A Transformation Story

As part of the core activities at Jinja Connection, Lobbying and advocacy has lately been scaled up to counteract the increased cases of child abuse and marginalization of children.

There were two major events held this year i.e. the International Day for Street Children (IDSC) that is held annually on the 12th day of April and the Day of African Child (DAC) which is an annual event that took place on the 16th of June. The celebrations played big role in passing out our message to various stakeholders in children issues.

The celebrations brought together all the development partners working with children as well as local authorities, security organs like the police, some individuals as well as the surrounding communities.

The theme for the IDSC was: “Creating specialized solutions for children in the street situations” whereas that of DAC being: “Uganda's progress in eliminating harmful practices affecting children”

A brass band procession took place around the city Centre with par-cards and banners passing across the main theme for the year plus other key messages from children to the public. This curtain raised the event.

(Photo: Day of African Child Procession)

In attendance we had key and influential persons from within and without the city council of Jinja. They included the City Lord Mayor, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC), the city clerk, the Officer in Charge of Children and Family Protection Unit (OC-CFPU), the Principal Community Development Officer (PCDO), the Senior Probation and Social Welfare Officer, the press personnel among others.

Children who were the chief guests in both events, were given ample time to make presentations in pertinent issues that affect them in their day to day life.

The authorities did not only respond positively but also recognized the great work done by Civil Society Organizations (CSO's).

They encouraged the existing 3P's i.e. Private Public Partnership which they said was very paramount in ironing out problems affecting the general wellbeing of Children.

According to us at Jinja Connection, this was big break through in our ongoing efforts to make the community aware of the plight of the street connected children and others.