The impact of child labour on education in Makindye Division Kampala District

Abstract

The study centred on the impact of child labour on education in Makindye as a case study, it was guided by three objectives which included, to examine the causes of child labour in Makindye division, Kampala district. To examine the impact of child labour on education in Makindye division, Kampala district. To find the solutions to the causes of child labour in Makindye division Kampala district. Both qualitative and quantitative data techniques of research were used during the study and these included; interviews, questionnaires, photography and observation methods. Interviews were held with selected staff from the selected schools. The information collected was organized according to five chapters in order to make meaningful presentations and discussions, conclusions and recommendations. The study findings revealed that child labour has several causes such as Physical and mental attributes, Socioeconomic Aspects, Family Characteristics, Single Parenthood, Community Factors, and Political Factors. The study further revealed several impacts of child labour on education such as such as increased school dropouts, exploitation of children and increased levels of poverty among the population. Children involved in child labour are mentally, physically, socially and morally affected. . The study also came up with several solutions to the causes of child labour such as: Encouraging education for children, more sensitization on child labour to political leaders. Institutional reforms ensure that we have peace amongst families, communities should sensitize the people. Preventive measures, community should report any suspicious cases of child labour to the nearest police station. Provision of alternative livelihood to poor families, involvement and retention of children in schools, Sensitization of the community and informal sector, strengthening laws on child labour; ensure national labour identification to all employers in the country. Strict laws, the education system should be expanded to include human rights and child rights curricular. The government should engage more in policy development, law reform and planning/budget discussion at all levels to help reduce on the rate of children working, educate the population on the dangers of child labour. The study concluded that child labour is the modern day slavery and it targets children who have lost their parents and relatives, those out of school, those hardest hit by poverty and those that mainly live in abusive family environments.