World Vision’s Work in Uganda

World Vision works with communities to provide: Microenterprise development Community health improvement Agricultural training to improve crop management HIV and AIDS prevention through training of community counselors community AIDS sensitization campaigns Medication support for AIDS patients

Caring for Formerly Abducted Child Soldiers

Poverty and disease plague the entire country, but the suffering is even worse in northern Uganda, where the rebel group called the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has battled the Government of Uganda for more than 21 years.

An estimated 25,000 children have been kidnapped by the LRA and millions of Ugandans have been forced from their homes, during the height of the conflict.

A significant number of children have escaped from LRA captivity or are rescued by the Ugandan army. But these children have been traumatized by their experience and lack the social, educational and livelihood skills necessary for them to reintegrate themselves into their families and communities.

Sadly, these children are frequently mistrusted or hated by their communities for what they have done, or are perceived to have done, while with the LRA.

World Vision Children of War Centers receive and counsel former child soldiers.

A World Vision staff person watches a formerly abducted child draw a picture of her home the way she remembers it before she was kidnapped.

The Children of War Centers provide formerly abducted children with: HIV and AIDS education Food Medical treatment Psychosocial counseling Vocational training Spiritual nurture

The centers also facilitate a smooth reunion of the children with their families. More than 15,000 children and adults have passed through the centers.

World Vision works within affected communities to help families and community members understand what has happened to these children and encourage them to forgive and accept the children.

Get Involved

• Pray that the negotiations will result in a lasting peace for the families of northern Uganda. Pray for the safe return and integration of all former child soldiers. And pray they find restoration and wholeness through the grace given through Jesus Christ.
• Make a monthly financial pledge to help provide for the needs of children affected by war.
• Advocate for Uganda's children by sending a message to Congress.