November 20th marks World Children’s Day, a global moment to reflect on children’s rights, celebrate their potential, and commit to building a better world for the next generation. This year, under the theme “Listen to the Future”, we are reminded of the importance of hearing children’s voices and prioritizing their perspectives as we shape policies and programs that affect their lives.
Joy for Children Uganda proudly joins this celebration, amplifying the voices of children across the country and highlighting the critical issues they face, along with the innovative solutions they propose for their futures.
Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. In Uganda, where nearly half of the population is under the age of 15, children hold the key to a sustainable and inclusive future. By listening to their concerns, ideas, and aspirations, we pave the way for solutions that are meaningful and effective.
In Uganda, children form the backbone of our nation’s future. Yet, many continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, child marriage, and limited healthcare. According to UNICEF, nearly 30% of girls in Uganda are married before the age of 18, often cutting short their education and exposing them to risks such as teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence.
Additionally, limited access to healthcare and basic nutrition threatens the well-being of countless children. The recent surge in school dropouts and cases of child exploitation highlight the urgent need for intervention at both the community and national levels.
At Joy for Children Uganda, we believe that listening to children is the first step toward transforming their lives. This year, our programs have focused on:
- Promoting Access , retention and completion of school : Through education and advocacy, we’ve supported girls to stay in school, avoid early marriages, and dream big.
- Community Engagement: By hosting dialogues with local leaders and religious leaders to draw strategies in prevention and response to cases of violence against children and health outreaches in slum communities of kamapala, we’ve provided essential services and knowledge to children and their families.
- Policy Advocacy: We’ve worked with parliamentarians to push for laws and policies that prioritize children’s rights and well-being.
As we celebrate World Children’s Day 2024, we urge every Ugandan to pause and truly listen to the voices of our children. Their ideas and dreams are the blueprint for a brighter future, but it is up to us to turn those dreams into reality.
Here’s how you can help:
- Advocate: Speak up for policies that protect and empower children.
- Support: Donate through platforms like GlobalGiving to fund life-changing programs for vulnerable children.
- Engage: Take the time to listen to the children in your life and act on their concerns.
By listening to the future, we invest in a world where every child can grow, thrive, and achieve their full potential.
Join Joy for Children Uganda in this mission because the future is worth listening to.
