Transforming slum communities in Uganda

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.

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.
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.

Masese III community watching videos they produced about the changes they have made for children in their area.

Facilitating Early Childhood Development Centres in Loco and Wandago.
Developing ‘Child Rights Clubs’ in Loco, Masese I, and Wandago enabling children to learn about their rights, represent their views and those of their friends and have a voice in shaping their communities.
Working to eliminate child sacrifice. After our pilot scheme eradicated the number of child sacrifice incidents in one area, all teams are employing the same awareness methods in their own neighbourhoods. On a national level, together with Ugandan partner organisations, we are making progress in lobbying for stand-alone legislation, addressing child sacrifice in the Ugandan parliament.

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REPLICATING MODELS OF BEST PRACTICE

“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: