challenge fund
In 2018, Chance for Childhood invited organisations, children and youth advocates and social entrepreneurs in Uganda and Rwanda to submit innovative ideas that contribute to ensuring no child is forgotten.
The aim of the Challenge Fund is to support early-stage ventures and visionary social entrepreneurs.
RWANDA
UGANDA
The Challenges
Whilst progress is slowly being made towards tackling the physical barriers to disability inclusion, ranging from affordable assistive devices to greater consideration for inclusive buildings, it’s often the invisible barriers and negative attitudes that continue to hold back children with disabilities.
Negative cultural beliefs and lack of understanding around disability make these children, especially girls with disabilities, three times more likely to be victims of sexual violence. There’s also growing evidence that it isn’t the distance to schools, but fear of bullying and mistreatment that is deterring parents from supporting the education of their disabled child .
We’re investing in ideas that facilitate the inclusion of children with disabilities in all aspects of life, especially those living with communication disabilities. Read the background brief to this Challenge to learn more.
.Girls caught up in criminal justice systems face complex paths. They’re often pushed into breaking the law in response to injustice, or have been victims of violence, neglect or discrimination.
It’s estimated that girls and women make up to 10% of total detainees, a minority whose specific needs (in education, medical care or hygiene) are routinely overlooked. The negative consequences of imprisonment have a long-term impact, increasing poverty, worsening mental health and disrupting education, healthcare and housing needs.
We’re investing in ideas that offer support to girls who have been in prison or may be at risk of offending to improve their future prospects. Read the background brief to this Challenge to learn more.
.The Results
439
Children and young people reached directly
64
girls in conflict with the law underwent rehabilitation and entrepreneurial training.
80%
increase in school attendance among the 75 children with albinism who received protective equipment and uniforms.
1,040
unique users accessed the online disability screening tool, with 14% of children screened reporting a mild to moderate disability.
In focus
iKnow Mobile Screening Tool
by Embrace Kulture
The proposal
To offer a free SMS and phone hotline for parents to screen their children for learning disabilities. They’ll give access to hard-to-reach parents and children, who may be illiterate and living in rural areas. Parents will be able to answer simple questions about their children, who can then be referred for help if they have a learning disability.
The results
- 1,040 unique users accessed the tool between October and November 2019.
- The tool achieved 70% accuracy.
- Of those who screened positive, 75% of parents were unaware of their child’s disability.
Including Learners with Albinism
by SNUPA
The proposal
To distribute protective gear and set up support networks for children with albinism. They will give out wide-brimmed hats, sun cream, magnifying glasses and more to address the specific needs of these children. Additionally, they will hold training courses for teachers to educate them on these needs and establish support groups for children with albinism.
The results
- 75 children with albinism received protective equipment and special school uniforms (including long sleeves and visual aids) to allow them to attend school.
- This increased their school attendance by 80%!
- SNUPA also conducted 3 training sessions, with a total of 76 teachers on how to include children with albinism.
- They also engaged the Ministry of Education to allow school uniforms with wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts.
Business Incubation Centre for Young Offenders
by MUCOBADI
The proposal
To set up a business incubation centre aimed at turning young offenders into future entrepreneurs. They will target former girls in prison with counselling and life-skills workshops, then offer business start-up workshops, including teaching girls marketing, finance, management and planning – setting them on a path towards economic empowerment and independence.
The results
- The project supported formerly detained girls between the ages of 15-17 years.
- 64 girls were enrolled and underwent life skills and vocational training. 54 girls were supported to come up with business plans.
- 23 girls were in a position to start up businesses such as grocery shops, local restaurants and pan-bread baking, among others.
