In Uganda, 80% of children in orphanages have at least one living parent. Poverty, not lack of family, is the main driver of family separation, with orphanages being seen as sources of food, clothing, and education—things that vulnerable families struggle to provide. However, over 80 years of research have shown that children do best in families and revealed the detrimental impacts of residential care on children’s health, development, and life chances. While governments around the world, including Uganda, have recognized the inadequacies of residential care and have committed to moving towards family solutions for children, there is a lack of capacity and support to make this vision a reality, meaning children remain separated from their families.  

Otem Collective is dedicated to reshaping this landscape and the way the world cares for vulnerable children by placing families at the heart of the solution. We strengthen families to care for their children and support orphanages through moving towards family-based care and reuniting children with families. Otem Collective wants to see every child grows up in a safe, stable, and secure family.