other levies. This is expected to worsen as the primary level continues to register increased enrolment and low transition rates to secondary education. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is important to note that while it is appreciated that the Government has taken measures and reforms to address challenges related to access to education, a concerted effort and commitment must be made to rescue those children who are least able to enjoy their rights; if the goal of education for all by the year 2015 is to be realised, in accordance with the international community's commitment and obligation, as agreed in the World Conference on Education for All in Thailand in 1990 and also in Dakar, Senegal, in 2000. This was also re-affirmed at the Millennium Summit in 2000, in order to expand access and make education affordable. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the FPEP has caused an influx of more children in primary schools, as I have stated. Extending this programme to secondary level for less privileged children and orphans is absolutely necessary. This will give these children hope for the future and a way out of poverty. Education is the gift we can give to orphaned children if we have to exploit their potential. Otherwise, the country risks becoming a nation of primary school drop-outs. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the constituency bursary funds which are being disbursed to schools are not only inadequate, but their utilization, at the moment, is in question. In any case, even if the funds are limited special attention must be given to the HIV/AIDS orphans and other orphans through fees waivers for secondary education. As I conclude, I would like to say that, indeed, the World AIDS Orphans Day in 2005 drew attention of the world to the urgent need for ensuring that orphans have access to schools by abolishing the fees that millions of those children are required to pay in order to secure access to education at all levels and prevent them from dropping out of school in early ages. With those few remarks, I beg to move and ask Mr. C. Kilonzo to second."
}