Youth Rehabilitation Center, Gulu

More than half of the population in Uganda is younger than 15 years. Although both primary and secondary education are free of charge, the high population growth rate poses great challenges for the school infrastructure. In particular, children whose parents cannot afford the costs of private schools have few chances of obtaining a good school leaving certificate and vocational training. Thus, everyday life in state educational institutions is characterized by overcrowded classes and poorly trained teaching staff. In addition, there is a very high rate of school drop-outs even before the transition to secondary school.

Together with the organisation Children Care Uganda, help alliance supports socially disadvantaged young people without school-leaving qualifications in the region of Gulu, in the northwest of Uganda, to gain access to education. Through workshops and training sessions in a safe home, the children are given hope and future prospects.

The aim of the project was to sustainably promote the social and professional reintegration of these young people. To this end, two training focuses were developed: tailoring training and craft training. A particular highlight was the production of bags by the trainees for the help alliance on-site event, a project that promoted both craftsmanship and creativity.

In addition, a children’s library was established. This new learning space is therefore a valuable resource for children and young people in the local community, offering them access to books, knowledge and education in a protected environment.