Why Boys? Why Now?
"Asiyeonekana watoto mtaani means invisible street kid in Swahili ... Shule believes no child should be invisible."
Uganda has one of the world's largest populations of young people— over half (51%) of its 49 million people are under the age of 15, making up the largest demographic group living in poverty. Poverty, neglect, and sexual, physical, and emotional abuse are leading factors in children leaving home to live on the streets.
Street-connected kids are among the world's most forgotten, enduring harsh realities daily. Neglected and mistreated, they are vulnerable to physical, mental, and sexual abuse. To escape the harshness of their existence, many resort to sniffing "mafuta" – a combination of airplane fuel and industrial glue. A powerful hallucinogenic that provides relief from hunger, coldness, and emotional and physical pain. Mafuta allows them to forget their bleak existence. These invisible children make do with makeshift shelters for sleep, scavenge for food, and lack access to basic necessities, including clean water, showers, and toilets.
Why Boys? Why Now?
"Asiyeonekana watoto mtaani means invisible street kid in Swahili ... Shule believes no child should be invisible."
Uganda has one of the world's largest populations of young people— over half (51%) of its 49 million people are under the age of 15, making up the largest demographic group living in poverty. Poverty, neglect, and sexual, physical, and emotional abuse are leading factors in children leaving home to live on the streets.
Street-connected kids are among the world's most forgotten, enduring harsh realities daily. Neglected and mistreated, they are vulnerable to physical, mental, and sexual abuse. To escape the harshness of their existence, many resort to sniffing "mafuta" – a combination of airplane fuel and industrial glue. A powerful hallucinogenic that provides relief from hunger, coldness, and emotional and physical pain. Mafuta allows them to forget their bleak existence. These invisible children make do with makeshift shelters for sleep, scavenge for food, and lack access to basic necessities, including clean water, showers, and toilets.
The Challenges Boys Face
"The best thing we can do for the girl child. Raise boys to grow up to become good men who can take care of themselves and their families."
~ Jacqueline Wolfson, Founder, Shule Foundation
The Challenges Boys Face
"The best thing we can do for the girl child is raise boys to become good men who care for themselves and their families." ~ Jacqueline Wolfson, Founder, Shule Foundation
Over the past 25 years, much effort has been directed towards empowering girls, promoting gender equality, and ensuring they receive education. However, striving to improve girls' lives has been at the expense of the boychild. We are neglecting the welfare of the boy child, creating an imbalance. This imbalance has negative consequences for boys and girls.
At Shule Foundation, we believe that every child has equal worth and potential. Our program addresses the neglected needs of boys and provides them with an equal chance to thrive. We want to share some statistics with you to highlight the urgency of our mission.
1. Boyhood Challenges:In Uganda alone, a staggering 98% of children living on the streets are boys. These boys face immense hardships, lacking access to education, shelter, medical treatment, clothing, proper sanitation, and a nurturing environment. We cannot ignore their struggles any longer.
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2. Education Disparity:
125 million boys worldwide do not attend school, surpassing the number of girls. This represents a significant missed opportunity for boys' personal growth, skill development, and prospects. By bridging the educational gap, we can unlock their full potential.
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3. Vulnerabilities and Discrimination:
Regrettably, perpetrators sexually assault 1 out of 6 boys, and 88 million boys endure forced child labor. Moreover, 7 out of 10 boys fall victim to recruitment as child soldiers. Boys are more susceptible to becoming targets of corporal punishment. These alarming statistics emphasize the critical need to address the vulnerabilities faced by boys and protect their rights.d protect their rights.
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4. Transformative Power of Education:
Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and is instrumental in fostering gender equality, combating climate change, and promoting global stability. Research shows that boys without secondary education are more likely to perpetuate discriminatory views and engage in violence against women and children. We can create a more equitable and just society through education and skillings boys.
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5. Africa's Educational Challenge:
By 2030, the world's youth population is expected to be 41% across Africa. Addressing the lack of access to education in the region is crucial, as over half of Africa's children do not have access to education, depriving them of opportunities for a better future. Focusing on Uganda, where only 8% of school-age children are enrolled, we can profoundly impact the lives of young boys and the nation's overall development by improving access to education.
Addressing the Challenges Head-On
Street-connected boys face significant challenges, including limited access to education, basic healthcare, employment, and safe living conditions, all of which are compounded by societal stigma.
Our programs tackle these obstacles with comprehensive services: outreaches, a drop-in center, and skills training in poultry farming, fashion, and computers. Additionally, we deliver rehabilitation, counseling, medical assistance, and family reconciliation, aiming to uplift Uganda's street boys.
Addressing Challenges Head-On
Street-connected boys face significant challenges, including limited access to education, basic healthcare, employment, and safe living conditions, all of which are compounded by societal stigma.
Our programs tackle these obstacles with comprehensive services: outreaches, a drop-in center, and skills training in poultry farming, fashion, and computers. Additionally, we deliver rehabilitation, counseling, medical assistance, and family reconciliation, aiming to uplift Uganda's street boys.
Join our Volunteer Movement
When you volunteer with the Shule Foundation in Uganda, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Uganda's most vulnerable boys. Together, we provide the education, guidance, and support they need to break the cycle of street life and reintegrate back into society.
Explore the incredible volunteer opportunities and become an agent of change here.
Join Our Volunteer Movement
When you volunteer with the Shule Foundation in Uganda, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Uganda's most vulnerable boys. Together, we provide the education, guidance, and support they need to break the cycle of street life and reintegrate back into society.
Explore the incredible volunteer opportunities and become an agent of change here.