Child labour and pupil performance in government schools, in Lwabiyata sub-county, Nakasongola district, Uganda

Abstract

This study was about child labour and pupil performance in government schools in Lwabiyata sub-county, Nakasongola District, Uganda. The study was guided by the following objectives, that are the types of child labour in Lwabiyata sub county, causes of child labour among P.7 pupils in government schools in Lwabiyata Sub County, and possible solutions to child labour among P.7 pupils in government schools in Lwabiyata Sub County.

A cross sectional survey was done and it was generally established that child labour affected the learning and education of children in Lwabiyata’s government primary schools. The high rate of child labour was mainly attributed to poverty, HIV/AIDS, low incomes, culture, weak laws, population growth, limited access to education opportunities, employment, gender, social attitudes and ignorance, irresponsible parenthood, agriculture and orphan hood. Solutions suggested to child labour included; stronger government intervention, training and awareness raising, further research and adopting a zero-tolerance for child labour. Facilitation of the Universal Primary Education Programme to be improved and stronger bye-laws should to be adopted. Child labour in absolute reality is a potential threat to children, families, communities and the entire nation at large. Child labour alerts us to the fact that it has a negative impact on pupils’ performance as many do not attend classes regularly, many lack scholastic materials and basic needs. The findings indicate that child labour in all its forms exists and is mainly targeting poverty affected people as well as the vulnerable children. The current law on protection of children and their rights needs to be emphasized. There is need to appreciate that every economy goes through various stages of economic development. Uganda being one of the least developed nations needs to start now on the recommendations given in this research by fighting child labour in order to have a promising next generation and to strategically meet the Sustainable development goals. The bottom line here being, child labour as referred to in this content is not constructive but a hindrance to socio-economic development. In conclusion therefore, it is pertinent to say that as much as there is a lot of combined effort by the stakeholders in Uganda made up of a tripartite arrangement inclusive of the government, workers and employers to fight child labour, the challenges faced are quite to realise total elimination of child labour. This is because the field of eliminating child labour is still new and not yet widely appreciated especially in developing countries especially in rural and hard to reach areas like Lwabiyata and there is therefore lack of adequate information statistically. There is also so much ignorance by the masses that may not directly interpret the consequences of child labour on the child’s feature. Also, poverty levels in LDCs remain a big challenge because with limited resources and lack of access to basic needs, child labour is seen as an opportunity and not a threat.

The study recommended that the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development should take a lead role in coordination, networking and building links at national level and setting tough laws against child labour and ensure enforcement. The District Labour Officer as a lead person should engage and undertake capacity building activities of partners at the district, especially the district council, social services, adult literacy and HIV/AIDS committees on planning committees, sub-county and community level through holding coordination meetings, training seminars on child labour in order to ensure integration in district budgets and logistical matters including data gathering and dissemination.