Evaluation of child-friendly spaces : Uganda Field Study Summary Report

World Vision International and Columbia University are conducting a series of structured evaluations of Child Friendly Space (CFS) interventions in various contexts, to document evidence of protective and restorative effectiveness and to identify good practice in design and implementation. Following the first study conducted in Buramino refugee camp in Dolo Ado, Ethiopia, this second study in the series presents an evaluation of a CFS implementation for Congolese refugees in Rwamwanja Resettlement Site in western Uganda. The work reported was conducted in collaboration with World Vision Uganda and Save the Children in Uganda.

Findings:

– CFSs were widely utilized by children;

– Protection concerns and caregiver stresses were perceived to reduce over time;

– Knowledge of community mechanisms of support and referral improved over time;

– Attending CFSs strengthened the developmental assets of children;

– Attending CFS sustained children’s psychosocial well-being;

– CFSs meeting higher quality standards had greater impact on children’s developmental assets and psychosocial well-being.