Our strategic approach
Since 2008, we have been working with street connected children and their families across Uganda, giving them the opportunity to turn their lives around and fulfil their potential. Our aim is to ensure that no child ever has to live or work on the streets. We believe every child deserves an education and to grow up in a safe, loving and caring home.
According to our own research conducted in 2023, there are an estimated 11,000+ children (aged 3-17) living and working on the streets of Jinja, Uganda. This is a 192% increase in the number of children on the streets since the last official headcount was conducted in 2017.
This reflects the dramatic effect that the cost of living crisis has had in Uganda. Approximately 14% of these children live full time on the streets and 16% live in child headed households with no adult care (with an average age of 13).
Our strategic approach combines protective and preventative support to give every child a safer, more stable future. From first contact on the streets through to family resettlement and community development, we work alongside each child and their family for as long as needed.
Through our Street Outreach programme, Residential Rehabilitation programme and Family Resettlement work, we offer immediate safety, compassionate and tailored support to help children leave the streets and begin working towards a brighter future.
Alongside this, our preventative programmes – Community Business initiatives, Permaculture Training, Education Support and Vocational Skilling – strengthen families and create sustainable opportunities so children can remain safely at home.
By supporting children and families throughout their journey, we address urgent needs whilst working towards long-term change, guided by our commitment to dignity, choice and child-centred practice.
Our current Strategic Plan runs from April 2022 to March 2027 and guides how we prioritise our resources, partnerships and programmes. It focuses on four key themes: expanding specialised support for girls; strengthening families; reaching more children; and improving our funding sustainability. This framework helps us plan for lasting impact and ensures that our work continues to meet the evolving needs of the children and communities we serve.