Summary
In cooperation with DSWO and community champions, IDYDC managed to contact new 68 CYLWS (51male,17female) aged 7-17 years old and enrolled them into a program. 24 CLWS (19 male, 5 female) were rescued from street to Upendo Center for short term shelter. During day and night street outreach, IDYDC managed to contact 634 CYLWS (467 male,167 female) and provide psychosocial support through one-to-one session, hygiene session, life skills education, therapeutic, street-based sports and education. As a result of street-based education 7 CLWS joined to COBET class at the Upendo Centre.
104 CYLWS (71Male, 33Female) were referred and linked for HTC services at different health facilities in Iringa MC and all found HIV negative. Medical services were provided to76 CYLWS (64male,12 female) based on health checkup and treatments and VMCC.
In collaboration with DSWO, IDYDC managed to trace 20 families within and outside Iringa municipal. Among 20 traced families, 18 CLWS (15 male, 3female) were reunified with their protective families within and outside Iringa mc. On youth works, 21 YLWS (15male, 6female) were linked to Vocational training to acquire skills on motor vehicle engineering, cosmetology, tailoring, electrical installation and food and production
Project Outreach
General Street Work: During day and night street outreach efforts, IDYDC successfully identified and enrolled 68 new vulnerable children and youth living and working on the streets (CYLWS), with 51 males and 17 females aged between 7 and 17 years. Among these enrollees, 33 (28 males and 5 females) were identified as full-time street dwellers, while 35 (23 males and 12 females) were categorized as part-time street occupants.
The quarterly target for this initiative was to reach 250 new CYLWS, and as of the end of the third quarter, IDYDC had achieved 78% of this target, enrolling a total of 194 new CYLWS from the first three quarters. This leaves a gap of 56 new enrollments to meet the annual target. Despite challenges in identifying new CYLWS on the streets, IDYDC continues to collaborate closely with the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO), Primary Government Community Development (PGCD), and community champions to enhance identification and enrollment efforts.
Street-Based Sports/Games and Education: In the current quarter, IDYDC aimed to conduct 36 sessions focused on street-based sports and educational activities for CYLWS. During their street outreach activities, IDYDC successfully delivered 40 sessions, benefiting a total of 92 CYLWS (68 males and 24 females) on the streets. This marks a notable increase of 17% compared to the previous quarter, where 75 CYLWS were reached through similar activities. These sessions are designed not only to engage CYLWS in productive and recreational activities but also to provide educational opportunities that contribute to their holistic development and well-being.
Health, Hygiene, and Provision of Medical Support: IDYDC prioritized health, hygiene, and medical support services for CYLWS, targeting to reach 81 individuals in this quarter. They successfully referred 76 CYLWS (64 males and 12 females) to various health providers including Iringa Regional Referral Hospital (IRRH), Sabasaba Health Facility, and Primary Health Care Initiative (PHCI) for necessary medical supports. Services provided included Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), Integrated Community Health Fund (ICHF) enrollment, health check-ups, medical treatments, as well as oral and dental care. All referrals were completed and documented in the system. This quarter's achievement represents a significant increase compared to the previous quarter, where only 30 children benefited from similar medical support services.
Through these targeted outreach activities, IDYDC continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and youth living on the streets of Iringa Municipal. Their holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs such as shelter and healthcare but also aims to empower CYLWS through education, sports, and community engagement initiatives.
YLWS (Youth living and working on the street)linked to VETA during training
YLWS linked to VETA for vehicle engineering during training session.
CLWS (Children living and working on the street) providing testimony on behavior change and child protection during DAC
Providing Temporary Shelter and Support:
IDYDC made significant strides in providing temporary shelter and comprehensive support to children living and working on the streets (CLWS). A total of 31 CLWS (26 males and 5 females), aged 8-15, benefited from various services at the Upendo Center. Notably, 24 of these children (19 males and 5 females), aged between 8-15, were newly rescued and accommodated in short-term shelter at the center. This surpasses the quarterly target of supporting 15 new CLWS at Upendo Centre.
At the Upendo Center, CLWS received essential services including meals, shelter, hygiene kits, informal education through CO-BET classes, life skills sessions, and counseling. As a result of these interventions, 15 male CLWS are currently receiving ongoing services aimed at preparing them for reunification with their caregivers.
Family Reintegration Work:
Efforts in family reunification yielded significant success during this quarter. The quarterly target was to reunify 5 CLWS, contributing towards an annual target of 40 reunifications. IDYDC collaborated effectively with the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO), local leaders, and other stakeholders to reunify 15 CLWS with their caregivers, exceeding the quarterly target and achieving 123% of the annual reunification goal.
Family Tracing, Reunification, and Follow-Up Visits:
IDYDC also focused on intensive and non-intensive family tracing, reunification efforts, and follow-up visits within Iringa Municipal. During this quarter, they successfully traced 10 families of CLWS within the city. Through targeted sessions and support, 13 CLWS (12 males and 1 female) who were previously full-time street dwellers were successfully reunified with their protective families. Importantly, all reunified cases were non-intensive, indicating no signs of violence or abuse in the families involved.
These achievements underscore IDYDC's commitment to providing holistic support to vulnerable children and youth in Iringa Municipal, focusing on immediate shelter needs, family reunification, and ongoing support to ensure sustainable outcomes for CLWS and their families.