Since 1994, World Vision has been helping war-affected children in northern Uganda. Situation in Gulu
Children have been the main casualties of a 20-year civil conflict between a rebel group called the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government. The rebel army kidnaps children to fight in its campaign. An estimated 20,000 children have been abducted since 1986. While a shaky truce has been reached, the suffering continues.
5 Ways World Vision Helps Children in Northern Uganda
1. Night Commuter Centres
Thousands of children in northern Uganda would leave their rural homes each night to sleep in towns, such as Gulu, in order to avoid being kidnapped by the LRA. Many continue this nightly walk because of continuing fear, others because the war has torn their families apart and they still don't have a safe place to sleep. World Vision provides support to various night commuter centres in northern Uganda's Gulu and Kitgum districts. Staff members distribute blankets and soap to children who sleep at the centres. To accommodate more children, World Vision plans to build additional rooms and distribute more blankets.
2. Gulu Children of War Rehabilitation Centre
The Gulu Children of War Rehabilitation Centre is a temporary home for former child soldiers. Staff members help children to recover from their experiences and reintegrate into their communities. The children receive counselling, food, shelter, and clothing. Since the centre opened in 1995, nearly 11,000 former abductees and their children have been helped through its services.
3. Child Mothers Centre
Many girls abducted by the LRA were forced to become "wives" of commanders. As a result of the sexual abuse, young girls can become pregnant. World Vision created the Child Mothers Centre in 2004 to meet the physical and emotional needs of pregnant girls and young mothers. The girls are taught skills to support and care for their children.
4. Adult Centre
Four years ago, World Vision created the Adult Centre to support formerly abducted males over the age of 18. Because most of these men are former LRA soldiers, including former commanders, staff members saw the need to separate them from traumatized children and women. The young men receive similar services provided to children, including counselling and food.
5. Landmine Education
World Vision's Integrated Landmine Action Program, launched last July, teaches children to identify landmines and what to do if they discover one. Staff members also offer job-skills training to people who have been injured by landmines.
Click here to donate to World Vision's work in northern Uganda.
