Children don’t discriminate but they always find a safe place to be – Bosco, Uganda
Discrimination can be something that can affect us all at any point of our lives, whether it’s because of our gender, our skin colour, our age or even our religious beliefs.
This month, in the July inequality debate chosen by children living on the streets of Jinja, Uganda, the children raised the thought-provoking question; “How can we create a society without discrimination?” The question asked is something which the children felt they and others all over the world could easily relate to.
The children living on the streets of Jinja have experienced discrimination of various forms first hand… and so the views they present in the debate reflect their personal experiences.
The themes that became central to the debate were focussed around religion, family, the law and education.
Religion: ‘Discrimination cannot end because people favour their own fellow country men, tribe, race, religion’–Ibra, Uganda.
The general consensus through the debate was that although discrimination occurs it can be tackled, if people have a culture of listening and teamwork with one another. Ibra concludes that the way in which we can overcome discrimination is by ‘By respecting everyones norms and values’ .
Law: ‘Let us try to put those people practicing discrimination away someone on an island so they dont disturb the rest of us. That is my idea’- Destiny, Uganda.
The debaters all over the world shared similar views that discrimination should be addressed by the law and seen as a crime. But what the punishment should be for that crime did differ – from one month’s imprisonment, to life imprisonment or even death.
Family: In families if we can have ideas of equal sharing among children then we can end discrimination – David, Uganda.
Many of the children shared views that favouritism occurs in the family which is a factor as to why children end up on the streets in Uganda.
Education: We should show society that discrimination is bad. – Haruna
Charlotte from the UK made the point that we should address discrimination starting with our education system. There was agreement that education was an important tool to overcome discrimination, though we also have to be careful who is in charge of delivering this educaiton.
The participants from all over the world made comments about the need to raise awareness about discrimination. They commented that teaching people in society the outcomes of discrimination and also using the media and TV shows to raise awareness will educate people on this matter, and could help overcome discrimination.
Many interesting points were raised during the debate and I recommend you go and read them all for yourself. the general consensus showed that people remain positive discrimination can be tackled and that discrimination is wrong.
The inequality quesiton project helps children on the streets to have their voice heard and engage in meaningful conversation around some of the key topical issues of our society. They would love to hear from as many people as possible. So please consider getting involved in next month’s debate!
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