A groundbreaking collaboration between 100WEEKS and CCVS-Uganda is rewriting the future of the survivors of war and violence in Northern Uganda. By combining the 100WEEKS program with trauma counseling, this innovative partnership is giving war-affected individuals the tools they need to heal, rebuild, and reclaim their futures. This collaboration isn’t just about survival—it’s about transformation.
A violent history
The region of Northern Uganda has endured over two decades of armed conflict, leaving psychological scars and a rise in mental health issues among its residents. While the war officially ended in 2007, its impact lingers, trapping many in a relentless cycle of trauma and poverty. But now, 100WEEKS and CCVS-Uganda are changing this narrative.
Breaking the cycle of poverty and trauma
100WEEKS and CCVS-Uganda, both have seen the impact that the conflict has had on individuals, and its effect on communities. Joining forces, 100WEEKS and CCVS-Uganda are tackling the problem head-on. They’re not just offering a quick fix—they’re addressing the root causes.
So what makes this collaboration stand out? CCVS, with its expertise in counseling PTSD and severe mental trauma in the Kitgum region, offers group therapy sessions that is focused on reducing trauma and rebuilding social support networks in the community. Meanwhile, 100WEEKS focuses on long-term poverty solutions through structured financial aid by offering direct cash transfers. Together, they address both immediate psychological needs and future economic stability, creating real sustainable change.
Real People, Real impact: How the program works
The program kicked off with 100 men and women in five groups of 20.
As participants gained financial stability, their motivation for trauma counseling rose.
During the first follow-up of participants, we noted that substance abuse—often a desperate escape from trauma—began to decline. At the start, 56% of participants struggled with severe alcohol and drug use. In just four months, that number fell to a mere 3%, a meaningful step toward recovery and self-empowerment.
Households, once weighed down by financial strain, started to heal. With money no longer resting on a single person’s shoulders, families found a new sense of unity. Women reported feeling a stronger bond with their loved ones, knowing they could now provide for their children and invest in a better future.
Even personal well-being took a noticeable turn for the better. Local directors observed a striking transformation—people looked healthier, happier, and more hopeful as counseling and cash aid began to restore their confidence and dignity.
Marieke, Director of CCVS-Uganda, summed it up best: “Lives are changing. With these cash transfers and trauma counseling, people can finally solve problems that weighed them down for years.”
A Bold Vision for the Future
This isn’t just another aid program—it’s a bold new model for addressing trauma and poverty simultaneously. As the project evolves, ongoing analysis will shape future initiatives, but the message is clear: combining direct cash aid with trauma counseling is changing lives now and setting the stage for lasting empowerment.
For people living with mental health challenges in Uganda, the future no longer feels impossible. Thanks to 100WEEKS and CCVS, it’s a reality within reach.