In Between 2023-2024, MOD Public Health Foundation strengthened access to Gender-Based Violence Prevention services for 250 households in Masaka and Kyotera districts. This initiative not only improved health outcomes but also enhanced household happiness, intimacy, and overall well-being. By addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, MOD Public Health Foundation is creating a safer and more supportive environment for individuals and families to thrive. MOD Public Health Foundation is working tirelessly to reach out to households with high vulnerability and risks to gender-based violence in Lwankoni Sub-County, Kyotera District. The foundation's efforts aim to raise awareness about ending violence, promoting child rights, and eliminating violence against humanity.

Lwankoni Sub-County is an area where gender-based violence is normalized in many households. Women and children suffer the most when the breadwinner, often the male household head, is also an alcohol abuser and mistreats the family with impunity. Additionally, the sub-county has communities severely affected by HIV.

MOD Public Health Foundation conducted a Community Parenting Training in Kalangala village, Bbale Parish, Lwankoni Sub-County. The training focused on creating awareness about human rights and how to end violence in communities. The main participants were parents.

One of the participants, Robert Sinoni, shared his heart-wrenching story. Born in 1983, Robert lost both his parents to HIV by the time he was three and a half years old. His elder sister became the household head, but she eventually got married and took Robert with her. However, her husband was an alcoholic, and the home became a battleground. Robert was chased out of the house several times, and he witnessed his sister being battered by her husband.

Despite the trauma he experienced, Robert's desire to continue his education never faded. He worked odd jobs to earn a living and eventually returned to school in 1997. He paid his school fees himself from Primary Four to Primary Seven.

Robert's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Today, he is a proud father of five and a loving husband. He has learned valuable lessons from his past experiences and is committed to providing a loving and violence-free home for his family.

MOD Public Health Foundation's awareness campaign has empowered Robert and his community to promote child rights and eliminate violence against humanity. The foundation's efforts demonstrate that with the right support and awareness, individuals and communities can break the cycle of violence and create a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.

Recommendations:

1. - Continue to conduct individual household sessions to empower communities to assess and address gender-based violence.
2. - Promote community-led initiatives to address gender-based violence and promote child rights.
3. - Support organizations like MOD Public Health Foundation that work to eliminate violence against humanity.
4. - Encourage communities to denounce acts of violence and promote a culture of peace and respect.

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