Child labour and its effects on the child’s right to education: A case of selected primary schools in Entebbe fishing communities (2002-2006)

Abstract

The study examined the causes and effects of child labour on the children’s right to education in Entebbe fishing communities. It was conducted at the landing sites of Kigungu and Nakiwogo. The focus of the study was on school attendance and performance of pupils in 3 selected primary schools of Nakiwogo, Kigungu and Airport view primary school.

The study utilized a case study design because it was considered suitable to study the characteristics of the Independent Variable. Using simple random sampling, a sample of 200 pupils was selected and questionnaires were distributed among pupils from the selected schools. KII, FGDs and the researcher’s observations were used to obtain the required data.

The following were the key finding of the study: Due to poverty, to survive many families have to send their children to work and not to school. Some times those who attend school have to work before going to school or after school. Children who have to work and study, turn up tired and hungry to concentrate in class which affects their performance and completion of formal education.

Lack of proper enforcement of legislation and policies, poor cultural practices, HIV/AIDS which results into Child headed families and single parent families are the main causes of child labour in Entebbe fishing communities. These factors have led to the violation of the child’s right to education because they hinder access to education and interfere with school attendance and performance.

The schools in the fishing communities are not sufficiently funded. Are of low quality and are poorly equipped both in infrastructure and professional staff to respond to the needs of affected children. Education services of good quality and relevant to the community needs is crucial to increase attendance and completion of the basic levels of education.