PfR Endline Evaluation Shows Strong Gains in Parenting and Family Relationships

During this reporting period, we conducted the End-line Evaluation for the scale-up of PfR project in five districts targeting 1667 parents and caregivers: Tororo, Nakasongola, Amuru, Busia, and Wakiso. This activity was jointly carried out by CHDC and the District Local Governments, with support from MGLSD.

The endline data will support the team to respond to study questions including; evaluating the scalability and impact of the PfR programme on child maltreatment, violence against children and spousal relationships in 5 districts of Uganda and examine the factors associated with implementation success during scaled-up implementation.   

Some of the preliminary findings revealed notable improvements in spousal relationships, child discipline, and overall parenting practices, with participants giving highly positive feedback about the intervention. Many participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge and skills they had gained, particularly in strengthening family relationships. Other notable changes include; improved family dynamics, mutual respect, and better parenting practices was consistent across all districts.

Participants also shared inspiring testimonies highlighting positive transformations. These included stronger household relationships, healthier spousal interactions, and improved child discipline. For instance, one participant from Wakiso shared:

“Ever since we joined this program, my husband’s relationship with me has completely changed. I feel happy and am enjoying my marriage now…..” explained a female participant.

Scale and Capacity Development Officer, Mr. Hosea Katende Sempa, engages LC officials of Lwesubo Village in Wakiso District in a dialogue on the challenges of community mobilization and participation in parenting sessions

“I was planning to leave my family because my wife and children had turned against me. But when my friend told me to join the programme and we attended sessions with my wife, I actually ended up paying school fees for this team, and we now support each other in the garden….” Narrated a father during the conversations with our team.

Another parent noted “If someone says they have not experienced any impact from this program, it is likely because they did not put into practice what they learned.”

A participant reflected on personal growth: “I used to think it was only my husband who should give me gifts, but I learned that I can also give him gifts and he really appreciated it.”

The data manager, Martin Omello provides a snap shot into the data highlighting high attendance of participants for the activity as below: 

Out of the 1,667 parents and caregivers targeted, 1,208 were present and interviewed. Of those, 1,052 attended parenting sessions, while 329 were recorded as lost to follow-up.

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Mobilization gaps, poor road infrastructure, and limited male involvement hindered full participation. In Busia, for example, some participants missed sessions because they had recently given birth, were admitted due to illness, or had relocated among bother reason, while in Nakasongola, parents missed sessions because their facilitators had given birth to twins!