Ronald Wabwire, a 17-year-old boy from Nakabaale village in Kayogera, Muterere Sub-county, has experienced significant personal transformation through Somero Uganda’s child protection initiatives. His story is one of change, empowerment, and the impact of child participation in creating positive societal change.
Before the Intervention:
Ronald grew up in with his parents, Wabwire Keziron and Mukebeezi Tolofina, and seven siblings. Their livelihood depended on small-scale farming, particularly onions, on their four-acre piece of land located about a kilometer from their home. The family’s daily income fluctuated, but prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they earned about 10,000 Uganda shillings (approximately 2.5 EUR) daily. However, the pandemic severely impacted their income, and they were barely earning 3,000 Uganda shillings (less than 1 EUR) a day.
Living in a modest two-roomed house along the main road to Muterere sub-county, Ronald’s environment was basic but functional. The family relied on an outdoor kitchen, a small plantation, and a toilet situated 100 meters from the kitchen. Access to water was primarily from a borehole 100 meters away, with a backup well located 200 meters away.
Ronald attended Sunlight Primary School in Bululu, where he completed Primary Seven in 2018. He continued his education at St. Steven’s Secondary School in Bugiri, starting Senior One in 2019. However, in 2020, when he was in Senior Two, the COVID-19 pandemic led to school closures, which kept him out of school for two years.
Before engaging with Somero Uganda’s program, Ronald’s life revolved around household chores, farming, and playing with his friends. However, his social circle was not ideal. He spent time with friends who were involved in drugs, and he had no guidance or counseling from his parents. Reflecting on his situation, Ronald said, “Before I attended sessions on child protection with Somero Uganda, I was not a good child, life was about me and not anyone else. Most of my friends were taking drugs and would never spend the day at home. There was no one to counsel and guide us.”
The Intervention:
In June 2021, Somero Uganda, in collaboration with the community development officer, identified Kayogera Parish as an area where children needed awareness and training on child protection, rights, and responsibilities. Ronald was one of the 25 children selected to attend a training session conducted by Somero Uganda at Kayogera Open Bible Church on June 10th, 2021. The training covered child protection risks, gender-based violence, and COVID-19-related issues, and Ronald actively participated. His engagement was so impressive that he volunteered to be the group coordinator, a role that his peers supported.
Over the next few months, Ronald took part in a variety of activities aimed at raising awareness and empowering children in his community. He participated in quarterly mentorship sessions in June, November, and December 2021, where he co-facilitated discussions on topics such as violence against children, the importance of seeking help, safe spaces, and identifying good versus bad touches. Ronald emphasized the importance of speaking out when facing challenges, saying, “Keeping quiet will only create sadness and lead to risky behavior.”
One of the most pivotal moments in Ronald’s journey came during a radio talk show at Eastern Voice Radio on November 24th, 2021, where he discussed the effects of COVID-19 on children. Ronald urged the government to provide free, accessible vocational education for children from vulnerable families. He also participated in a Child Friendly Accountability (CFA) training in December 2021, where he facilitated a session on the importance of seeking help and support.
After the Intervention:
Since the intervention, Ronald has undergone a profound transformation. He no longer engages with his previous peer group and instead focuses on supporting his parents with household chores and farming. He has become a role model for other adolescents in his community. As a child advocate, he has taken it upon himself to offer peer support and guidance to fellow youth at risk.
“I have talked to 20 children, and two of them have changed and are no longer using drugs,” Ronald proudly shares. His new role as a peer educator has brought him a sense of purpose and responsibility. “I feel great that I have someone I can always talk to,” he says, referring to the new relationships he has built with child protection actors and his peers.
Ronald’s daily routine now includes helping with farming, cleaning utensils, fetching water, and spending time with friends. He continues to stay active and engaged, finding time to train for football, a sport he has developed a keen interest in. Reflecting on his journey, Ronald says, “I have become a resource to my parents and fellow adolescents in the community.”
Plans for the Future:
Looking ahead, Ronald dreams of furthering his education and continuing his advocacy work. He envisions a future where he can become a more influential voice for children and adolescents in his community. “I like watching football, and at the moment, I am training to play football as well,” he shares with enthusiasm. His involvement in child protection and his role as a mentor has inspired him to pursue further personal growth and help others do the same.
Ronald’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of child protection and participation programs. Through Somero Uganda’s intervention, Ronald not only gained the knowledge and skills to protect himself and others but also found a sense of purpose in mentoring and supporting his peers. His journey illustrates the profound change that can occur when children are empowered to become active participants in their communities.