About Hashtag Gulu Initiative
A youth-led movement restoring hope and dignity.
Hashtag Gulu Initiative cares for children and youth who live and work on the streets, helping them heal, rebuild confidence, reconnect with families and gain skills for a productive future.
Since 2017
Walking with street-connected children and youth toward healing, belonging and opportunity.
Who We Are
We believe no child should call the streets home.
Hashtag Gulu Initiative is a registered, youth-focused and youth-led organisation based in Northern Uganda. Our work focuses on rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration of children and youth who live or work on the streets.
We work with families, communities, partners and local leaders to address the root causes of street-connectedness while creating practical pathways to healing, learning and self-reliance.
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Rehabilitation🏡
Reintegration🌱
EmpowermentVision, Mission & Values
The foundation behind everything we do.
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Our Vision
A society where no child has to depend on the streets to survive.
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Our Mission
To empower children and youth who live and work on the streets to become productive citizens.
❤️Compassion
🤝Collectiveness
⚖️Equity
🔍Transparency
✅Integrity
🙏Respect
⚖️Justice
💪Courage
Our Story
A Facebook post that became a movement.
Hashtag Gulu was founded after a heartfelt Facebook post by the late Avella Collins Lacika, who shared the pain of seeing children sleeping on the streets at night. That simple call to care sparked conversations, action and eventually the birth of Hashtag Gulu in April 2017.
2017
Hashtag Gulu was born
A group of young people began reaching out to children and youth living on the streets of Gulu.
2020
Formal interventions expanded
Life skills, family reintegration, counselling and community advocacy became core parts of the work.
Today
A growing community movement
Thousands of children, youth, parents and community members have been reached through holistic programs.
“I just met five kids aged between 6 and 12, struggling to cover themselves with a torn tarpaulin on a concrete floor. Please, if you meet any of such kids and feel you can do something for them, please do.”
— Late Avella Collins LacikaOur Approach
From survival to stability and purpose.
Our model addresses immediate needs while also creating long-term pathways for healing, family reconnection and self-reliance.
1
Reach
We meet vulnerable children and youth where they are through outreach and safe spaces.
2
Restore
We provide psychosocial support, healthcare, counselling and mentorship.
3
Reintegrate
We work with families and communities to support safe return and belonging.
4
Thrive
We equip youth with life skills, agriculture training and practical livelihood pathways.
Why Our Work Matters
Real numbers. Real lives.
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Young people equipped with hands-on skills
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Street children and youth reintegrated with their families
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Street-connected children and youth treated in our clinic
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Community members reached through outreach programs
Our Partners
Change is stronger when we work together.
Together, we can end streetism.
Partner with Hashtag Gulu Initiative and help create a future where every child and youth has safety, dignity, opportunity and belonging.
