Overview

Gunduatid Initiative is a community-based program that serves out-of-school young people ages 10-17 in the Namuwongo neighborhood of Kampala, Uganda. The program currently serves 23 children on a regular basis and others who drop in for support based on their needs.

At its core, Gunduatid is a community center where out-of-school youth are welcome five days a week to engage in self-directed learning under the care and mentorship of caring adults. Each day, they also receive two warm meals.

History

Gunduatid Initiative was founded by Amony Harriet, a local Namuwongo resident of over 25 years, in response to a direct need she saw to support young people in her community who were not able to attend school for a variety of reasons. Gunduatid became an incorporated non-governmental organization in Uganda in May 2024.

Our Young People and Community

Like in many parts of Uganda, many young people in Namuwongo drop out of school at the primary level, or fail to transition between primary and secondary school. The reasons for this are many, including a lack of school fees and scholastic materials, lack of family support, and a need to work to support families suffering from deep levels of poverty and related challenges.

Out-of-school youth face very challenging paths to forging a successful future for themselves. Within their communities they have been made to believe they will achieve very little in life, let alone have the space to dream of the future they want to achieve. 

WIth a lack of economic resources and psychosocial support, many lack self-confidence and the ability to express themselves and their desires. Many lack conflict resolution skills and have resorted to and experienced violence. These young people face significant idle time including selling scrap bottles and metal, and are at risk of becoming pregnant or gang-involved as so many in the community unfortunately are.