Friends of Orphans (FRO)

Sobre nosotros

Friends of Orphans (FRO) was founded and is administered by former child soldiers, orphans and abductees from the Pader district (Uganda). We are a fully registered not-for-profit non-government organization of Uganda. FRO founder Ricky Anywar Richard and other colleagues conceived FRO in 1999 while pursuing degrees at the University of Makerere

The goal of FRO is to reduce the vulnerability of child mothers, orphans, former child soldiers, abductees, and women through education and skills empowerment – and protect their rights.

FRO´s mission is to contribute to the empowerment, rehabilitation and reintegration of former child soldiers, abductees, child mothers, orphans, and to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Objectives of FRO:
• To assist in the rehabilitation of former child soldiers, orphans and other vulnerable children in Pader district.
• To empower and improve the lives of former child soldiers, orphans and women through educational support – both academic and vocational – and income-generating activities.
• To participate in peace and reconciliation processes in the war-affected region of Northern Uganda.
• To support the children and communities affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Pader District.
• To coordinate with human rights´ activists, local government leaders, the police, army and cultural and religious leaders to promote cleansing ceremonies for former child soldiers and abductees.
• To ensure that basic human rights of all – in particular women and children – are observed.

Programs and projects:
• Campus Intern Initiative (CII) for Students: The CII was created in March 2013 to give students the opportunity to work with an African NGO in a meaningful, but not time-consuming manner.
• Community Radio Station
• Human rights, peacebuilding and conflict management and resolution program: We have created a forum for women and children to express their views on peace building, conflict management, and human rights.
• Arts Programs: Friends of Orphans (FRO) helps different community groups in arts, music, dances drama and cultural activities and hold competitions to bring different communities together.
• Educational - FRO Atim Kikoma "Let me do it myself" Vocational Training Centre
• FRO Wadongo Kacel "We Are Growing Up Together" Educational Program: Under this program FRO supports formerly abducted children and orphans (as a result of war and HIV/AIDS) from Pader district IDP camps in secondary and vocational schools – we pay their school fees, providing both basic needs and scholastic materials. FRO also provide mentorship, counseling and school enrolment needs.
• Income-generating program: FRO is running an animal and crop husbandry initiative.
• Games and Sports for Peace Development Program
• Peace Builder Educators: FRO also trains Peace Builder Educators – who are able to instruct, educate and also monitor human rights’ violation within different community groups.
• Child Soldiers Program: Child Soldier´s Disarmament, Demobilization, and Rehabilitation
• HIV/AIDS Program: FRO addresses gender violence and harmful cultural practice in relation to the spread of HIV/AIDS. We provide HIV/AIDS home-based care, support, and prevention amongst the community of Pader district.

Anywar Ricky Richard is the Founder/Executive Director of Friends of Orphans (FRO).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.