Children on the edge’s Child friendly spacE- Jinja - Uganda

The slum communities surrounding Jinja in Eastern Uganda face a myriad of challenges. Located on the eastern bank of the Nile, around 20,000 people are crowded into eight slum areas. Slum dwellers face endemic poverty, poor sanitation, low employment and high crime rates.

A prevalence of HIV/AIDS has resulted in a high level of single mother, child and grandparent headed households. Additionally distilling waragi (an illegal moonshine) is the primary economic activity, which has resulted in high levels of alcoholism which often leads to an increase in domestic violence and abuse. All these challenges have led to unsafe environments for children, leaving them vulnerable to maltreatment, neglect, exploitation and even child sacrifice.

UK based charity Children on the Edge are supporting these communities to create a protective environment for their children. The children are given access early childhood education, key health interventions and one hot meal a day to ensuring they have the best possible start in life.