Uganda – War Child

Pathways to dignified work and brighter futures.

Context of Uganda

Uganda hosts over 1.7 million refugees, primarily from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it the largest refugee-hosting nation in Africa. This influx has strained resources for families, leading to challenges such as high rates of school dropouts, malnutrition, and protection concerns among children, especially girls and children with disabilities.

War Child addresses these issues through integrated programs focusing on education, justice, and economic opportunities. In partnership with organizations like the Mastercard Foundation, UNICEF, and the Government of Canada, War Child Canada has launched initiatives to increase enrollment and retention of children and youth in primary and secondary education. This includes providing scholarships, and Accelerated Education Programs (AEP) for students who have dropped out or never attended school. Free of charge, AEP allows learners to catch up and integrate into the formal education system. Additionally, young mothers who otherwise could not attend school can attend, and they can either bring their children to class or their children are taken care of by Mother-to-Mother groups. Through War Child Canada programming, young people in Uganda gain critical skills and economic opportunities through UPSHIFT, a social innovator accelerator, providing entrepreneurial training and seed funding learn life skills, have opportunities for apprenticeship; and have access to scholarships for vocational skills programming (BTVET and TVET) and University. War Child Canada, with help from out partners, also offers psychosocial support and protection services, enabling children to develop coping skills and build resilience.

By focusing on these areas, War Child Canada contributes to the well-being and development of vulnerable children and their families in Uganda’s refugee-hosting communities.

I began to feel hopeless, and my mental health was deteriorating. My parents have six children and have always struggled to pay our school fees. However, I heard a radio advertisement one day that changed my life.

The ad called on young people like me who had dropped out of school to enroll in a program to help us prepare for the Uganda Certificate Exams.

Bright

Accelerated Learning Program

Geared for Success supports refugee-&-IDP-led community-based organizations, with means to build their local capacity so that refugees and IDPs can better access education & advocate for their right to education.

Learn About Geared for Success

Community members attend a grand opening of a new accelerated learning program. Standing in a group. Some women in blue shirts support young mothers attending school by caring for their children.

Accelerated education programs support communities

Community members attend a grand opening of a new accelerated learning facility in Uganda. These centres support learners, which in turn impact the entire community. The women in matching blue shirts are part of the Mother-to-Mother group, which supports young mothers attending school by encouraging them individually, and caring for their children while they are in class.