Young people who grew up in institutional care in Uganda are calling for stronger support as they transition to independent living, highlighting gaps in services that can leave care leavers struggling after leaving the system.
The concerns emerged from research by the AfriChild Centre and the University of Nottingham examining alternative childcare in Uganda.
The study is looking at care models that rely on international volunteers, donors and charities, including concerns around what researchers describe as “white saviourism” in international approaches to childcare.
As part of the research, care leavers shared their experiences of institutional care and the challenges they faced when transitioning to independent life.
At a consultation in Kampala on July 23, the young people presented the gaps they had experienced directly to policymakers and other stakeholders.
The meeting was intended to move the research beyond documenting experiences and towards changes in policy and services for young people leaving institutional care.
The research comes at a time when AfriChild is seeking to strengthen the use of evidence in child welfare policy and practice. The Centre describes its work as sitting at the intersection of research, policy and practice.
