Napak, located in the northeastern part of Uganda, is statistically the region where 70% of all of Uganda’s street children originate. Various circumstances have contributed to Napak becoming a troubled and unstable region. The primary cause of migration to the capital city was the insecurity and armed conflicts that ravaged the area. Many men either left or died, leaving women and children behind on their own.
They became victims of livestock and property theft, which triggered the next wave of desperate women and children migrating from the area to the capital. They were searching for a way to survive this heartbreaking situation. The extremely hot and dry climate in the north only adds to the poverty during seasons of famine.
Children are the most vulnerable group and the greatest victims of the entire crisis. They find their way to the capital, usually accompanied by adults who make all kinds of false promises to their parents. These children end up on the streets, exposed to a harsh life and the dangers that come with it.
You see them in groups, begging on the sidewalks, in traffic, really everywhere…
In April 2014, 66 children from the juvenile prison were entrusted to Koinonia’s care by the government, in collaboration with UWESO (Uganda Women’s Effort to save Orphans) and placed in Masulita Children’s Village in Wakiso-Kampala.
These 43 girls and 23 boys had spent months in the children’s prison as a result of recent legal efforts to combat the exploitation of children on the streets. Every child placed under our care receives guidance, support, food, and shelter—and is prepared for resettlement.
Above all, these children learn that they are precious, loved, and that God has a plan for their lives. When children are able to return home, they are given the chance to be supported and followed up by Koinonia.
To ensure their food and well-being, Koinonia supports their education through boarding school. During holidays, the children go home. Throughout the year, they are followed closely by the Koinonia team, both at school and in their communities. Children who are too young to attend or stay at school are supported at home along with their families.
The project aims to provide a revenue-generating project for family counselling and support services in the future, with a potential for microcredit as well. Services will include educational parenting seminars, alcohol and substance prevention, and raising awareness of the dangers associated with prostitution and street life. Because all of our children come from the Napak district, we are planning a new department, in cooperation with UWESO, the local government and other child welfare organizations.
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