In a significant stride towards addressing child hunger and malnutrition, World Vision Uganda, in partnership with the Joining Forces Coalition, held the National Children’s Parliament on July 26, 2024, at the Uganda Parliament Conference Hall. This initiative is designed to create a platform for children to voice their concerns and engage with key decision-makers on issues affecting their well-being, particularly hunger and malnutrition.
The event was graced by Paul Mwirichia, Director Response and Acting National Director of World Vision Uganda. In his address, Mwirichia emphasized the importance of giving children a forum to express their views on matters impacting their lives. “There is no better voice than the voice of children articulated by themselves. The National Children’s Parliament is therefore an extended opportunity for children to harness and engage with key decision-makers in torching light on issues that affect them beyond the informal spaces of engagement. In line with our mandate to ensure life in all its fullness for the most vulnerable children, World Vision continues to facilitate children with programs and initiatives that champion progress and better living, and today’s children’s parliament is one of them,” he stated.
The primary focus of the initiative is to address critical issues such as the provision of consistent school meals, malnutrition, and child hunger. These are persistent challenges that significantly impact the health and development of children in Uganda. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, Uganda possesses fertile agricultural land capable of feeding 200 million people. Despite 80% of the land being arable, only 35% is currently under cultivation. This disparity highlights the potential for improving food security and nutrition for the nation’s children.
Mwirichia also highlighted World Vision’s recent campaign, “ENOUGH,” aimed at ending child hunger in Uganda and across the continent. “The National Children’s Parliament is an extended platform where all stakeholders can join hands, listen to the views of the children, and together table the best way forward in impacting children’s lives positively for today and the generations to come. Through the ENOUGH drive, we aim at impacting over 5 million people across our areas of operation,” he added.
Justus Rugambwa, the Coordinator of the Joining Forces Coalition, echoed the sentiment of involving children in discussions and decisions affecting them. “At Joining Forces Coalition, we aim at securing the rights of children by supporting children’s safe and meaningful participation at local, national, regional, and global levels. As depicted today, enforcing the right of children to be heard is a reality that we appreciate and believe will promote collective child participation, involvement in issues that affect them, and influence key decisions that will promote improved children’s well-being in the long run,” Rugambwa concluded.
The National Children’s Parliament seeks to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including key government officials, legislators, representatives from NGOs, civil society organizations, educators, parents, and the general public. The goal is to foster a collaborative approach to addressing the issues of hunger and malnutrition among children, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but also acted upon.
The event featured passionate discussions, with children articulating their experiences and challenges regarding food insecurity and malnutrition. Their testimonies underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions to these pressing issues. The presence of key decision-makers provided a unique opportunity for direct engagement, allowing children to present their perspectives and propose actionable solutions.
World Vision Uganda and the Joining Forces Coalition remain committed to their mission of advocating for children’s rights and well-being. By providing platforms such as the National Children’s Parliament, they aim to empower children to actively participate in shaping policies and initiatives that directly impact their lives. This approach aligns with the broader objective of creating a society where children can thrive, free from the shackles of hunger and malnutrition.
In conclusion, the National Children’s Parliament held at the Uganda Parliament Conference Hall marks a pivotal step towards amplifying the voices of children in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. The collaboration between World Vision Uganda and the Joining Forces Coalition demonstrates a shared commitment to securing a better future for the nation’s children. Through continued advocacy, engagement, and practical interventions, they aspire to create lasting change that will benefit generations to come.
