PACHEDO FOUNDATION

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SUMMARY OF THE PROBLEM

Northern Uganda and East Equatoria in South Sudan are recovering from over two decades of conflict, particularly the LRA insurgency and the impacts of COVID-19. However, a significant mental health crisis affects the youth, who make up about 73.2% of the population, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

A 2021 WHO report highlights troubling statistics: 15% of the population suffer from suicide, 21% have PTSD and depression, and 2.9% experience anxiety disorders. Many young people are either conflict participants or victims of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), leading to enduring psychological trauma especially among young women and girls.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with over 17,000 cases of sexual violence reported in 2020, resulting in increased teenage pregnancies that disrupt education and opportunities. Survivors often face stigma, isolation, and poverty, complicating their reintegration into society and hindering their skill development for employment.

The COVID-19 lockdown intensified these challenges, leading to over 17,000 cases of sexual violence against young women in 2020, according to UNFPA. Teenage pregnancies disrupt education and increase risks of further violence, while survivors face stigma and poverty, complicating their reintegration into society.

DONATION SUPPORT

The proposed fund aims to support post-conflict recovery and resettlement for communities affected by conflict and COVID-19, focusing on South Sudanese refugees in Northern Uganda and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan. Donations will assist PACHEDO Foundation and its partners in addressing urgent mental health needs and socio-economic challenges faced by young people (ages 10-24) and other marginalized groups.

1. Training Health Workers: Funds will be used to train primary health workers and Village Health Teams (VHTs) to effectively integrate mental health care into public health services for adolescents in crisis.
2. Awareness Campaigns: The initiative will promote mental health awareness through school and community programs, including public debates, dialogues, and media outreach, to encourage young people to seek support.
3. Mobile Clinics: Mental health outreach efforts will include mobile clinics in communities and schools, equipped with psychotropic medications and transport for health workers to provide care.
4. Referral Systems: Establishing a Reporting, Tracking, Referral, and Response (RTRR) system will help identify and refer individuals with mental health crises for specialized care at hospitals.
5. Community-Based Support: Programs will provide group and individual support for those receiving treatment, utilizing resources like the Journey of Life toolkit and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques.
6. Mental Health Centers: The plan includes constructing two well-furnished community mental health and psychosocial support service centers to offer specialized care in Northern Uganda and Eastern Equatoria.
7. Youth Empowerment: Support will be provided for young people to engage in micro-enterprises and vocational training in various fields, including ICT, mechanics, and agriculture.
8. Business Hubs: Establishing regional business hubs will facilitate market access and skills development for youth.
9. Research Initiatives: Funds will support research to assess the mental health and psychosocial situation in Northern Uganda and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Overall, these initiatives aim to build a robust framework for mental health care and socio-economic development, fostering resilience in young populations affected by trauma