Kakiri
Kakiri is a rapidly growing town of almost 20,000 inhabitants located in Wakiso District in Central Uganda, just 30 km from the capital Kampala. Most people live off agriculture.
Although it is so close to the capital, the Wakiso District is one of the poorest areas. Recent economic growth has not changed the living conditions for many children who still lack access to health care, education and security.
Children without parental care, girls especially, are extremely vulnerable.
Since 1991, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Kakiri.
20,000
Children in Uganda have lost their parents
Children need to stay in school
While the rate of HIV/AIDS is high all over Uganda, numbers in Wakiso Region are higher than the country average. Children are often hit the hardest because many of them lose parental care due to the disease or are at risk of losing it.
Over 60,000 children in Wakiso have lost one parent, and 20,000 have lost both their parents. As a result, they are usually taken in by their extended family. However, these families often struggle to meet basic needs already, and often cannot cope with extra mouths to feed, let alone provide for their education. There is also a preference for taking in girls, as they can help in the household and marry young.
30%
Of people live in poor housing
Poor housing puts families at risk
In recent years, Kakiri’s population has grown immensely, from 6,000 in 2011 to almost 20,000 today. People from all over the country migrate here in the hope of finding work.
At the same time however, Kakikri is among the poorest regions in Uganda. Uncontrolled growth has led to an increase in informal settlements where living conditions are precarious and basic services, such as sewage and running water, and solid waste management in particular, are often not available. Children growing up here are often at risk of getting ill due to poor hygiene. Combined with limited access to healthcare, this can be fatal..
Your support makes a difference for children in Kakiri
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
.png)
320
Families
Can stay together
10
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
10,670
Medical treatments
Were possible
150
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
.png){kind=icon}
80
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
How your support helps in Kakiri
Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.