In Uganda, we scale up proven models of care that prevent and respond to HIV, violence and other vulnerabilities within a coordinated referral network and case management system. We continuously innovate, aggressively addressing emerging gaps through capacity development of local organizations and government from community to national levels to deliver and monitor the effectiveness of high quality, integrated services. Together we are reaching 235,000 children, youth and caregivers across 45 districts in Uganda, closing the gaps in HIV and violence prevention and response, strengthening family resilience, and contributing to Uganda’s 95 95 95 HIV epidemic control goals.
We build capacity, coordination, and advocacy at all levels in Uganda—from children and households to community responses to district and national mechanisms—to address service delivery gaps, expand access, and improve service quality. Our efforts complement and strengthen existing local government systems and initiatives.
Rose is an 18-year-old girl currently living with her 14 month-old baby and her mother in Alibi, a village in Loro sub-county of Oyam District in Uganda. When Rose was a child and finished primary school, she was accepted and enrolled in secondary school. However, Rose never had the opportunity to progress to secondary school, because her father, an angry and desperate man who was often very rude to her mother, refused to pay her school fees. Rose’s father ultimately left the family for another woman and moved to another village.
Rose recalled, “After all that, I was so bored and lonely at home. I had no one to talk to except for one boy who would come and chat with me. We had dated while I was in school, but we never had sex. After all this, I needed a shoulder to lean on. So, I accepted having sex with him. He never told me to go back to school. He did not even care.” When she was nearly 16 years old, Rose got pregnant. After she told her boyfriend, he disappeared, leaving her solely responsible to raise their child. However, things began to change for Rose when, in March of 2016, BETTER OUTCOMES-trained para-social workers (PSWs) told her about Girls First Clubs during a community sensitization session.
To continue reading about Rose, check out our blog.
Joining the Adolescent Youth Empowerment Development Initiative (AYEDI) club was a turning point for me. [They] emphasized how to work as a team and have friends. Before joining, I viewed everyone as a threat, especially the men. I learned how to interact with others and work together. I have not had to go back to working bars and lodges. I now have the patience for achieving my goals.
