Gulu Walk - GuluWalk Programs

GuluWalk Programs

Working with AMREF Canada, GuluWalk has funded two major youth health initiatives in northern Uganda. Last year, the ‘Health for Night Commuters Program’ helped contribute to the reduction of the risk of transmission of STD’s/HIV/AIDS, sexual and other forms of child abuse, and the negative psychosocial impact of the situation among night commuters who, because of insecurity, seek shelter outside of their homes. GuluWalk also supports Promoting Girls Education for Better Health in Kitgum District, which focuses on training in health and nutrition, personal and community hygiene, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention and education. The goal is to provide opportunities for girls and support for an understaffed health care system in the region. In 2006, GuluWalk contributed over $75,000 to AMREF Canada.

In partnership with CPAR (Canadian Physicians Aid and Relief), GuluWalk is involved in providing activities that empower youth and foster a culture of peace in the war-torn region of northern Uganda. Specifically, GuluWalk has contributed funds to a peacebuilding project in Gulu and Pader districts entitled By Youth for Youth, which has been designed to strengthen community support structures and promote community peacebuilding among youth. By carrying out effective community-level conflict resolution, peer counseling and recreation-based activities (music, dance, drama, and sports tournaments), the project provides opportunities for children to deal with past traumas, as well as providing forums for positive interaction. As part of the program, GuluWalk supports a youth-focused radio show on Choice FM in Gulu. The show airs every Wednesday night and offers a platform for youth to discuss peace and conflict mediation in the community. In 2006, GuluWalk contributed over $75,000 to CPAR.

GuluWalk has also teamed up with the Liu Institute and the Gulu District NGO Forum to fund the building of the first-ever Youth Cultural Centre in northern Uganda. The aim of this expanded program is to empower the local community, specifically youth, and provide an unbreakable link to Acholi history and culture, and be a beacon for social justice in the region. Ideally, the cultural centre will promote locally owned approaches to reintegration, justice and reconciliation through action research, cultural activities and youth-led advocacy by empowering local leaders, youth, children and marginalized women through the centre’s activities. In 2006, GuluWalk contributed over $100,000 to the Liu Institute.

In partnership with War Child Canada, GuluWalk supports the Girls Education Initiative Project, which involves the funding of a program that provides educational opportunities to families in Kitgum, Gulu and Pader districts. The focus is on girls aged 13-26 who are heads of households and/or child mothers, who are unable to meet the cost of formal education themselves. GuluWalk also funds the Northern Uganda Child Legal Defence Project that provides direct legal aid to conflict-affected youth. It also involves the training of local legal structures in Gulu, including the police, probation and welfare officers, and local courts on their roles and responsibilities to protect these rights. In 2006, GuluWalk contributed over $75,000 to War Child Canada.