Please meet John,
Nyaka’s new Social Worker. John is
working with students, grandmothers, and the community to increase awareness
about sexual assault and make sure there will be justice if an assault
occurs. Here is an introduction from
John himself:
I was born in Uganda and come from a
humble family. I was raised in a
hardworking environment where I involved myself with educated people who
contributed to who I am today. In 2012 I
received a Bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counseling at Kyambogo University
in Uganda. In addition, I undertook a
Diploma in the Virtual Leadership Development Program for family planning and
reproductive health services. I
previously worked as an HIV/AIDS Counselor with Action Africa
Help-International (Uganda Program)-UNHCR Implementing partner at Kyangwali
Refugees Settlement, Volunteered at Reproductive Health Uganda-Head Office, and
worked as a Peer Educator at Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on
HIV/AIDS in Africa.
At Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project, as a
Social Worker, I have been offering guidance to students; providing
psychosocial support to children, grandmothers and community members; following
up on sexual assault cases at the Police, Court, Resident State Attorney’s
Office, and Probation Office; and ensuring that victims are medically examined. By working closely with others, I plan to
engage the community structures to be part of the cause to end sexual abuse in
the community.
I have community dialogues and
discussions about sexual reproductive health issues and form community groups
to disseminate information on sexual assault.
The problems I’m trying to address is the low response of some community
members to report sexual assault cases to the Police and also delayed response
by medical officers to examine victims.
I’m designing standard operating procedures to manage sexual abuse cases
and creating more collaboration networks with other NGO’s and the law enforcing
agencies.
I believe that each person has equal
opportunities to succeed in life.
The process of changing attitudes and beliefs about sexual assault is
slow and requires support from the community. John will ensure that
students have someone safe to talk to and will teach all students age
appropriate information about the best ways to stay safe and what to do if they
are attacked.
He is a valuable team member and we welcome him to the Nyaka
Family.
