The Invisible Boys Living on the Streets in Uganda

Asiyeonekana watoto mtaani means invisible street kid in Swahili ... and we believe that no child should be invisible.

Uganda has one of the largest populations of young people in the world— half (51%) of its 49 million people are under the age of 15, making up the largest demographic group living in poverty within the country. Poverty, abuse, and lack of education are the primary reasons why children end up living 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 brutality of street life, many resort to sniffing "mafuta" – a harmful mix of airplane fuel and glue – seeking relief from hunger, cold, and emotional pain and trying to forget their bleak existence. These homeless youths rely on makeshift shelters, scavenge for food, and lack access to basic necessities like clean water, showers, and toilets.

the hard truth about boys

"The best thing we can do for the girl child is raise boys to grow up to become good men who can take care of 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, in the process of striving to improve the lives of girls, the welfare of the boy child has been neglected, creating an imbalance. This imbalance has had negative consequences for the boy child.

At Shule Foundation, we believe every child has equal worth and potential, so we have introduced the Watoto Mtanni program. This program aims to address the neglected needs of boys and provide them with an equal chance to thrive. We want to share with you some statistics highlighting the urgency of our mission.

1. Boyhood Challenges:
In Uganda alone, a staggering 98% of children living full-time on the streets are boys, with an estimated 16 new arrivals daily. These boys face immense hardships, lacking access to education, shelter, and a nurturing environment. We cannot turn a blind eye to their struggles any longer.

2. Education Disparity:
Currently, 125 million boys worldwide do not attend school, which surpasses the number of girls. This represents a significant missed opportunity for their personal growth, skill development, and prospects. By bridging this educational gap, we can unlock their full potential.

3. Vulnerabilities and Discrimination:
Tragically, one out of 6 boys experiences sexual assault, while 88 million boys are subjected to child labor. Moreover, 7 out of 10 boys are recruited as child soldiers; males account for 80% of suicides and are more likely to become victims of corporal punishment. These distressing statistics underline the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities faced by boys and protect their rights.

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.

5, Africa's Educational Challenge:
With Africa projected to be home to 41% of the world's youth population by 2030, it is crucial to address the educational exclusion within the region. More than half of Africa's children do not have access to education, denying them a pathway to a brighter future. In Uganda, only 8% of age-appropriate students are enrolled in school.

Addressing the Challenges Head-On

The challenges street-connected boys face are daunting: lack of access to education, basic healthcare, employment, and safe living conditions, all of which are exacerbated by societal stigma. 

Our Watoto Mtaani ("street kids" in Swahili) Program tackles these obstacles with comprehensive services: outreaches, a drop-in center, and skills training in poultry farming, fashion and tailoring, and digital literacy. Additionally, we deliver rehabilitation, counseling, medical assistance, and family reconciliation, aiming to uplift Uganda's street boys.

Join our Volunteer Movement

By volunteering with the Shule Foundation, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Uganda's most vulnerable children, particularly young boys. Together, we can provide them with the education, guidance, and support they need to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. Explore the incredible volunteer opportunities and become an agent of change.

We have some fantastic volunteer opportunities; find out more here.