Today we remember Robert Gunsinze, from our partner organization UNATU – Uganda National Teachers’ Union. Robert died from Covid-19 in the midst of his life, in the midst of the fight against child labour. He is leaving behind a wife and five children of his own, and thousands of more children in Uganda that are in need of support and protection. As an education unionist Robert made it his life journey to get children out of work and into school. He was convinced that every child should be able to enjoy his or her right to education. He was fully committed to reach out to children that are out-of-school, making sure that each and every one of them gets a good quality education. He was reaching out to children in the most remote areas, children in the most vulnerable position. Robert was determined to give them the opportunity to learn, to read and write, to give them a better future ahead of them.

We are all devastated by the news of the tragic passing of Robert. Robert was more than a colleague in many aspects. He was also a friend for life. Robert has been a source of inspiration and true companion on our journey to realize children’s right to education, a most respected activist and advocate for children’s rights. We will remember Robert as a caring and sharing person, he was humble and outspoken at the same time, we will also remember his great sense of humor. He had a great heart full of compassion and commitment. We are grateful for his valuable contributions to our programmes and for his tireless efforts to change the lives of working and out-of-school children in Uganda. We keep Robert’s spirit alive and continue working with the same passion and commitment.

We also remember other dear and close friends and loved ones that we have lost due to Covid-19, including a dedicated field worker of our partner MV Foundation in India, and other dedicated child rights activists. Our thoughts and prayers are also with families and children in our programme areas and around the world that are hit hard by the pandemic and are suffering today.

We remain strong and united, and continue our work to realize children’s rights.