Our programmes

AfCiC has been working in Northern Uganda since the beginning of 2005, running programmes in and around the town Gulu. Whilst a large number of agencies are focusing upon the night commuters, the children living in horrendous conditions in the IDP camps are being largely neglected. AfCiC recognised this need and we provide programmes focusing upon meeting the psychological, emotional, and educational needs of the children living in the IDP camps.

HIV/AIDS Life Skills

As very few children residing in the IDP camps have received any meaningful education, most are unaware of the consequences of their actions and the HIV/AIDS problem in the North is running wild. It is vital that these children are educated, protected and prepared on these issues.

The six week programme for 50 children runs from primary schools in Amuru camp. The club runs eight times over a one year period targeting 400 children. A detailed training manual has been developed by AfCiC staff and trained life skills officers deliver this material enabling the children to develop the skills necessary to make informed and reasoned decisions in the future. Role play, games, scenarios, group discussion and a variety of other innovative techniques keep participants involved in programme activities. AfCiC would like to expand this programme to other primary schools in Pabbo, Coo-pe, Pagak and Unyama camps.

Youth Education

Educational provisions within the camps are almost non-existent, especially for girls. Boys are often pushed to attend school whilst girls are left to attend to domestic chores or are married off. Girls living in the camps are also extremely vulnerable to exploitation.

This programme operates in Te-tugu camp with 75 girls who have missed out on their education and are particularly vulnerable to abuse in their current environment. This nine month programme combines six months of literacy, sports and health education, and individual and group counselling, to allow these girls to make informed, positive decisions about schooling, marriage, family size, sexual participation and their future. The additional three months is be used for business training and micro-enterprise activities such as chicken rearing and a bakery. An agricultural programme has also been established in the camp that is managed by the children. They are growing tomatoes, green peppers, cabbage and potatoes; produce is sold to provide income for beneficiaries. This programme has recently been extended to Amuru camp.

Please note: With peace negotiations between the Government and the Lords Resistance Army now well under way, our work there is now ended. The information in this section is provided as archived AfCiC background material only. We do not currently direct any of our funding or resources to Uganda.