Uganda has a significant orphan population - 2.3 million of a total population of 22 million. Luwero district is home to a particularly high concentration of orphans. This is largely attributable to the district’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence, which currently stands at 12% - higher than Uganda’s national average of 7.1%.
Luwero’s HIV/AIDS prevalence was exacerbated by the effects of conflict in the region, during the rule of President Milton Obote.
As a consequence, a significant number of children have lost one or both of their parents to HIV/AIDS. Such orphans are cared for by surviving widows or grandparents. The majority live in poor households, and are unable to afford schooling or expensive medical services.
| Without support these children will be unable to escape from this damaging poverty cycle. |
Aims:
To assist orphans and other vulnerable children to realise their full potential, by supporting and strengthening local institutions and community members to respond effectively to the impact of HIV/AIDS. Specifically, the project aims to:
- Strengthen community-based support for orphans through the training of village orphan representatives, formation of parish orphan committees and parent teacher’s associations.
- Advocate and lobby for the rights of children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.
- Raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and its transmission in order to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence and stigma.
- Provide vocational training to orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) to give them employable skills and help them become active members of their communities.
Key achievements:
- Radio programmes and film shows have improved HIVAIDS awareness. This has increased demand for HIV/AIDS testing in the clinics.
- Reduction in incidence of HIV.
- Training of school health club leaders in HIV/AIDS, STDs and club management skills.
- Many OVCs have participated in vocational training; others have re-joined the formal school system.
- Selection and training of Village Orphan Representatives
- Strengthening of Parish Orphans Committees
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