In an effort to get rid of the root causes of street children in Gulu city, 50 selected parents and local leaders have undergone positive parenting training. 

The three-day training, which was spearheaded by Hashtag Gulu in partnership with Family Life Network executive director Steven Langa, was held at Elephante Commons in Gulu city from August 2-4, 2023.

Those who took part in the training, including single mothers, former street children, parents and guardians of orphans and local leaders, were guided on how they can show love, kindness and take care of their children. 

They were also trained to guide, encourage and help the children thrive despite their busy work schedules, hardship in life and being single parents among others so that children don’t go on the streets for survival.

Hashtag Gulu executive director Michael Ojok said the training followed last year's meeting organised by Gulu Resident City Commissioner Jane Francese Amongin Okili on how to handle street children, which was attended by Gulu chief magistrate.

During the meeting, they found out that many parents prioritise their work or businesses over parenting, which makes their children go- to the streets.

Ojok said they also found out that there are some women who leave their children to live with their grandmothers as they live on their own, forcing these children to move to the streets to look for better lives.

“We found out that addressing the root cause is the best way. We envision a community where everyone is responsible for each other’s well-being and contributes to its transformation by getting involved in creating an inclusive and peaceful society," he said.

Ojok said they have been rehabilitating, reformatting and reintegrating the street kids where they resettled 50 street kids to their family members from 200 family visits and mediation attempts since 2020.

“We aimed at providing alternatives to crime and violence by teaching children who live and work on the streets with vocational skills training to become productive citizens," he said.

Steven Langa urged parents to raise their children together without separation or divorce.

“Plan and keep your children together, put your husband or wife and children first, and take your children to school. Leave any work that keeps you away from your family,” he said.

Langa added that the best way to live is to observe the non-negotiable priorities hierarchy, respect the seasons' lives and live as though they could die any time.

Martha Acen, a resident of industrial area cell in Bardege-Layibi division, said the training has helped her learn how to take care of children and what to do once they are in the wrong.

She said many people do not want to help street children yet they could be asking for support to get food to eat.

Richard Akeda, a resident of Holy Rosary cell, said parents should be close to their children because many do not take time to be with their children to know which kind of friends their children have and their characters.

Unyama A cell LC1 chairperson Hellen Ato Lajec in Laroo-Pece division, said the training helped them as leaders to learn how to handle street children.