World Vision petitioned to increase education programmes for children with disabilities

By Flavia Lanyero

Children attending the World Vision Africa forum have petitioned the World Vision International board to increase programmes to support education for children with disabilities.  

The children also petitioned the board to devise programmes for parents on parenting. The children argued that child growth and survival is premised on the care and love provided to them by their parents.

“Parental care and love is a very important need for a child because a parent cannot provide for a child unless they love them,” 14 year old Clever Peter Barigye from Mpigi said.

The children further petitioned World Vision to: “extend sponsorship programmes for very needy children even in secondary schools.”

The Africa Forum, hosted this year by World Vision Uganda, is a meeting that brings together all National Directors in Africa to discus and share ideas on implementation of World Vision work.

World Vision is a Child focused organision whose vision is to see every child enjoy life in its fullness.

Fred Muhumuza, World Vision Uganda’s Board chair said that it is important to rebuild the foundations of children right from the family, community and nation in order for them to thrive. Fred said that in the wake of many challenges, families need to be helped to shocks like disasters, disease and conflict which can be done through child participation in all humanitarian work.

In the children’s words                                   

Clever Peter Barigye, 14 years old

“Parental care and love is a very important need for a child because a parent cannot provide for a child unless they love them. Children also need education because is a foundation for a bright future and have a good life. It is also important to have good health through good nutrition for a child to be happy.”

 Isaiah Atwebembeire, 13 years

“The basic needs for children to survive is food, clothe, shelter, medical care and we pray that children can survive torture. “

 Pauline Nankabirwa, 13 years 

“Child protection is key for child well-being to be a reality. This is because a child is free from abuse and grows up in a safe environment.”