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—Kotido, Abim, Napak, Amudat, and Nakapiripirit—aims to improve child protection and safeguarding in secondary schools.
The survey, conducted last week, focused on collecting critical data on violence against children in schools, emphasizing the indicators outlined in the National Strategic Plan on VACiS 2015-2020 (NSP VACiS).
A Snapshot of Activities and Stakeholders Involved
The VACiS baseline survey engaged a wide array of stakeholders, including:
- District Technical Leaders such as District Education Officers (DEOs), District Health Officers (DHOs), and District Community Development Officers (DCDOs).
- School Administrations, including TVET Principals, headteachers and teachers.
- Parents and Community Leaders, whose insights were pivotal in understanding the broader social context.
- Learners, who provided firsthand accounts of their experiences in schools.
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.
Focus Group Discussion with students at Pokot SS in Amudat District as part of the VACiS Baseline Survey.
Key Objectives of the Survey
The baseline study aimed to:
- Generate baseline data on violence against children in schools to align with NSP VACiS 2015-2020 indicators.
- Assess the performance of the Ministry of Education and partners in addressing VACiS, identifying successes, gaps, and areas needing intervention.
- Identify emerging forms of violence in schools and institutions of higher learning to inform future programming.
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
Emerging Insights
Preliminary findings reveal that while progress has been made in addressing VACiS, challenges persist, including:
- Limited knowledge and resources for implementing child protection policies.
- Emerging forms of violence such as cyberbullying among learners with digital connectivity.
- Gaps in awareness and reporting mechanisms among students and teachers.
- Persistent cultural practices like FGM and forced marriages lead to school dropouts and child exploitation.
- Gaps in parental involvement and peer-related violence within schools were reported.
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse is growing concern in communities, influencing students’ behaviors and their safety and of others.
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.
FGD with Parents and Leaders at Namalu Seed Secondary School in Nakapiripirit District..
Next Steps
The baseline data will inform interventions under Sub-component 1.2 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.
Learners Kotido Technical Institute in Kotido District participate in a focus group discussion on violence prevention in Institutions
Stay Connected
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