By Sabir Musa

Arua

Stakeholders have echoed the need to promote use of technology in learning and protection of children in digital environment. The Child Protection Coordinator at World Vision in Yumbe office, Job Auruku advisedss the public to ensure children are protected while using online platforms. “Whereas technology is good, there should be safeguards put in place to ensure that children’s rights are not abused by perpetrators using technology but also when children themselves have access to technology” he advices. 

He made this remark after a children’s parliament organized for students from different schools in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement to debate on protection of refugee right in digital era and provision of sustainable life, a pre-event to mark the Day of African Child 2023.

A student of Nipata Nipata Secondary School, Sharon Sarah said, technology now makes it easy to research on topics given to them at school. “It is digital technology that is conquering us, it makes work easy and without it I don’t think if our life would be good. We are able to know things which happen around the world” she explains.

The Assistant Community Services Officer at Office of the Prime Minister in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, Mariam Nakasango reveals that, effort is made to ensure easy access of information for learners as their rights are protected. “We are empowering so much our refugees to use more of internet. If they cannot access partners around, OPM and UNHCR are around, we can provide them with internet so that they can access emails or application necessary” she says.

However, Yumbe District Council Speaker, Kassim Asiku acknowledges the need to promote use of technology in service provision.“The Local Government and even with partners working here in the district, we really need to join hands to ensure the aspect of promoting digital technology” he emphasizes.
Although technology helps children in learning and access of information, several platforms have become a point of insecurity where they face bullying and many sites are not restricted, enabling them to misuse.

COVER PHOTO: The Children's Parliament Speaker and Surgent at Arm in openning of the session By Sabir Musa