Uganda Children’s Centre continues to consolidate its long-time collaboration with Makerere University, School of Psychology, Department of Mental Health and Community Psychology. Under this arrangement, UCC received two graduate students namely, Noelle and Molly pursuing their Masters programs in International Disaster Psychology at the Universities of Denver and Brandeis respectively. They are now placed at UCC for eight months period to undertake internship training.
During their presence at UCC, they positively interact with staff and children during various engagements conducted by the organization. Such activities include; conducting community outreaches, participate in social counselling sessions, interface with children in street situations, join motivational talks with children in vocational training, visits to key stakeholders such as Uganda Children Authority and several schools of UCC beneficiaries. They provide support to UCC social media sites and website, recreational activities and families severely affected with COVID-19 pandemic. They participated in the survey where data was collected to have an understanding of the status of schooling of children living in urban poor households in Uganda, and active participation in UCC staff meetings among others.
We have strong conviction that this training is moving on smoothly and will produce mutual benefits to both parties. UCC management is grateful to the students for the support and knowledge sharing accruing from the partnership. Special thanks go to Makerere University and line Universities of Denver and Brandeis for entrusting it with such responsibility.