THE EDGE IN JINJA
As a result of endemic poverty in the slums surrounding Jinja, children are at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
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Slum communities surrounding Jinja in Eastern Uganda face a myriad of challenges. Located on the eastern bank of the Nile, around 20,000 people are crowded into eight slum areas. Slum dwellers face endemic poverty, poor sanitation, low employment and high crime rates. Often, people experience a disconnect from local services and a lack of awareness regarding effective child protection. Many have been disillusioned by the unsustainable plans and promises of external organisations, and feel disheartened about the lack of change. A prevalence of HIV/AIDS has resulted in a high level of single mother, child and grandparent headed households. High levels of alcoholism often lead to domestic violence and abuse. All these challenges have led to unsafe environments for children, leaving them vulnerable to maltreatment, neglect, exploitation and even child sacrifice. |
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WHAT ARE WE DOING TO HELP
Through voluntary Child Protection Teams, Children on the Edge Africa are supporting communities to create a protective environment for their children.
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After a successful pilot scheme in Masese II slum, voluntary Child Protection Teams (CPTs) have been replicated to a further four slum communities surrounding Jinja.
These teams build relationships, identify problem areas and create a link between community members and local authorities. They have become the ‘go-to’ groups for child protection, facilitating workshops on an extensive range of children's issues and social problems, whilst offering individual support to struggling families. Households facing the greatest challenges are resourced with sustainable, safe incomes through a small business loan scheme and younger children from the hardest pressed families attend Early Childhood Development Centres we have established in Loco and Wandago. Child Rights Clubs have been developed in Loco, Masese I, and Wandago enabling children to learn about their rights, express their views and shape their communities. After our pilot scheme eradicated child sacrifice incidents in one area, all Child Protection Teams are now employing the same prevention methods and we are currently working to expand the model to other areas of Uganda. On a national level, after lobbying for five years, The Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Bill 2020 was finally passed into law by the Ugandan President on the 14th July 2021. |
Wandago Child Protection Team member ensuring the walk to the local well is safe for children.
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CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
Covid-19 lockdown procedures are having a devastating effect on the slum dwelling communities we support in Uganda. Through 30 years of working with some of the most marginalised groups, we know they are always the hardest hit in times such as these.
Together with our local partners we have been pursuing sensible solutions to contain the outbreak and provide essential supply parcels to those most in need. Wherever possible, we are using creative solutions to enable children's learning to continue amidst widespread restrictions, and to ensure they are safe whilst they are cut off from regular protection services.
Together with our local partners we have been pursuing sensible solutions to contain the outbreak and provide essential supply parcels to those most in need. Wherever possible, we are using creative solutions to enable children's learning to continue amidst widespread restrictions, and to ensure they are safe whilst they are cut off from regular protection services.
FIND OUT MORE
REPLICATING MODELS OF BEST PRACTICE
CHILD PROTECTION TEAMS MODEL
A WRITE-UP OF THE ORIGINAL CHILD PROTECTION TEAM MODEL AND THE START OF REPLICATION >>
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LOCO ECD CENTRE
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PREVENTING CHILD SACRIFICE
SUPPORTING THE PREVENTION OF CHILD SACRIFICE THROUGH GRASSROOTS TEAMS AND LOBBYING PARLIAMENT >>
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A huge thank you to the individuals and organisations who are funding this vital work in Uganda. These include: 
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