Youth Call for Education and Health Prioritization in UNICEF’s New Programming

Terego district youth have called on UNICEF to prioritize education and health in its upcoming five-year country programme for Uganda (2026-2030). This appeal was made by children and adolescents aged 10-19 during consultations held at the Terego district headquarters in Leju. The discussions are part of UNICEF’s efforts to shape its new country programme, which aims to improve access to quality services in protection, education, and health for children and young people.

The programme’s overarching goal is to support national efforts in realizing children’s rights and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals for children. Guided by principles of children’s rights, equity, gender equality, and resilience, UNICEF’s strategic priorities align with its mission to bring positive change for children across Uganda.

During the consultation, the youth were divided into Peer-to-Peer (P2P) groups for out-of-school children and a Children’s Reference Group (CRG) for those in school. They highlighted several challenges in education, health, and child protection, but agreed that poor education and health service delivery are the most pressing issues that need attention in the new programming.

Common concerns raised included teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, drug abuse, poor sexual reproductive health services, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of safe spaces for children. Many also expressed frustration with the lack of parental support for providing basic scholastic and sanitary materials.

UNICEF child protection officer for Arua, Lilian Apio, stressed the importance of incorporating children’s views into the planning process. “We are gathering input directly from children in Terego to ensure inclusivity in our programming, which will improve outcomes for all children across Uganda,” Apio said.

Several children voiced their appreciation for UNICEF’s efforts, including Treasure Letaru, a 16-year-old student who acknowledged the impact of UNICEF’s initiatives, particularly in addressing teenage pregnancies and school dropout rates. She urged continued prioritization of education in the new programming.

Other youth, like 12-year-old Brian Desire, expressed concern for their female peers who have faced teenage pregnancies and other adolescent-related challenges. He advocated for better support, including scholastic materials, improved facilities, and safe spaces for children with disabilities.

Stakeholders in Terego, including Florence Acen, the district’s senior probation and social welfare officer, emphasized the importance of including children’s ideas in the decision-making process. She noted that many interventions had overlooked the voices of children in the past but expressed optimism about the impact of child-friendly consultations.

Terego’s senior inspector of schools, Caroline Bakole, also highlighted the challenges the district faces regarding education enrolment, retention, and completion. She praised UNICEF’s support in helping children return to school, particularly in a district heavily affected by teenage pregnancies and home to many refugees.

The goal of the country programme is to accelerate the realization of children’s rights in Uganda and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals for children, aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063. UNICEF’s approach is rooted in principles of equity, gender equality, resilience, and evidence-based, innovative programming.