Child Sponsorship Background from Kakiri, Uganda

SOS Children's Village Kakiri

The SOS Children's Village Kakiri consists of 13 family houses, a Village Director's house, and accommodation for the SOS aunts (who take care of the children when SOS mothers are on leave), a multi-purpose hall, workshops, and an administrative and service block. The SOS Nursery School, which is also located on the premises of the SOS Children’s Village, comprises four classes, a playground and affiliated rooms. It hosts about 110 children, not only from the SOS Children's Village, but also from the neighborhood.

Other SOS Projects in Kakiri

As soon as youths reach the age of about 15, they move into one of the three SOS Youth Houses, where they are cared for by a youth leader. Being admitted into an SOS Youth Home means taking responsibility for oneself and is synonymous to taking a big step towards independence. Being fully aware of this, SOS mothers, the Village Director and a psychologist prepare them carefully for that change. Usually, youths stay up to four years in an SOS Youth Home. They may stay longer, however, if they are looking for work, completing professional training or studying at a university.

The SOS School was opened in 1991. It comprises 16 classrooms, a library, a multi purpose room, a canteen, an auditorium and side rooms. At present, the SOS School provides a total of 490 students with an education.

The SOS Medical Centre consists of seven treatment rooms, a laboratory and various side rooms. Approximately 50 to 60 patients from the SOS facilities and its neighborhood receive medical treatment there on a daily basis.

The construction of the SOS Children’s Village and its ancillary facilities, together with the construction of a new market place, considerably stimulated the local economy. This boost for the local economy was particularly gratifying to see, since the local infrastructure was heavily damaged during the civil war.

Background to Kakiri

Kakiri is a subcounty and market town located in Wakiso District, Uganda. It is the headquarters of the 1st Division, Uganda People's Defence Force. Estimates put the population at around 40,000.