Raising Voices, a trailblazer in preventing violence against women and children, celebrated a remarkable 25 years of mobilizing communities and schools to prevent violence.
The event was a vibrant and emotional gathering filled with testimonies, performances, and reflections on a journey that has changed countless lives across Uganda and beyond.
The celebration brought together a diverse audience of people impacted by the organization’s work, including children, educators, partners, and alumni of its various programs. Among the most powerful moments was the testimony of a young man now pursuing his bar course in Law at Makerere University.
“I am doing my bar course, but I attribute all this to the support I received through Raising Voices. I got the confidence I have today from the sessions we had under the Good School Toolkit,” He shared, drawing applause and inspiration from the audience.
Children from different schools shared stories of transformation in their learning environments, emphasizing how the Good School Toolkit has reshaped the way teachers and learners interact. “Our classrooms used to be full of fear,” one student said. “Now, we speak freely, ask questions, and know our rights.”
Teachers, too, took to the stage to share their journeys—from once using harsh disciplinary methods to now championing child-friendly approaches. “I used to think punishment was the only way children learn. But Raising Voices helped me see that respect and encouragement are far more powerful, how I relate with family, children at home and people also changed.” One of the teachers confessed.
The celebration was also marked by an energetic performance from the community drama group, which captivated the audience with a theatrical depiction of the organization’s work under the SASA! approach. The play emphasized the importance of addressing power imbalances and shifting social norms to prevent violence against women—a core message of Raising Voices’ long-standing community activism.
In his address, Dipak Naker, Co-founder of Raising Voices, reflected on the milestone with hope and humility. “We have just started, and there is a lot lying ahead of us. One day, we will gather again for the golden jubilee to celebrate even more successes,” he said, urging continued commitment and collaboration.
For 25 years, Raising Voices has been at the forefront of social change—empowering schools, communities, and institutions to build environments where women and children are safe, valued, and heard. The silver jubilee served not only as a moment of celebration but also as a renewed call to action to continue shaping a violence-free future.