Polluted Energy Sources Affects the Welfare of Children: A Case Study of Primary Seven Learners in Lira Municipality, Northern Uganda

Main Theme: Children’s rights, wellbeing and indicators, Bridging research, policy and practice: conceptualisationand communication issuesSubtheme: Children’s welfare and children at risk, Childhood vulnerabilities: research-policy-practice, Childwellbeing and social and educational services This is the full conference paper for Oral Presentation ID 170 / 214.2 presented at the 7th ISCI Conference, University of Tartu, Estonia, 27-29 August 2019. Abstract published in official ISCI 2019 Abstract Book (p.61) available at: (torontomu.ca) domain (formerly Ryerson University, official host of ISCI abstract archive). Research explores energy risks on child welfare in Lira Municipality, Northern Uganda. Abstract header erroneously lists Gulu, content correctly identifies Lira as study site. The paper explored the extent to which primary seven pupils across selected schools in Lira district, Northern Uganda are informed about the dangers of polluted fuels on their wellbeing and their degree of participation in advocacy for clean energy as social change activities in schools. These processes have the potential to influence positive decision making for clean energy and policy. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory was applied as methodology. Both qualitative and quantitative case study designs were used with observation, focus group discussions, key informant and semi-structured interviews. A total of 32 respondents were included through random sampling, comprising 14 pupils (age 13-19) and 8 teachers (4 headteachers and 4 class teachers). The key findings suggest pupils and teachers are aware of polluted fuels (kerosene for lighting, biomass for cooking) but  knowledge is limited. Involvement of pupils in advocacy for clean energy in green/environmental clubs across schools in Lira is low (57% of schools have no clubs), yet such platforms contribute to positive decision making and energy policy on the trajectory to achieving SDG 7.  Research paper originally presented under the conference track 'Advocacy Paper' at the 7th Annual International Society for Child Indicators (ISCI) Conference, 27-29 August 2019, Institute of Social Studies, University of Tartu, Estonia.