Project: Entrepreneurship and Trauma Healing for Children Born of War in Northern Uganda
Organization: Grassroots Reconciliation Group (GRG)
Country: Uganda
Aim: Despite the challenges faced by CBOW, there are little or no interventions targeting these surviving children in northern Uganda. The Grassroots Reconciliation Group, a local non-governmental organization was partially funded (USD 3,834.00) to use holistic, culturally appropriate, and locally designed projects to address the reintegration challenges at community, group, family, and individual levels. Project activities included psychosocial support and community theater.
Conclusion: This project successfully addressed the intricate challenges faced by CBOW in Northern Uganda and made substantial strides in addressing the multifaceted challenges. The comprehensive psychosocial support, community engagement, and entrepreneurship training collectively contributed to improved well-being, reduced stigma, and increased social integration. The success of the project underscores the importance of holistic, community-driven approaches in post-conflict recovery.
Summary: GRG deliberately targeted some of the most vulnerable communities on the remote Uganda-South Sudan border where needs are highest. GRG first conducted a comprehensive needs and trauma assessment in Madi Opei sub county and Madi Opei town council in northern Uganda. 150 children were identified to benefit from the project activities described in the proposal. Activities completed during this project included psychosocial support with anti-stigma training, trauma recovery sessions and training and engagement meetings with peer counselors. In addition, GRG used theatre performances at the community theater as a form of expression which enabled the children to showcase their talents in singing and dancing. Five captivating theatre performances were orchestrated, fostering talent expression and community cohesion. The performances not only reduced stigma by 60% but also acted as a catalyst for community-led initiatives.