In Uganda—a country where an estimated 50,000 children live in institutions and more than half of the children are deemed critically or moderately vulnerable—the number of child care institutions has increased from 36 to over 500 in the last 20 years.
Legislation recently adopted by the Ugandan government means significant changes are in the making. The new legislation emphasizes keeping children connected with families, placing children in family-like environments and using institutional care only as a last resort. Training in social work will be expected for those responsible for children living outside of families.
GHR Foundation has recently partnered with the Association of Religious of Uganda to complete studies on the new requirements, educational opportunities and Catholic work with vulnerable children and children living outside of family care. The Association of Religious of Uganda is currently developing plans to help sisters build their capacity to provide the highest level of care possible for children in need.
For some congregations in Uganda, working with vulnerable children and children living outside of family care is the reason for their existence. By helping these congregations gain the skills necessary to succeed, there is potential for ensuring vital futures for both Catholic sisters and children outside of family care. To learn more about how GHR is working with sisters and children, contact us.