{"id":1748,"date":"2024-12-13T09:01:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T06:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/?p=1748"},"modified":"2025-02-11T09:21:32","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T06:21:32","slug":"uganda-secondary-education-expansion-project-useep-baseline-survey-on-violence-against-children-in-schools-vacis-in-karamoja-districts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/?p=1748","title":{"rendered":"Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP) Baseline Survey on Violence Against Children in Schools (VACiS) in Karamoja districts."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Child Protection Efforts in Karamoja<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TMF recently conducted a <strong>Violence Against Children in Schools (VACiS) Baseline Survey<\/strong> as part of its efforts under the <strong>Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP)<\/strong>, funded by the Ministry of Education and Sports. This initiative, targeting <strong>five underserved districts in Karamoja<\/strong>\u2014Kotido, Abim, Napak, Amudat, and Nakapiripirit\u2014aims to improve child protection and safeguarding in secondary schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The survey, conducted last week, focused on collecting critical data on violence against children in schools, emphasizing the indicators outlined in the <strong>National Strategic Plan on VACiS 2015-2020 (NSP VACiS)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A Snapshot of Activities and Stakeholders Involved<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The VACiS baseline survey engaged a wide array of stakeholders, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>District Technical Leaders<\/strong> such as District Education Officers (DEOs), District Health Officers (DHOs), and District Community Development Officers (DCDOs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>School Administrations<\/strong>, including TVET Principals, headteachers and teachers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parents and Community Leaders<\/strong>, whose insights were pivotal in understanding the broader social context.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Learners<\/strong>, who provided firsthand accounts of their experiences in schools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"708\" height=\"472\" src=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1.jpg 708w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"713\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-1.jpg 713w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TMF staff interviews students at Kanu SS in Abim District. Right: Focus group discussion with learners at Namalu Seed SS in Nakapiripirit District as part of the VACiS Baseline Survey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-3-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-3.jpg 1430w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focus Group Discussion with students at Pokot SS in Amudat District as part of the VACiS Baseline Survey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Objectives of the Survey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The baseline study aimed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Generate baseline data<\/strong> on violence against children in schools to align with NSP VACiS 2015-2020 indicators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assess the performance<\/strong> of the Ministry of Education and partners in addressing VACiS, identifying successes, gaps, and areas needing intervention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Identify emerging forms of violence<\/strong> in schools and institutions of higher learning to inform future programming.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"984\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-7.jpg 984w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-7-300x132.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-7-768x337.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 984px) 100vw, 984px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A session with the District Inspector of Schools, Amudat District, discussing community-related violence trends in schools. Insights from this discussion will help shape targeted interventions for safer learning environment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emerging Insights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preliminary findings reveal that while progress has been made in addressing VACiS, challenges persist, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limited knowledge and resources for implementing child protection policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emerging forms of violence such as cyberbullying among learners with digital connectivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gaps in awareness and reporting mechanisms among students and teachers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persistent cultural practices like FGM and forced marriages lead to school dropouts and child exploitation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gaps in parental involvement and peer-related violence within schools were reported.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alcohol and Substance Abuse is growing concern in communities, influencing students&#8217; behaviors and their safety and of others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMf-4-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMf-4-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMf-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMf-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMf-4.jpg 1430w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Parents and leaders in Amudat District share their perspectives on emerging adolescent behaviors affecting safety of leaners and community-driven solutions to end violence against children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"717\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-5.jpg 717w, https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/TMF-5-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 717px) 100vw, 717px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FGD with Parents and Leaders at Namalu Seed Secondary School in Nakapiripirit District..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Next Steps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The baseline data will inform interventions under <strong>Sub-component 1.2<\/strong> of USEEP, focusing on creating safer school environments. TMF remains committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children in education settings, working collaboratively with stakeholders to build a violence-free learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learners Kotido Technical Institute in Kotido District participate in a focus group discussion on violence prevention in Institutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stay Connected<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow TMF on social media for updates on our progress in Karamoja and other regions. Together, let\u2019s safeguard the future of Uganda\u2019s children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Child Protection Efforts in Karamoja TMF recently conducted a Violence Against Children in Schools (VACiS) Baseline Survey as part of its efforts under the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP), funded by the Ministry of Education and Sports. This initiative, targeting five underserved districts in Karamoja\u2014Kotido, Abim, Napak, Amudat, and Nakapiripirit\u2014aims to improve child protection [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1750,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1748","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1748"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1756,"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748\/revisions\/1756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1750"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1748"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1748"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trailblazersuganda.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1748"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}