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{
    "id": 443372,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/443372/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 197,
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    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, even for the boys I know that the issue of cattle rustling is a problem in these areas. The longer we keep the boys in school, for example, for the whole term so that they are not influenced by their colleagues or age-mates at home, then we will help them realize that these cultural practices do not have any benefit and should continue with their education. Regarding drought, I know that right now in these areas there is intense drought and famine. Whenever there is famine families have to move. So, children are taken out of school so that they can go and herd the animals. We should secure them in boarding schools so that they can only come home during the holidays thus enabling them to access education without interruption because of other natural issues. That is why it is important that we look at the school feeding programmes in our schools. It is important that we have them because it is also an incentive to those parents, especially during drought. So, when children stay in school they will access food and other basic needs. Regarding the issue of distance and vastness of the area, children have to walk for long distances and yet we know that security is an issue in those regions. We have wildlife in those areas and this endangers the lives of children going to school. You can imagine children going to school very early at 5.00 a.m. and elephants and other animals are on the road. We know we have lost many children through wildlife attacks, but if they could be in boarding schools, they would be safe. This insecurity situation leads to the children going to school much later at the age of 11 years when they now know the patterns of wildlife. When this happens, their education will not be at par with those of children from other areas. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, regarding the issue of conflicts, children are the most affected. When communities fight these children are mostly affected. We have seen them losing their lives during attacks. We have seen children bearing the greatest brunt of the conflict. It is important that we safeguard them by keeping them in schools. This is something which is doable. We had the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) where each region had a model school of certain standards. I think we can still do what Sen. Halima is urging the Government, which is that we just establish boarding schools. We can start with two or three in key areas. The ones that are available are congested. Therefore, they should be expanded. So, I know that it is something which is doable and I think just the same way we have been insisting on the Level 5 hospitals, maybe this is something that we can also do. Education, health and shelter are the basics that the mwanachi really wants to get. So, as we also do Level 5 hospitals, this is something that we can also do. I know that will improve the quality of life and of education for our children. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I would also like to echo what Sen. Musila has been saying and he is very passionate about; the issue of waiving the fees balances for those children who need to get their leaving certificates or certificates of higher education. Let me say that these areas are more affected; going through education is a struggle because of the challenges they face due to the type of livelihood and how they struggle to access education. It is important that those certificates are released to them so that they can pursue their education. Some of them really pass their exams and you might wonder how they manage to get “As” considering the circumstances that surround them. So, that we The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}