Delay Marriage Promote Schooling for Ugandan Girls

Joy for Children Uganda is currently participating in the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence under the theme “UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.” The campaign is ongoing, and our major focus this year is on conducting community outreaches aimed at raising awareness, sharing prevention messages, and supporting families affected by violence.

Since the start of the campaign, JFCU teams have been actively engaging communities through small group discussions, household visits, and interactions with parents, caregivers, youth, and local leaders. These outreaches have created opportunities for open conversations about the causes of gender-based violence, its effects on children and families, and where community members can seek help when cases occur. The outreach approach has enabled us to meet people in their own environments and encourage them to take an active role in protecting vulnerable groups.

Alongside the physical engagements, JFCU is using radio and social media platforms to spread campaign messages, promote early reporting of violence, and guide communities on available support services. This combination of on-ground and online awareness is helping us reach a wider audience and ensure that more people are informed.

During the outreaches, survivors identified have been connected to appropriate services for psychosocial support, medical care, and legal guidance. Community members have shown willingness to learn, share experiences, and commit to taking action within their own households and neighbourhoods.

As the campaign continues, JFCU remains committed to strengthening community understanding, promoting prevention, and encouraging accountability. We appreciate the support from our donors, which is making it possible for us to implement these activities and extend our reach during this important period.

Joy for Children Uganda (JFCU) conducted violence prevention education sessions for girls and boys in schools. The programme aimed to help children understand what violence is, how to recognize unsafe situations, and how to respond appropriately. With the support of our donors and partners, we were able to reach many children and strengthen their knowledge and confidence.

The programme aimed to raise awareness among children about different forms of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It also sought to encourage boys to reflect on respectful behaviour and to promote safety and positive relationships among all children.

JFCU carried out interactive sessions in schools with children aged 10 to 17. Children learned about consent, personal boundaries, reporting abuse, and safe behaviours. Sessions included role-plays, storytelling, and group discussions to help children understand and apply what they learned.

Boys were engaged in discussions on respect, empathy, and positive masculinity, helping them to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours. Teachers and community leaders were involved to reinforce the lessons and create a safer environment for children in schools.

Children showed improved awareness of violence and their rights. Many reported feeling more confident to speak up if they or others faced abuse. Boys demonstrated a better understanding of respectful behaviour, and girls expressed greater confidence in asserting boundaries. School reporting and referral mechanisms were strengthened, contributing to safer learning environments.

Some challenges included limited time in school schedules for sessions and cultural norms that made discussing violence difficult. Some children required additional support beyond what schools could provide.

JFCU sincerely thanks all donors and partners for their support. Your contribution has made it possible to educate children about their rights, build their confidence, and create safer school communities.

The programme has positively impacted children’s knowledge, confidence, and behaviour. Girls and boys are now more aware of their rights, better able to recognize unsafe situations, and more respectful in their interactions. The success of this programme is a result of strong collaboration between JFCU, schools, communities, and our donors.