according to one’s own religion is guaranteed and the affairs and management of religious bodies are not considered to be the business of state. Similar guarantees are provided in Article 19 of the Constitution of Zanzibar. Customarily children conform to the religion of their parents. Under the Local Customary Law Order of 1963 children belong to the father. When parents have different religions the child automatically adopts the father’s religion. Both Constitutions provide for freedom to change one’s religion or faith. Despite this, in Zanzibar (where over 90 per cent of the population are Moslems) the Ministry of Education has introduced the teaching of Islamic studies in the syllabus of public learning institutions, though non-Moslems are not compelled to attend. In the mainland, religious studies in public schools are not mandatory, though they are in some private schools (such as seminaries). As discussed in Article 3, discrimination on the grounds of religion is prohibited. Freedom of Association Article 8 Both Constitutions guarantee freedom of association. The principle of respect for the views of the child is applicable in this right (please see article 7), as is the principle of participation (please see article 12). In relation to participation, children have organized themselves and established a Junior Council. Through the Council, children gathered together and express their opinion in matters that affect them. 17 In Zanzibar similar councils have been established in 3 districts of Unguja and efforts are being made to enable children in other districts to do the same. Students are generally encouraged by schools to join and form associations, boy scouts, girl guides and other clubs or groups. 17 The Junior Council is a national wide initiative led by children for children. The Council comprises two representatives from different regions of the mainland and Zanzibar. The membership is limited to persons under 18 years of age representing a broad range of background, with special representation of vulnerable children. They are elected by the children through a democratic process and serve as a mechanism to ensure participation of children in making decisions concerning school activities and lives. The Junior Councils aims to become an institutionalized avenue at national level for children to contribute to the national development agenda and child development. The process of legal registration of the Junior Council of the United Republic of Tanzania so as to have legal entity is in progress. 20