The Ending Child Marriage Project by Child Aid Uganda (CHAU) is dedicated to eradicating child marriage in Uganda. This project focuses on preventing early marriages through education, advocacy, and community engagement. By addressing the root causes of child marriage, such as poverty, lack of education, and cultural norms, CHAU aims to protect the rights of children and ensure their healthy development. The primary objectives include raising awareness about the negative impacts of child marriage, promoting education for girls, and providing support to at-risk families.
Program Activities and Impact
The project implements various activities to achieve its goals. These include conducting community workshops and seminars to educate parents and community leaders about the consequences of child marriage. CHAU also collaborates with local schools to encourage girls to stay in education and provides scholarships and financial support to those at risk of dropping out. Additionally, the project offers counseling and legal assistance to victims of child marriage. The impact of these activities has been significant, with increased school retention rates for girls and greater community awareness about the importance of delaying marriage.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the successes, the project faces challenges such as deeply entrenched cultural practices and resistance from some community members. Limited resources and funding also pose obstacles to expanding the project’s reach. Moving forward, CHAU plans to strengthen partnerships with local and international organizations, enhance advocacy efforts for stricter enforcement of child protection laws, and increase community involvement. By continuing to address these challenges, CHAU is committed to creating a future where every child can grow up free from the threat of early marriage.
Project Information
Project Name:
Ending Child Marriage Project
Location:
Lyantonde District, Uganda
Major Statistics:
Number of community workshops conducted annually: 50
Number of girls receiving scholarships and support: 200
Target Group:
Girls at risk of early marriage, families, and community leaders
Partners:
Local schools, community organizations, international NGOs
