Childrens’ Rehabilitation and Education Project

Child Restoration Outreach is a local Christian NGO founded in 1992 in Mbale Town, but has now expanded to three other towns to facilitate an increasing number of street children. The leading causes of children coming to the streets are HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, civil wars, poverty, famine and droughts.

We aim to integrate children back into their families and work with all stakeholders to find a lasting solution for a child. Currently (2010) CRO is assisting 1,376 street children and their families. Children are provided with three meals a day, they can wash themselves and their clothes at the centres and learn skills.

CRO hopes to rehabilitate 251 street children, educate 1058 and equip 67 young people with work skills. In the one year rehabilitation program children are prepared to join formal schools or vocational institutes. They are equipped with literacy, maths, life skills, HIV/AIDS prevention, reproductive sexual health and agriculture. Children are also provided with psychosocial support helping them to deal with difficulties, gain confidence and make positive life decisions.

Children’s’ talents are developed through games, sports, music, dance and drama. CRO has organized boys’ and girls’ football teams which participate in different football tournaments and have succeeded as district champions and of recently qualified to play in the super league of the country. A 45 member choir is organized and is performing at different occasions including government, church and wedding functions.

CRO involves the community to address the problems of street children. Women and men clubs are organised where members share experiences and are trained in basic parental responsibilities, children and women rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, care and education, income generating activities and skills development.

CRO collaborates with various organizations to advance the welfare of street children. Read more