Denmark aims to transform over 500 street kids in northern Uganda

Gulu | The Danish government has pledged to improve the lives of over 500 street children (Aguu) through phase 4 of the Building Stronger Universities (BSU IV) project.

The transformation will take place by skilling and educating the ‘Aguus’.

BSU IV, operated by Danida, aims to strengthen the capacity of university research, teaching, learning, and community outreach as part of Uganda’s long-standing collaboration with Danish Universities.

This project is supported by Aalborg University, Roskilde University, Copenhagen University, and the University of Southern Denmark. All will provide opportunities for the Danish to learn from their Southern partners, resulting in equity in the general application of new knowledge.

Shs12 billion has been invested to ensure the smooth implementation of Phase IV in Uganda.

Dr. Agatha Alidri, BSU coordinator for Gulu University, stated that their primary goal is to establish Gulu University as the best research centre of excellence in digital and transformative learning.

Also read:

Alidri stated that they are conducting research to support and train approximately 500 street kids in the region.

She said that the leaders of northern Uganda have been overthrown by the street children.

Northern Uganda continues to grapple with the aftermath of the war and the COVID-19 pandemic. The two have contributed to the growing number of street children, which is expected to reach 1,500 in the coming years.

She also confirmed that, as part of phase III of the project, over ten street kids were given small sums of money to start businesses in Gulu City’s Olailong market.

Titus Joso, a refugee development officer in the Adjumani settlement camp, stated that the project comes at a time when our children are receiving poor parenting and leadership.

According to Joso, the region’s growing number of street children is partly caused by inadequate child care.

Titus urged the Danish government to find simple alternatives and solutions for street children. He stated that skilling can be a means of supporting their lives in the community because they will have something to do for a living.

He requested that rehabilitation centres be built to help youth recover from trauma.

“Massive campaigns are required in refreguee settlements in Adjumani and Lamwo districts to raise the level of education among youth. The north has a low level of education.

Signe Winding Albjerg, Danish Ambassador to Uganda, stated that the project will conclude in 2028.

Ambassador Albjerg stated that they will collaborate with Gulu Regional Referral Hospital hospital to provide free health care to street children in Gulu City.

“…these street kids have had limited access to health care because their parents abandoned them.”

Winding also stated that more scholarships will be provided to street children, and that primary school outreaches will be held to learn about the real issues that are driving children to flood the streets of the north.

She expressed confidence that they will be able to find effective solutions to the problems before it is too late.

The multibillion project will also address gender issues in the community, with a particular focus on widows and widowers.

BSU was founded and launched in Gulu in 2011 with the goal of enhancing research capacity at Gulu University in collaboration with Danish University.