Project “The Pope Francis” home
for street children

The starting point

Gulu, a city in Northern Uganda with approximately 150,000 inhabitants, was ravaged by a twenty-year civil war that destroyed the social, family, and cultural fabric. Today, the population is marked by poverty, violence, and degradation. In this context, the phenomenon of street children and adolescents arose: minors who, escaping from broken families and poverty, end up living on the streets, often involved in theft and vandalism under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many come from families entrusted to grandmothers or aunts unable to offer support and affection.

The “Pope Francis” home

We have created a shelter for approximately 12 street children, managed by a team of qualified professionals—social workers, counselors, educators, and volunteers—capable of offering a listening ear, care, and support.
The community aims to welcome children with their stories, needs, and wounds, helping them overcome trauma, rebuild family ties, and recover from interrupted education, ultimately reintegrating them into schools with their peers. The approach is comprehensive and personalized, aimed at restoring trust, belonging, and opportunities for a dignified future.

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Sister Dorina with the children

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Children get back in touch with play

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Having lunch all together

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Educators accompany the children

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Walls of the house's enclosure decorated with hand-painted paintings

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Moments of leisure and learning

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Mussa picks up a pen for the first time

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Trip to Murchison Falls National Park

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The visit of the Resident Community Commissioner, the highest political authority