IMPROVING ECD OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN 0-5 YEARS IN REFUGEE HOSTING DISTRICTS IN UGANDA

Under the Small Grants mechanism facilitated by the ACE Policy Research Institute and technically supported by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, WARDI Uganda has successfully executed a targeted child protection intervention. Funded through the generosity of the Hilton Foundation, this strategic initiative directly reached 90 refugee parents, enrolling them in comprehensive positive parenting sessions. The curriculum was specifically designed to build psychosocial resilience, introduce non-violent disciplinary methods, and establish foundational child safety frameworks within displaced households. By empowering these caregivers, the project aimed to create a protective buffer around vulnerable children who are currently navigating the profound traumas of forced displacement, socio-economic marginalization, and fractured community support systems.

Our team, alongside our education and livelihood partners, participated in a field experience learning visit yesterday. The event was hosted by BRAC Uganda to showcase their impactful project models and methodologies. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for WARDI and its partners to observe BRAC's successful interventions first-hand, engage with project beneficiaries, and exchange knowledge on best practices in the community development sector. This collaborative learning initiative is a crucial step in strengthening our programs and fostering greater synergy among key actors in Uganda's development landscape. We extend our sincere gratitude to BRAC Uganda for their hospitality and transparency in sharing their experiences.

On behalf of our entire organization, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Ulearn, IRC, and UNHCR for your unwavering support in strengthening our work in Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP). Your commitment has been invaluable in helping us enhance our accountability practices and in ensuring that the voices of the communities we serve are heard and prioritized. It is an absolute honor to be considered among the best organizations for graduation this year, 2025. This achievement is a testament to the powerful collaboration and guidance we have received from all of you. Your dedication has been instrumental in our progress, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside such remarkable partners to further our collective impact.

WARDI Uganda conducted information mapping to find out the key challenges facing ECD centers in Imvepi refugee settlement Uganda. they key challenges/gaps identified are limited funding to support ECD centers, lack capacity building to center management committee CMCs, play leaders and parents support group PSGs and limited play/instruction materials. this gaps has limited operation of the ECD center, low enrollment and attendance . the recommendation we have is that there is need to allocate small funds to the administration and raise awareness on ownership and sustainability. its urgently needed.

WARDI Uganda today conducted community awareness on OPM registration services in zone one of Imvepi refugee settlement Uganda. the issues identified are lack of enough food, limited skills development training programme offers to refuge more especially women and girls, and other issues related to income generating activity. this call for joint effort to empower the refugee community by allocating some funds in skills development, business Entrepreneurship