Working as an intern at The AfriChild Centre has been an enriching and eye-opening experience. As an organization dedicated to research, advocacy, and policy engagement for children’s rights and well-being, AfriChild gave me a unique opportunity to dive deep into impactful research projects while gaining hands-on experience in the field. Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of working on several critical studies, engaging with key stakeholders, and exploring different regions of Uganda.

Engaging in Meaningful Research

One of the most exciting aspects of my internship was contributing to three major studies:

1. What Works to Prevent and Respond to Childhood Sexual Violence in Resource-Constrained Settings: The Case of the 3RT Model Implemented by The Remnant Generation in Uganda
2. Research & Learning Partnership for Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Livelihoods in Urban Kampala and Refugee Settlements in Uganda (in collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council)
3. Mapping Child Protection and Honour in Uganda

Each of these studies offered invaluable lessons and insights into child protection, ECD interventions, and youth agency in Uganda.

Deep Dive into the 3RT Model Study

For the 3RT Model study, I actively participated in various phases of the research, including training research assistants, conducting data collection through participatory methods and key informant interviews (KIIs), transcribing transcripts, and cleaning and analyzing quantitative data.

One of the most rewarding experiences was engaging with staff from The Remnant Generation to understand their roles and the extensive impact of the 3RT Model in addressing childhood sexual violence. Participating in body mapping and flower mapping exercises with girls reaffirmed my passion for participatory research methods. Seeing firsthand how these approaches empower survivors to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment was both humbling and inspiring. Since this project is ongoing, I will continue assisting with data cleaning and analysis for the 205 collected surveys.

Analyzing Early Childhood Development Interventions

For the Norwegian Refugee Council study, I focused on analyzing 13 focus group discussion (FGD) transcripts. The FGDs explored crucial themes, including the effectiveness of NRC-provided services, beneficiary satisfaction, childcare practices, parental involvement, immunization, and nutrition. My role included developing a comprehensive codebook to organize the data effectively, ensuring that the findings could inform policy and programmatic decisions.

Exploring Child Protection and Honour in Uganda

In the Mapping Child Protection and Honour in Uganda study, I analyzed 13 key informant interviews with representatives from organizations such as ChildFund, World Vision, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. These discussions revolved around child agency, the best interests of the child, and urgent interventions needed to enhance child protection in Uganda. This study broadened my understanding of the policies, frameworks, and interventions shaping child protection efforts in the country.

Beyond Research: Field Engagements and Advocacy

Beyond my primary research assignments, I had the chance to engage in field activities that deepened my appreciation for the real-world impact of AfriChild’s work:

• Protection, Information, and Management Field Activities in Kyaka: Witnessing the progress of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers in host communities and understanding how interventions from organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are making a tangible difference.
• Freedom Fund Project in Moroto: Participating in partner workshops and attending the launch of the Freedom Fund project, aimed at tackling child exploitation in Karamoja.
• National Coalition to End Child Poverty in Uganda: Listening to inspiring youth voices on strategies to combat child poverty and learning from coalition members, including UNICEF, Save the Children International, and ChildFund International.

A Transformative Experience

Looking back on my time at AfriChild, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I had to explore different parts of Uganda, enhance my research and analytical skills, and engage with policymakers, government officials, and community leaders. This experience has deepened my understanding of the intersection between research, policy, and practice in child protection and youth development.

More than just an internship, my time at AfriChild has been a journey of discovery, learning, and growth. The knowledge I have gained and the connections I have built will undoubtedly shape my future work in advocacy, research, and social impact. Uganda, AfriChild, and the incredible people I met along the way will always hold a special place in my heart.

By: Kaelah Grant, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health