Socially excluded children
Uganda continues to suffer the impact of civil war and state violence. In the north, where the Lord's Resistance Army fought government forces for almost two decades, over 20,000 children were abducted to serve as soldiers and more than 1.5 million people have been displaced. The resulting poverty and social upheaval means many Ugandans are at risk of being left behind by society.
This might mean discrimination, neglect or exclusion on the basis of age, gender, physical ability or marital status. As a result these individuals are unable to participate economically, politically and socially in their communities.
War Child's research with children and adults in northern Uganda identified several groups of children who society believed to be particularly at risk from this kind of social exclusion. These were girl mothers, children heading households, formerly abducted children, children living with disabilities, orphans, and children living with or affected by HIV.
“The conflict has reinforced, if not exaggerated gender differences. Men have used it as an opportunity to suppress women further. They are running away from their responsibilities. Their pride kills their creativity.”
Research participant
War Child is now establishing a programme that will work these children and their communities. We will give children a better chance of supporting themselves and their families by providing training in life skills, parenting and self-protection. Alongside this we will help children develop sustainable livelihoods through training and support.
By involving the community closely in the process we hope to build greater understanding between socially excluded children and their peers. We will encourage children to share their learning with others and run community workshops to raise awareness of the challenges faced by socially excluded children.