The AfriChild Centre is the research and learning partner for a consortium of 5 organizations under the Kulea Watoto (Nurturing Children) Project. The consortium is led by the  International Rescue Committee (IRC), Kabarole Research and Resource Centre, The AfriChild Centre, Literacy and Adult Basic Education, and The Madrasa Early Childhood Programme.

The goal of the project is to improve the well-being and school readiness of children aged 0 to 5 years in refugee and host communities in Yumbe, Kyegegwa, and Kampala. The 3-year project (2023-2025) employs a two-generation approach that simultaneously targets both parents/caregivers and the children. As a research and learning partner, The AfriChild Centre is generating evidence to support the improvement, expansion and sustainability of integrated Early Childhood Development and livelihoods programming. Specifically, the research and learning will generate evidence on which programme models work for a two-generation approach that improves early learning and responsive caregiving at the household level.

Additionally, the centre’s research explores which models address economic vulnerabilities and improve household incomes and livelihood opportunities for both refugees and host communities.  The Centre is using complementary approaches to learn and will conduct outcome and process evaluations across all project implementation and control sites.

The AfriChild Speaker Series 2023

The AfriChild Speaker series is an initiative by AfriChild to strengthen child well-being by providing a platform for engagement between academia, policymakers, and practitioners. This platform involves disseminating research evidence and discussing interventions related to child wellbeing to contribute to the SDGs 2030 and Agenda 2063. With the aim of interesting graduate students in child-focused research, we started the AfriChild Speaker Series.

Episode 1 - Graduate Students

Participants in the AfriChild Speaker Series

The AfriChild Speaker Series coordinating staff Maria Ndibalekera & Clare Bangirana

With the aim of interesting graduate students in child-focused research, we started the AfriChild Speaker Series. It is a platform for engagement between academia, policymakers, and practitioners. The Speaker Series involves disseminating research evidence and discussing interventions related to child wellbeing to contribute to the SDGs 2030 and Agenda 2063. The second speaker series session was held on 1^st February 2023 under the theme; The National Child Focused Research Agenda: An Opportunity for Postgraduate Research Completion. It was meant to introduce the graduate students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University to child-focused research and to also share with them the National Child-Focused Research Agenda.

Episode 2 - Uganda Police Force

Speaker Series Graduate Participants from the Uganda Police Force

The third speaker series session was held on 14th April 2023 with police officers/ participants who are pursuing advanced studies (masters) in peace and conflict studies at Makerere University but based at the police command and staff college Bwebajja. The session theme was; the national child-focused research agenda an opportunity for better protection of the rights of Ugandan children. 28 police officers(students), (2) two senior police officers including the Deputy Police commandant, three Makerere University Lecturers; Prof Hellen Nkalaba, Dr Resty Naiga and five AfriChild staff as shown above participated. The session was facilitated by Clare Ahabwe Bangirana.

The AfriChild Centre, in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is conducting a study to Map out Child protection and Honour in Uganda. The study's overall purpose is to “explore tensions between child protection and rights narratives from the Global North and narratives held by children and child protection institutions and actors in the Global South. This study explores the implications of key tensions – the best interests of the child, the role of child agency, and the role child protection institutions play in the lives of children and child protection programmes and practices in Uganda. Within this framework, this study also aims to explore the role of honour in sustaining violence against children and contributing to child well-being through children’s social relationships with their families, peers, and communities.

AfriChild Centre embarked on the first phase of data collection with children and caregivers between the 7 and 23 March 2022. By end of March 23, 2022, the team had completed 10 Focus Group Discussions with children (5 for boys and 5 for girls) and 5 FGDs with caregivers (3 with females and 2 with males) in the different areas in the different suburbs of Kampala namely, Kisenyi, Katwe, Kyebando, Katooke and Kinawataka. The common findings indicated that honour was related to respect (ekitibwa) in many transcripts while others looked at it in relation to freedom.

There was an observed difference between street-connected children and children living with a caregiver (s) in terms of child agency as the former reported to be making their own decisions even at an early age of 10 years while the latter reported not making decisions until they start living independently.

The police are regarded as one of the common perpetrators of violence against children as it was reported in one of the discussion groups that a police officer defiled a girl in Kinawataka and in another group the police beat a child who eventually died after a few days in Kisenyi.

Among the caregivers, a “child” was one under parental/family/caregiver care. Therefore, regarding children living and surviving on the street as adults.

Literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional skills of children (3-6 years) participating in the Playful Futures project for Plan International

Founded in 1937, Plan International is a development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. Empower children, young people and communities to make vital changes that tackle the root causes of discrimination against girls, exclusion and vulnerability.

The AfriChild Centre over the last 3 months conducted a baseline assessment of the Playful Futures project in 80 Early Child Care and Education Centres in 6 Ugandan districts of Alebtong, Lira, Kamuli, Buyende, Tororo and Nebbi. The goal is to improve early childhood literacy, and numeracy skills and develop socio-emotional skills through play. Our team of researchers interacted with 1590 learners, 131 teachers and over 482 parents. The project seeks to increase access for 60,000 children aged 3-6 years to quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Uganda enabling them to succeed in school and life through the improvement of children's literacy, numeracy, and development of socio-emotional skills.

In March 2023, the AfriChild Centre conducted a baseline assessment in 80 Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Centres across 6 districts (Alebtong, Lira, Kamuli, Buyende, Tororo, and Nebbi) under the Playful Futures project. The study utilised a cluster randomised control trial, stratified at the Centre and district levels. Data was gathered using the International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA) and other Monitoring Evaluation and Learning tools for skills development and classroom quality assessment.

Introduction: In a collaborative effort to advance child-focused research in Uganda, the AfriChild Centre has launched the Inter-University Programme. This initiative aims to strengthen inter-university collaboration and training in child-focused research skills, preparing mid-level researchers to make significant contributions in this critical field.

1. Overview of the Programme: The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by AfriChild, focuses on equipping researchers from seven prominent universities in Uganda with essential skills in child-focused research methods. This initiative is designed to foster inter-university collaboration, enhancing the overall quality and impact of research conducted in the country.

2. Participating Universities: AfriChild collaborates with the following universities to deliver this programme:

• Makerere University
• Kyambogo University
• Nsamizi Training Institute
• Uganda Martyrs University
• Uganda Christian University
• Gulu University
• Muni University

3. Skills and Training: The programme provides comprehensive training in various aspects of child-focused research, including:

• Advanced research methodologies specific to child welfare and development.
• Techniques for successful grant acquisition to fund impactful research projects.
• Strategies for publishing research findings in reputable journals and platforms.

4. Programme Benefits: Researchers participating in the programme gain invaluable skills that enable them to:

• Conduct high-quality, impactful research that addresses the needs of children.
• Secure funding to support their research initiatives.
• Disseminate their findings effectively, influencing policy and practice in the field of child welfare.

5. Impact on Child-Focused Research: The Inter-University Programme aims to create a network of skilled researchers dedicated to advancing child-focused research. By fostering collaboration and skill development, the programme contributes to the overall improvement of child welfare research in Uganda, ultimately benefiting children and communities across the country.

Conclusion: AfriChild’s Inter-University Programme represents a significant step forward in the field of child-focused research in Uganda. By equipping researchers with essential skills and fostering collaboration between universities, the programme ensures that high-quality, impactful research continues to drive improvements in child welfare and development.

Call to Action: Stay updated with the latest developments from the Inter-University Programme by following AfriChild on their official website and social media channels. Join us in supporting this vital initiative to enhance the well-being of children across Uganda.