AVSI Foundation in collaboration with Makerere University developed practice-oriented publications titled:
- Parenting Initiatives in Uganda: Learning from UZAZI AVSI Parenting Model and Related Initiatives. Link Parenting Initiatives in Uganda
- Empowering Vulnerable Youth in Uganda: Learning from Vijana AVSI Life Skills Program and Selected Actors. Link Empowering Vulnerable Youth In Uganda
The two volumes were launched in Uganda on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 during a Child-Focused Research Symposium under the theme: What is the role of child-focused Research in Accelerating the Implementation of Agenda 2040?
Implementers often fall short of the right skills and etiquette to conduct scientific research and deliver strong evidence to influence policy and practice. At AVSI Foundation we have been deliberate about our partnerships with the academia and are today excited that this relationship has resulted into the launch of two publications with a strong scientific evidence on key themes; parenting and life skills programs and their intersect with improved child wellbeing.
Rita Larok, AVSI Foundation co-author of Parenting Initiatives in Uganda: Learning from UZAZI AVSI Parenting Model and Related Initiatives; and Empowering Vulnerable Youth in Uganda: Learning from Vijana AVSI Life Skills Program and Selected Actors.
The Academia in Uganda and in the diaspora participated in the online book launch expected to inform global policy on caregiver/parenting and life skills programs for young people, a documented experience from the Sustainable Comprehensive Responses for Vulnerable Children and their Families, a USAID-funded household-centered economic strengthening program which targeted 25,000 households of vulnerable children. These households included approximately 150,000 children, youth and adults, many of whom are affected by HIV and AIDS. The program used Household Development Plans to support each family down a path towards reduced vulnerability and increased stability, well-being and self-reliance. The Sustainable Comprehensive Responses for Vulnerable Children and their Families program was implemented by AVSI Foundation between 2011-2018.
The two publications bring to light the need to intensify commitments by organizations and governments to increase investment into the child sector while promoting parenting that enhances cultural heritage and addresses socio-economic factors which undermine effective parenting.
Dr. Fred Matovu, Senior Lecturer in the School of Business and Management Science, and co-author of Parenting Initiatives in Uganda: Learning from UZAZI AVSI Parenting Model and Related Initiatives; and Empowering Vulnerable Youth in Uganda: Learning from Vijana AVSI Life Skills Program and Selected Actors.