On October 15, 2020, ICHAD Founder and Director, Dr. Fred Ssewamala, ICHAD Affiliate Timothy Opobo, Executive Director of the AfriChild Center, and ICHAD Co-Director, Dr. Ozge Sensoy Bahar presented on “Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Child Savings Programs in Israel and Uganda” at a symposium hosted by McDonnell International Scholars Academy at Washington University in St. Louis. This virtual event featured presentations and a discussion about asset building for long-term child development and Child Saving Account programs in Israel and Uganda. Dr. Ssewamala’s presentation provided an overview of asset development interventions in Uganda, including results from some of the research studies ICHAD has implemented since 2004. These studies have shown that economic empowerment interventions help address poverty-related issues among people living in poverty and have led to improved mental health functioning, sexual risk-taking decisions, decisions about the future, educational and health outcomes among others. Mr. Opobo discussed the importance of taking this evidence-based data and working with policy makers at all levels to implement programs. He highlighted the relationships ICHAD and SMART Africa have established with policy makers, including with the First Lady’s Office, the Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament. Finally, Dr. Sensoy Bahar provided the concluding remarks summarizing the key points and next steps for both Israel and Uganda. You can watch the full presentation here.
