A “Game Changer” in Northern Uganda
Lillian had been watching.
She noticed that something had changed in her neighbors—the way they spoke to their children, how they listened patiently instead of raising their voices. She had seen a kind of gentleness she didn’t recognize but deeply wanted to understand.
So when the second round of Parent Support Groups (PSGs) launched in her village last month, Lillian showed up.
“I have been observing how my neighbors who attended the first round talk to their children kindly and listen to them…I have come for the PSGs because I want to learn how to talk to my children calmly while raising them well. As a mother, I know that it is my role to be close to my children and love them. I have already learned new things about how to care for my children!”
Lillian is one of 100 caregivers now participating in the second round of PSGs in four villages across Kole District. Before the launch, our team visited each of their homes—learning their stories, building trust, and identifying their unique needs. Many shared common challenges: harsh disciplinary practices, gender inequality, little knowledge about child development or how to raise children with care, and distant relationships between spouses and with their children. But there’s a growing openness to change.
Even more exciting? Some parents from the first round have returned—not to relearn, but to lead. They’re training as PSG Champions, preparing to guide future groups and build a network of peer-led support. This is what sustainable, community-led transformation looks like.
Shortly before the launch, we had the opportunity to gather with government leaders in Kole District. Parents shared personal testimonies of change—how the PSGs helped them better care for their children, strengthen family bonds, and improve financial literacy.
The room was moved.
Local officials called the program a “game changer” and praised its innovative, practical approach to family care. One leader noted that the PSGs are “directly touching lives” in a way few interventions have. Their message to us was clear: Please expand this model to villages across the district. More families need this.
That’s our hope too.
We’re so grateful for the trust of local leaders, the courage of parents like Lillian, and the growing movement to strengthen families—one village at a time.