Delay Marriage Promote Schooling for Ugandan Girls

Dear Donors,

We are excited to share an update on our Safe Spaces initiative for out-of-school children in Kabarole District. With your generous support, we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children, helping them to stay safe and build a brighter future.

In Kabarole District, violence against children, especially sexual violence, remains a serious issue. Many cases go unreported, and some of the hardest-hit areas are Hakibaale, Karangura, Karambi, Bukuuku, and Kicwamba. At Joy for Children Uganda, we have recognized the need for safe spaces where children can escape harm, develop life skills, and receive support. These spaces provide children with a secure place to grow and heal.

Through the safe spaces we have created, out-of-school adolescents between the ages of 13 and 24, including teen mothers, can engage in activities that help them develop essential life skills, protect themselves from violence, and make better choices for their future. We have set up 12 safe spaces in communities such as Kiboha, Kigaya, Kiseeru, Nyabuswa, Butinda, Mugusu, Bwanika, Mabale, and Kihondo, with 486 participants overall. Each space serves at least 30 children, offering weekly discussions led by trained mentors.

In these safe spaces, we focus on providing practical activities such as games and sports, music, dance, and drama, and skill-building workshops. These activities help children develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and important social skills. We also teach children practical skills that can help them find work or start businesses, empowering them to be self-sufficient and less vulnerable to exploitation. In addition, we provide counseling to address the emotional needs of the children, many of whom have faced trauma or abuse. By offering a safe space for them to process their feelings and receive guidance, we help them cope with the challenges they face.

Through these activities, we also promote financial literacy through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), helping children and their families learn about savings, entrepreneurship, and financial management. This gives them the tools to build a sustainable future. We also provide menstrual hygiene training to ensure that girls are equipped with the knowledge they need to manage their health with confidence.

The feedback from children and their families has been incredibly positive. Many children have expressed how the safe spaces have helped them feel more confident and equipped to make better decisions. They now feel supported and empowered to protect themselves from harm. One participant shared, “Before joining the safe space, I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. Now, I feel confident in myself and my future.”

We are committed to expanding these safe spaces to reach more children in need. Our plans include increasing the number of safe spaces, continuing to provide skill-building opportunities, and working with local leaders to ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs. We are dedicated to ensuring that all children in our community are safe, empowered, and able to thrive.

Thank you for your continued support. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of children in Kabarole District. We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of this important initiative.