Tag: Africa

Promoting child-friendly justice in Uganda

BY VERONICA BABIRYE More children in Uganda who are caught up in the legal system now have a safe space in which to confidently express themselves, thanks to the tireless advocacy work of Viva’s partner network, CRANE. The promotion of children’s rights is a responsibility not only for the government but every member of the …

A Heart-Warming Reunion

BY ANNAH MARY TUSIIME COVID-19 has been a huge challenge for many people in Uganda, creating fear and anxiety amongst the young and old alike. Children have been out of school since March and social distancing has left them feeling isolated and even bored. They are looking for something to do – just like Mark …

Finding family

BY EMMA STONEHOUSE CRANE, our partner network in Uganda, has a vision for all children: that they would live in the care of safe and secure families. For the 50,000 children who live in 800 orphanages, and the 10-15,000 children on the streets in Uganda, this means finding families who will give them supportive, long-term …

Informing and empowering women

BY EMMA STONEHOUSE In collaboration with our partner network, Viva is giving women in Uganda a choice, in a society which often takes it away. Pregnancy and early parenting is an exciting time, but also a time full of unknowns. Our partner network in Uganda, CRANE, is working with women to inform and support women …

Growing in confidence

A new discipleship programme in Zambia aims to involve young people in learning how to protect themselves by taking them on a journey of self-discovery, learning who they are in Christ. ‘Discipleship’ is currently running in six different communities in Lusaka, Zambia. Each community was asked to suggest twenty 12-18 year-olds to attend, particularly focusing …

From shattered glass to a flying bird

BY EMMA STONEHOUSE A simple green bag is having a huge impact on the lives of children in the suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe. Our partner Viva Network Zimbabwe (VNZ) works in areas of the city with high levels of poverty and abuse and homelessness, and with children who have been orphaned. The network believes that …

Shelter from the storm

Viva’s growing reputation as a specialist in protecting children in emergency situations has led us to supporting partners to deliver training in Malawi and Mozambique this year following the devastation of Cyclone Idai. Kezia M’Clelland writes about the impact of this work. “After the cyclone we were very traumatised; the buildings were severely damaged and …

Learning to listen to children

Last year, over 200,000 adults in 14 countries were reached with positive messages about treating children in their care better through Viva’s Good Treatment Campaign – more than double the number of the previous year. A total of 900 churches and organisations from 22 of Viva’s partner networks worked together to reach people in their …

“I’m unstoppable”

BY BECCA MARTIN It’s the school holidays, but from one classroom not far from Kampala a song by Sia blasts out through the windows. “I put my armour on, show you how strong I am. I’ll put my armour on, I’ll show you that I am, I’m unstoppable.” Inside, a group of girls decide on …

A dream fulfilled

BY ANNAH MARY TUSIIME Rachel’s is a story of a life that was forever changed. She was raised by a single mother who farmed other people’s gardens for a living and, with the little she had, she supported Rachel until Senior 4 (aged 15 years). Unable to find any lasting work within her community, Rachel’s …