National Strategy and Plan of Action on Violence Against Children in Schools (2015-2020)

Abstract

Access to education is one of the fundamental rights of every child which should be delivered in a conducive and safe learning environment. With the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and the Universal Secondary Education (USE), the Government of Uganda has greatly improved primary and secondary school enrolment for both girls and boys including those with disabilities. For these programmes to be effective, children need to access quality education in a violence free learning environment. However, available research shows that violence against children in schools is widespread and occurs in almost all settings. Violence against children in schools has had adverse effects to children including undermining their right to access quality education, the right to be protected and the right to development among others despite Government commitments and programme interventions on violence against children. Taking concrete actions on violence against children in schools is therefore important to the attainment of the global aspirations on a violence free learning environment as well as the national objectives contained in the Vision 2040, the National Development Plan (2010/11-2014/15), the Education Sector Strategic Plan (2004-2015) and the Government of Uganda -UNICEF Country Programme Action Plan (2010-2014). in schools.