Uganda, Kampala
2021 – ongoing
Hope for Children, Chance for Childhood (local partner)
Why is the project needed?
Many children in Namuwongo face trauma from living in extreme poverty, experiencing domestic violence, or losing family members. The lack of mental health services in the community compounds the issue. This project addresses these challenges by providing much-needed mental health support and safe spaces.
About the Project
The Trauma & Wellness Project started in 2021 and focuses on improving mental health, resilience, and social support for children and families in Namuwongo. It provides individual counselling, social support, and safe spaces for children to reduce stigma and promote long-term well-being.
Goals and Objectives
Improve mental health for vulnerable children and their families through counselling and resilience-building activities.
Reduce stigma around mental health issues and create safe spaces where children can thrive.
Equip children and their families to take control of their development and ensure sustainable improvements in their mental well-being.
How we did it
The Disability Detect App was designed as a mobile tool accessible even in low-technology environments, ensuring that children from remote or disadvantaged areas were not left behind. The project included:
Teacher Training: Chance for Childhood trained teachers on how to use the app effectively and how to identify developmental delays, equipping them to offer timely interventions.
App Accessibility: The app was developed to work in low-tech environments, ensuring it could be used anywhere, regardless of internet or technical resources.
Piloting in Schools: The app was piloted in 20 governmental pre-primary schools, laying the groundwork for its broader use across more schools and communities.
Our impact so far
Provided mental health support to 1,080 children and 736 adults.
Increased resilience and reduced stigma around mental health, creating a safer, more supportive environment for vulnerable children.