How parents can instil family values

May 27, 2019

There is no time for interaction with the children. Therefore, parents are unable to pass on lifelong skills and values to their children

Family is key in shaping a child's values from a tender age, which they later retain in life

A child can be born with HIV or can contract the virus later in life. Juliana Naumo Akoryo, the commissioner for culture and family affairs at the gender ministry, says while family is key in shaping a child, most families are no longer playing their role. "Between the ages of one and three, a child captures at least 75% of the information and values, which will be retained when he or she grows up," Akoryo says.

The gender minister, Janat Mukwaya, says the youth constitute the largest proportion of Uganda's population. Uganda has a young population, with about 57% of the population being below the age of 18. She adds that the youthful population presents a great opportunity and resource for Uganda's development and socio-economic transformation.

Absence of parents

Through community dialogues, that started in 2016, in places like markets and places of worship, carried out by the gender ministry, children attribute their problems to the absence of parents, Akoryo says. She says some parents wake up as early as 4:00am to prepare their children for school and then later return home late in the night. "There is no time for interaction with the children. Therefore, parents are unable to pass on lifelong skills and values to their children," Akoryo says.

Effects of globalisation

According to the gender ministry, globalisation has enhanced the free movement of people, goods and information. Uganda, being part of the global village, is experiencing the impact of this trend. The ministry says over the years, globalisation has led to proliferation of uncensored information, which has exposed youth to contemporary practices, some of which are averse to Uganda's culture.

They have adopted negative foreign cultures. Since there is already a problem of inadequate transfer of indigenous knowledge, positive values and norms, from elder to the younger generation, the youth have been easily influenced. "To a larger extent, globalisation has led to prostitution, poor sexual behaviour, substance and drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, among others," the ministry says.

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