ROAD TO HOPE AT PCAU
In 2012, the Road to Hope Program (RTH) was formed at PCAU in partnership with the Center for Hospice Care in the United States of America. This inclusive education program aims to support child caregivers from impoverished backgrounds to continue their education and access basic needs while caring for their chronically ill parents. The children are identified in collaboration with palliative care practitioners in the community, enrolled in appropriate schools, and supported with school fees and requirements, medical care, psychosocial, spiritual, and child protection.
The RTH children come from different backgrounds with varying levels of poverty and, in many cases, are forced to become caregivers when their parents or guardians become sick. A child caregiver spends a significant amount of time during their school-aged years taking care of their sick parent and/or guardian. Hence experiencing stigma and can face neglect and abuse.
The goal of the RTH is to improve the children’s quality of living and provide opportunities for them to attain education, psychosocial support, and personal growth.
As of 2024, the program coordinated by PCAU and supported by 10 hospices and palliative care units across Uganda has transformed the lives of 94 children from 57 families in 32 districts of Uganda including Arua, Yumbe, Moyo, Lira, Dokolo, Oyam, Hoima, Kibaale, Kikube, Kiboga, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Tororo, Jinja, Butaleja, Mayuge, Iganga, Kamuli, Kaliro, Luuka, Mayuge, Buikwe, Luwero, Masaka, Mukono, Kampala, Kanungu, Rubirizi, Sheema, Mbarara, Isingiro, and Bushenyi.
