Children share problems before local levels: Squalid toilets to cyber abuse

Tikapur (Kailali), May 31: Local people's representatives in Kailali have been urged to prioritise policies, programmes and budget that help increase all children's access to quality education.     

Children in the district have put forth various demands before local representatives, emphasizing that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year centred concerns of indigent and troubled-hit communities where children bear multiple sufferings. Many children in such communities are even deprived of guardians.     

Binita Chaudhary wants the local levels to incorporate measurers for improving children's health and nutrition, combat child marriage, child labor and violence against through the upcoming policies and programmes.     

Another Balika BK was of the view that local levels should own up the responsibility for protecting children who are vulnerable to sexual abuse and insecurity.     

Kiran Loniya wanted the local levels to ensure that each school had library and playground facilities, and conservation of arts and culture, and leadership development among children. She also called for increased educational opportunities for girls from the Muslim community who, she argued, are vulnerable to early-marriage and early motherhood.     

Dipu Chaudhary from the Kailali rural municipality urged local governments to ensure the integration of special support programmes for children in the policies, programmes and the budget. She also voiced for the participation of children in the local-level gatherings, ward-level dialogue and discussions.     

"Schools here largely lack adequate facilities for drinking water and sanitation. School toilets are in squalid condition," she complained, seeking increased investment towards that end.     

Some children also complained of growing risks of online abuse and cyber violence against them, seeking public awareness programmes on safe internet and the appointment of female teachers as focal persons to support menstrual management.     

They were speaking at a programme organised at Bhajani here recently.     

They also highlighted challenges faced by students in schools, including an insufficient number of school vans, poorly maintained toilets and menstrual discrimination.     

The programme was jointly organized by the World Vision International Nepal and the Child Welfare Association, Tikapur.(RSS)