Internet café in the Gulu District, northern Uganda

Young people using an existing internet caféInternational Refugee Trust is excited to be working with the Comboni Samaritans of Gulu, northern Uganda, to launch an internet café for the local youth. We want to specifically target young people who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

Youth and HIV/AIDS

After Uganda's capital city Kampala, Gulu is reported to have the highest rate of HIV/AIDS cases.

The local youth aged 15-25 in the Gulu District are considered one of the most vulnereable groups in the country. Among them are returning child soldiers, the poorly educated, teenagers with an early sex debut, victims of rape, drug abusers, the disabled and those lacking parental guidance.

There is a prevalent negative view on HIV/AIDS in the region. People know little to nothing about the virus,  nor about ways of preventing it and how to live with HIV/AIDS, or with those who have it.

Reasons are lack of education, low income and especially lack of access to information.

Internet café as resource for youth

The internet café will be aimed at the vulnerable young people. Access to the internet will give them information on HIV/AIDS. Information about detecting the virus, prevention and medication will be freely available.

A dedicated social network will allow users to chat with peers living in other countries and share their experiences. Talking about HIV/AIDS is currently very difficult in the region, so an emotional outlet for these young people through the internet will be much needed.

Advocacy

Those who become a 'member' of the café can use the fascilities for free in exchange for volunteer work. In partnership with the local government young people will address stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS in Gulu, particularly in schools and small businesses.

Income generating

At the same time, the café will be a profitable business working towards becoming a sustainable enterprise by the end of the project. We will aim for business training and micro loans to be available as well.

IRT's role

The project is currently in its very early, conpetual stages. Further research, consultation and planning is required to develop a full project proposal.

This is where IRT comes in. We are looking at raising funds for further research. Once a full project proposal based on the research is done, we can get started with setting up the actual café.

Donate now to help out with the research phase of the project. The sooner we get this on its way, the sooner we can actually launch the internet café and we'll be able to see real changes for the young people in Gulu.