What is a Drop-In Centre?
The Street Kids Drop-In Centre is going to be our sanctuary for vulnerable children living on the streets.
It provides protection, privacy, and support that these children urgently need, allowing them to heal, grow, and thrive away from the dangers and harsh conditions of street life.
Where We Started
Hajara started the programs at a balcony of a supermarket, reading and engaging with street children in Kampala.Sometimes, the programs were carried out on quiet roads, where children could safely participate.
From these early sessions, the work expanded to street outreach, feeding, and counseling across the city.
Every day, countless children struggle with extreme weather, danger, and social judgment. Many lack basic necessities like shelter and safety. Programs were initially conducted outdoors, leaving children exposed to the elements and making consistent care difficult.
The Challenges That Led to needing the Drop-In Centre
- Exposure to harsh sun, rain, and other weather conditions
- Lack of shelter, privacy, and emotional support
- Difficulty opening up to social workers and accessing care
- Limited ability to run educational, recreational, and sports programs consistently.
- These challenges highlighted the urgent need for a safe, private, and permanent space where children can receive guidance, protection, and care.
These challenges motivated us to create a Drop-In Centre where anyone could come, find support, and access resources to move forward in life.
Why the Centre Matters
- A secure, indoor environment for all programs
- Privacy for children to share personal struggles and receive emotional support
- Space for recreational, educational, and sports activities essential for development
- A stable place for our team to connect with and guide children effectively
The centre will become a place where children feel respected, protected and empowered.
Our Aim and Purpose
Our mission is to give street children the safety, dignity, and opportunities they deserve. The Drop-In Centre empowers children to:
Build confidence and life skills
Participate fully in activities without fear
Receive consistent emotional, psychological, and physical care
Where We Are Now
Today, many of our programs for street-connected children are still conducted in open and temporary spaces such as fields, tents, and market areas. These locations are rented on a daily basis, depending on availability, and we adapt as best we can to whatever space is accessible at the time.
While this arrangement allows us to continue reaching the children, it comes with significant challenges. Coordination becomes difficult, privacy is limited, and there is often no access to basic facilities such as washrooms or toilets. Most of the spaces we use are neither designated nor fenced, making it hard to maintain structure, ensure safety, or adequately track each child’s progress. These conditions not only hinder effective program delivery but also affect the dignity and well-being of the children we serve.
It is from these ongoing struggles that the need for a dedicated Drop-In Centre has become increasingly urgent. We envision a permanent, secure space equipped with proper sanitation facilities, where children can find stability and a sense of belonging. Such a centre would provide a nurturing environment for literacy, play, and personal growth offering not just services, but hope.
The Drop-In Centre will stand as a place of refuge and renewal, where children are given the opportunity to learn, to laugh, and to begin rebuilding their futures with dignity and care.