PROTECTING AND CARING FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN WITH STREET CONNECTIONS
Despite economic growth and declining poverty in Uganda’s capital Kampala, extreme poverty is still prevalent in other parts of the country. In Uganda’s second largest city, Kampala, an estimated 3,000 children and young people are dependent on the streets for their survival. In the third largest city, Mbale, over half the population live in poverty and 60% live in informal housing. Many families are unable to provide basic necessities, food and schooling for their children.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN KAMPALA
Street outreach is a key part of our work with our partner Glad’s House Uganda, who are out on the streets every day of the week to check in and build relationships with homeless children and young people. By using sport, such as Street Football, and a Mobile School, street workers can engage children, teach them life skills and distribute essentials such as food.
With Glad’s House Uganda, we also provide direct support to children caught up in the criminal justice system. After they are arrested, we ensure children have access to legal representation. Across juvenile and adult prisons, children and young people are provided with care packs – basic provisions such as toothpaste, soap and toilet roll, which they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often goes unnoticed. Many people struggle in silence due to stigma, fear, or lack of awareness.