The young people’s gala held on 10th Dec
2013 in Entebbe in commemoration of the International human rights day proved
to the public that all children are capable of expressing their views; and the
small children who face difficulties in articulating their views through speech
can be encouraged to do so through art, poetry, play, writing, or singing. The
poem below titled ‘INCLUSION AND
THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC LIFE’ compiled and presented by Kitende Church of
Uganda Primary School children with guidance from HUYSLINCI and support from
IDF caused impassioned arguments about the appropriate degree of child
participation. This poem was derived from
Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC).
*****
Hey Ugandans, Politicians, Educationists, Environmentalists,
Religious leaders and Health workers.
*****
Here we are,
Children;
Reminding you of our
Rights,
We are also Human
beings,
Who should be
considered.
We are the future
leaders of tomorrow.
*****
Allow us to
participate in public life,
Don’t forget us,
small as we are
We can do something
for the Nation,
We can make
suggestions if you give us chance.
*****
Don’t forget us in
the time of elections,
We can also elect
Presidents, Members of Parliament, Mayors,
LCs, name it.
*****
Hey Educationists,
hear this,
Why do you leave us
behind when making the syllabi?
Include us please,
for we are the ones who are going to study
What is being layed.
*****
Thanks to the Religious
leaders.
They allow us to
participate in the services,
By lifting God in
praises and preaching the gospel.
*****
Hullo LC 1
Include us in
judgment of cases,
Especially those ones
of our fellow children,
You at times judge
them unfairly,
Involve us in order
to save them.
*****
As if it is not
enough, teachers forget us when budgeting for UPE funds.
The is a reminder,
that is our money,
We should suggest
what to be bought, not forgetting balls,
Musical instruments
like drums and pianos.
*****
In conclusion
therefore,
We urge all Ugandans,
To revise their
systems of forgetting us Children in participating in Public Life,
For God and My
Country
