Executive Summary
According to various reports, there is an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 street children in Uganda, although some estimates suggest the number could be higher. These children are found in major urban centers such as Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, and Gulu, but also in smaller towns and rural areas with the majority of street children being boys, although there are an increasing number of girls living on the streets, often facing specific vulnerabilities such as sexual exploitation and trafficking. In Uganda, Street children typically range from 5 to 18 years of age, with many being between 10 and 14 years. The reasons for children ending up on the streets vary widely, with poverty, family breakdowns, domestic violence, child labour, and displacement being common factors.
Majority of these children, are often orphaned, abandoned, or fleeing from violent or unstable home environments, are vulnerable to exploitation, drug addiction, and physical and mental health challenges. With few options for support, many end up trapped in a cycle of homelessness, delinquency, and diminished future prospects.
While a number of rehabilitation centers and vocational schools exist, they face serious limitations in addressing the multifaceted needs of street children. These limitations include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient mental health support, lack of quality educational and vocational training programs, and weak links to family and community reintegration systems. As a result, many children fail to receive the long-term care, education, or skills necessary for successful reintegration into society, often returning to the streets where they face even greater challenges.
The lack of comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs for street children in Uganda severely hampers their chances of escaping poverty, overcoming trauma, and achieving sustainable livelihoods. To effectively address this crisis, there is an urgent need to expand and improve existing services, ensuring that street children receive not only immediate relief but also the skills and support necessary to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
This problem requires a multi-pronged approach that combines shelter, education, vocational training, mental health services, family support, and social reintegration programs to break the cycle of street life and equip these children with the tools to rebuild their lives. Community Food Basket International proposes the establishment of a rehabilitation center and vocational school for 200 street children. The center will aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for street children to recover from trauma, acquire education and skills, and reintegrate into society.
Objectives
- Provide a safe and supportive environment for 200 street children.
- Offer counseling, therapy, and psychological support to help children recover from trauma.
- Provide education and vocational training to equip children with skills for employment.
- Facilitate reintegration into society through family reunification, foster care, or independent living.
- Raise awareness about the plight of street children and advocate for policy changes.
Methodology
- Needs assessment and baseline survey.
- Establishment of the rehabilitation center and vocational school.
- Recruitment and training of staff.
- Development of programs and services (counseling, education, vocational training).
- Implementation of programs and services.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved physical and emotional well-being of street children.
- Increased access to education and vocational training.
- Successful reintegration into society.
- Raised awareness about the plight of street children.
- Policy changes to support street children.
Budget
Start-up Costs (One-time)
- Land acquisition and construction: $200,000
- Furniture and equipment: $100,000
- Staff recruitment and training: $75,000
- Program development: $50,000
- Miscellaneous (office expenses, etc.): $25,000
Total start-up costs: $450,000
Recurring Costs (Annual)
- Staff salaries and benefits: $150,000
- Program expenses (counseling, education, vocational training): $100,000
- Operations (utilities, maintenance, etc.): $50,000
- Food and nutrition: $30,000
- Miscellaneous (office expenses, etc.): $20,000
Total recurring costs: $350,000
Funding Sources
- Grants: 60% ($210,000)
- Donations: 20% ($70,000)
- Government funding: 10% ($35,000)
- Private sector partnerships: 10% ($35,000)
Timeline
- Needs assessment and baseline survey: 2 months
- Establishment of the rehabilitation center and vocational school: 6 months
- Recruitment and training of staff: 3 months
- Implementation of programs and services: 9 months
- Monitoring and evaluation: Ongoing
This proposal and budget provide a comprehensive plan for the establishment and operation of a rehabilitation center and vocational school for 200 street children. The center aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for street children to recover from trauma, acquire education and skills, and reintegrate into society.