Democracy in the eyes of children

By Rita Popo and Pernille Bærendtsen

01. October 2006

Sarafina Driciru, 8

I’ve heard the word from my mother and father. Democracy is freedom of movement and of speech and it’s the right to play. At home I’m allowed to say anything. But I can’t speak rude to my parents, in that way you will teach small children bad manners.

Barbara Patience, 15

I learnt my definition in school. It’s the government of people, by the people and for the people. You select leaders according to what you want. Like in school we choose our prefects. In a democracy also children have rights. They should not be overworked, and they should have access to education.

Rebecca Akuliah, 11

My mother and father speak about it, and I read the Democracy Book MS made. In school we also discussed it, but I don’t think the teacher explained it very well to begin with. So, I asked him what it meant, and he gave a better explanation. I’ve made my own definition; it’s about how we relate to our families, friends, even to our enemies. It’s about examples and to see what others do. Our home area, West Nile, is an exception. Here the people have bad or little experience with democracy. People can not live the way they want. The refugees can not have a settled life and that gives instability.

Daniel Jurua, 10

I’ve heard President Museveni speak of democracy on the television. He says he wants to make proper roads and economical activities. I also heard of it from my father, but I didn’t know what he was talking about. I don’t think it’s only about new roads; it’s also about the people of Uganda. It’s freedom of speech and movement. Even about children.

Jovia Businge, 10

I’ve never heard of it. My school is called ‘driwalla’ (in Lugubara it’s the word for democracy), so I think it’s about education. Maybe also when you can play a lot, and when the teachers allow you to go to the clinic when you are sick.

Toko Nelson, 8

I’ve never heard of it. Not even at home.