Following the identification of youth as a potential catalyst for change in Uganda’s inaugural Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), the Learning Contract project supported by USAID/Uganda has been diligently monitoring population trends and their implications for the nation’s future.
In 2015, a comprehensive study was undertaken to analyze youth trends in health, education, and social protection. The findings of this study prompted the creation of a Call to Action publication and the establishment of an Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Government of Uganda and key stakeholders. This committee played a pivotal role in shaping an informed and strategic Action Plan.
In October 2015, the National Forum on the State of the Ugandan Child convened, providing a crucial platform to raise awareness about youth-related issues and foster discussions. Themed “Our Children, Our Future,” the event united over 700 participants from across Uganda and global development experts dedicated to enhancing children’s lives. This gathering culminated in the Munyonyo Declaration, a collective commitment to sustainably enhance the well-being of Uganda’s children.
Subsequently, local communities across Uganda held regional meetings in the months following the Forum. These gatherings engaged community leaders, educators, parents, and children directly, extending the conversation and enabling participants to establish tangible steps towards addressing identified challenges. These events facilitated connections and fostered commitment to practical actions, effectively creating a network of champions dedicated to coordinated efforts for child welfare.
For more information on the National Forum on the State of the Ugandan Child, please visit the Child Forum website.
To delve deeper into the subject, explore the report, “The State of the Ugandan Child: An Analytical Overview” from the USAID/Uganda Learning Contract
For an insightful perspective, watch the video “Hear Us: Ugandan Girls Speak Up #GirlPower”, produced by the project.