THE EDGE IN JINJA

As a result of endemic poverty in the slums surrounding Jinja, children are at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation.


​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.

MORE ABOUT THE THE EDGE IN JINJA

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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This work is currently being carried out in five slum communities surrounding Jinja, through the establishment of voluntary Child Protection Teams (CPTs).

​​After a successful pilot scheme in Masese II slum, we have expanded the work to Masese I, Masese III, Loco and Wandago. Together with the CPTs, Children on the Edge Africa are:​

  • Building relationships, identifying problem areas and creating a link between people living in the slums and the local authorities and services that are available to them. ​They have fast become the ‘go-to’ groups for child protection in the area.
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  • Facilitating workshops and training sessions on an extensive range of child protection and social issues, and offering individual support to vulnerable families.

  • Resourcing parents and carers to look after their families with sustainable, safe incomes. This is done primarily through a small business loan scheme for the most vulnerable households.
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Masese III community watching videos they produced about the changes they have made for children in their area.

HOW CAN I HELP?


​​​“We didn't believe the CPT at first, when they kept on telling us that change was coming, but the area really has changed for the better.”

Justine - Masese II

LATEST STORIES

Stories of Change

As part of their ongoing evaluation, four Ugandan communities share their stories of 'Most Significant Change'. 

Education loans

Read how over 90% of our small business loan recipients in Uganda now feed their children better and send them to school. 

Stolen baby returned

Abducted baby returned, thanks to Child Protection Team who are now 'go to' group for child safety concerns.

REPLICATING MODELS OF BEST PRACTICE

Child Protection Teams

A write-up of our original Child Protection Team model and the start of the replication process. This model is now creating a protective environment for children across five slum  communities. 

Early Childhood Education

After a successful pilot in Loco community, the Early Childhood Development Centre model is being replicated in Wandago and Kyaka II refugee camp. Read about what makes this model a success.

Preventing Child Sacrifice

After a pilot in Masese II community, we are supporting the prevention of child sacrifice through Child Protection Teams on grassroots level and through the Ugandan Parliament on a national level. 


​“I work in this job because my passion is helping vulnerable people change to a better life.”

Babra - Social Worker for Children on the Edge Africa

​A huge thank you to the individuals and organisations who are funding this vital work in Uganda. These include:

Registered charity no. 1101441