By: Leilani Radaideh
Uganda is a country that shares borders with South Sudan and DR Congo, is known as “The Pearl of Africa '', gifted with beautiful attractions, natural wonders and some of the friendliest and warmest people in Africa! However, in more recent years the State has been characterized by years of violence and instability. As a result, this has led to serious displacement of locals in the country as well as refugees. Their attitude towards refugees is clear- they are not a burden, but rather an economic asset, something the Western world would be shocked to hear. Refugees in Uganda are given a plot of land upon which they can grow their own food and experience free movement around the country. However, they do not need to use this plot of land and can choose to do without it.
This is not to say that the influx of asylum seekers has been easy on the country as 1.4 million refugees, a whopping 60% being children, has put significant pressure on Uganda’s ability to meet the basic needs of all the refugees as well as the local people. Resources are under great pressure such as water, health services and land. We also see this strain occur in other States that welcome large influxes of migrants, such as Jordan. Additionally, the current refugee crisis in Uganda has only worsened with the resurgence of violent neighboring countries (such as Democratic Republic of Congo) and COVID19. Hence, basic resources in Uganda are strained, especially child protection and mental health services, which are absolutely crucial for the development of the next generation.
https://www.unicef.org/uganda/what-to-do/justice-for-children
This is why TeamUp, a child protection program currently operating in the North of Uganda, is absolutely crucial. This agency takes a holistic approach towards psychosocial support and prevention to create a safe program for children. The main aim of TeamUp is to address the negative impact on children from war, separation, and violent experiences. Before a facility can host TeamUP sessions they get 5 days of training, with staff members usually having some prior experience in the field of social work as well. The activities are group based and range from various different activities that can be found in a handbook. In order to ensure inclusivity of all the children (both host community and refugee children), with language not being a restriction, the focus is on physical interactions rather than vocal ones. Additionally, for TeamUp to work, a referral system is essential, so children that are seen to need this extra support will be referred to the group. If it is found that extra support is needed, they will also be referred to different facilities that will be better equipped to help the child, depending on the circumstances and needs.
Additionally, the program also focuses on prevention, through awareness raising to change harmful norms such as (but not limited to): child neglect, child marriage, child abuse, and child labor. Local community leaders are contacted to see how these norms can be discussed and changed. Not only are these negative norms focused on, but also positive parenting techniques shared. TeamUP also focuses on government strengthening as local governments play a large role in helping children, however can lack resources. In this regard, UNICEF helps leadership and coordination through facilitating transportation costs to help get these local government actors involved in guidance meetings with NGO actors.
Therefore, TeamUp being a leading facility to help solve the various sociological and psychological challenges that child refugees and host community children face as a result of war, conflict, and displacement, plays a crucial role in the mental wellbeing of children. By encouraging children to come together to work together through various games led by facilitators, they are taught vital skills to help them navigate through any mental challenges they may face throughout their lives.
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