Author: GRI Social Media Team

Part 2

A few weeks back you met Elisabeth in our video series “Exploring the Benefits of Block Farming to our Refugee Groups“. Today, meet Siama Juma and learn how the farming activities with GRI impact her life:

According to UNHCR and the OPM, the level of food insecurity amongst the refugee population in Uganda is increasingly high. In all settlements across the country food security, the stable and continuous availability of diversified and nutritious food, is limited due to a number of reasons such as extreme poverty, limited knowledge in agricultural production and inadequate livelihood alternatives. The cuts in food rations in the past three years provided by the WFP further exacerbate the economic pressure and risk of malnourishment amongst refugees.

Among all settlements in Uganda, Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement has the highest percentage of acute malnutrition. As 60% of the settlement population are children, they are the ones mostly affected by the lack in food provision which in the long-term can have a drastic impact on child development and general health.

To address the acute issue of food insecurity and malnourishment and to empower refugees economically, GRI developed a block farming program. Currently, we support five farmer groups within the settlement by providing access to land and by giving out seeds and other agro-inputs. Moreover, our livelihoods officer offers trainings on organic farming and climate smart agriculture as well as continuous guidance throughout the year.

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Impressions from the Field

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This month GRI signed a contract with two Dutch Foundations, Wilde Ganzen and International Contact Uganda (ICU), to fundraise and implement a new project named Ubuntu Model Primary School Uganda – Sustainability and Local Ownership in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement (Uganda).

One of the main goals of the project is to further develop and complete Ubuntu Model Primary School (Primary 1 to Primary 7) for it to be a sustainable and well managed school, which provides child-centred and holistic quality education, including additional services, such as good nutrition and psycho-social support.

To ensure the sustainability of the primary school, GRI will continue to work closely with the local community and implement different sustainability interventions. The ongoing livelihood program, which addresses groups of parents/caretakers, will be expanded to foster their income generating skills and knowledge and empower them economically. The parents/caretakers will be able to earn more money and thereby able to pay the school fees for their children, making the school more financially independent and sustainable. The teachers’ well-being is key to the continuous provision of quality education. To create a safe and healthy work environment for our teachers, the project also entails the construction of staff housing facilities.

We are excited to push for and work on this new project hand in hand with our partners. In appreciation of Wilde Ganzen and International Contact Uganda we wish to present their organisations briefly:

In this project, Wilde Ganzen, ICU and GRI’s expertise and responsibilities will complement each other. We are looking forward to the joint fundraising efforts and the project implementation. We are ready! Let’s start building together!

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According to UNHCR in 2022, 91% of refugees in Uganda are considered highly economically vulnerable. The governmental and international aid given to refugees in Uganda is far from sufficient to cover living costs. Economic opportunities in the settlements are limited, especially formal employment. Consequently, most refugees sustain themselves with odd jobs in the informal sector such as selling street food, seasonal crop farming or hairdressing. Others rely on the financial support of relatives back home or abroad.

Despite the diverse livelihood strategies and impressive resilience, the lack of regular and secured income exposes many to financial insecurities and constraints. In this setting, savings for unexpected expenses, for instance in case of sickness, become a luxury.

GRI has set it as a priority to create sustainable economic opportunities for refugees in Kiryandongo refugee settlement, one the one hand, with its livelihood program, on the other hand through the direct employment of refugees at Ubuntu Model Primary School.

Hear from Daniel, a Congolese refugee and one of our guards and kitchen assistants at Ubuntu Model Primary School, what he thinks about his work with GRI:

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You want to receive insights into the workings of an innovative and growing NGO? You feel you can contribute to the impact of humanitarian programs with your experience and skills? You want to join our team?

We are looking for a volunteer to support our team in fundraising. The position is home-based with flexible work hours, 1 to 3 days (8 to 24 hours) a week.

Learn more about what we have to offer:

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Part 1

According to UNHCR and the OPM, the level of food insecurity amongst the refugee population in Uganda is increasingly high. In all settlements across the country food security, the stable and continuous availability of diversified and nutritious food, is limited due to a number of reasons such as extreme poverty, limited knowledge in agricultural production and inadequate livelihood alternatives. The cuts in food rations in the past three years provided by the WFP further exacerbate the economic pressure and risk of malnourishment amongst refugees.

Among all settlement in Uganda, Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement has the highest percentage of acute malnutrition. As 60% of the settlement population are children, they are the ones mostly affected by the lack in food provision which in the long-term can have a drastic impact on child development and general health.

To address the acute issue of food insecurity and malnourishment and to empower refugees economically, GRI developed a block farming program. Currently, we support five farmer groups within the settlement by providing access to land and by giving out seeds and other agro-inputs. Moreover, our livelihoods officer offers trainings on organic farming and climate smart agriculture as well as continuous guidance throughout the year.

Meet some of our farmer group members in our new video series “Exploring the Benefits of Block Farming to our Refugee Groups” and hear how the farming activities with GRI impact their lives:

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World Refugee Day 2023

Every year on June 20^th, we commemorate the World Refugee Day. To address existing challenges and to encourage international solidarity for displaced people, UNHCR highlights a different theme every year. This years World Refugee Day focuses on the power of inclusion.

Giving refugees a voice and listening to their concerns is of key importance for a genuine and prosperous inclusion.

Today, Leon David Duku, a South Sudanese refugee staying in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, shares with us what gives him hope away from home:

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On the 18th of June 2023, Global Refugee Initiatives participated in the highly anticipated Run 4 Climate event, an initiative organised by our Partners Tree Adoption Uganda (TAU) aimed at raising funds for tree planting and environmental conservation.

One of the highlights of our participation was the involvement of children from our esteemed Environmental Kids Club program. These young environmental enthusiasts showed their dedication and passion for a greener future by participating in the children’s 4km race. Their energy and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, serving as a reminder that the future lies in the hands of our young generation.

“I believe that engaging children in environmental initiatives is crucial for building a sustainable future.”

Peter Tumusiime, GRI staff representative.

Moreover, we are proud to share that GRI staff members and well-wishers also took part in the 10km race. By actively participating, our team demonstrated their personal commitment to environmental sustainability while supporting the overarching goals of the event and aligns perfectly with GRI’s mission to promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and create a more sustainable world.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and everyone who participated, including the children from the Environmental Kids Club, GRI staff members, and all the well-wishers who contributed to the success of the event. Your commitment to the environment and your support are truly commendable.

Let’s continue working together to create a greener, more sustainable future for all. Remember, every small step counts!

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Frans Wittermans

“I work as an independent international consultant in the private sector development. As a board member of GRI, I am overseeing the economic empowerment program. I strongly believe in supporting our target group members to become self-sufficient. Through education, peace-building, improving health, generating income and personal development, our “beneficiaries” become partners. Together we build communities and create well-being.”

Frans Wittermans, GRI Board Member

Want to know more about the GRI Board of Directors? Here the full profiles.

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Every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts

UN Convention on the rights of the child, Article 31.1

Kids develop essential motor skills through physical games and improve their social competencies as they interact with peers. Likewise, rest is key to recuperate and to have a fresh mind for class.

Our learners at Ubuntu Model Primary School enjoy their breaks everyday. The school compound turns into a place of joyful playing of all kinds of games.

Madol Kuneng from Primary 3 shared with us his favorite games:

“I like playing netball, football and skipping ropes. I play with my friends.”

Madol Kuneng

Curious what breaktime at Ubuntu Model Primary School looks like?

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