Training & Community Center in Nakivale Refugee Settlement

About Us

We are a refugee-led, community-driven organization empowering refugees to achieve financial independence. Our programs are designed around real community needs, offering vocational training, mentorship, and market access.

Through skills like tailoring, knitting, hairdressing, soap making, arts, entrepreneurship, English, computer literacy, and financial education, we equip individuals with the tools to build sustainable livelihoods and thrive with dignity.

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Restoring Hope Through Skills: Empowering Refugee Youth in Nakivale with UJUZI CO-CREATION HUB

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Why Choose UJUZI

Community-Led & Relevant

Programs are co-created with refugee leaders, ensuring strong engagement and lasting value.

Proven Track Record

For 3 years, we’ve delivered high-quality vocational and business training with real-world impact.

Real Results

300 people trained, 20 small businesses launched, 30 jobs created—lives transformed.

Testimonials

My name is Siyafahamu Kitinamu, and I come from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I’ve lived in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement for 13 years after fleeing insecurity in my home country. Life here has not been easy, especially being alone and dependent on others. But joining the UJUZI Co-Creation Hub training program changed everything for me. I chose to learn knitting, crocheting, and soap making because I loved these crafts and believed I could manage them well. More than that, I wanted to stop relying on friends and family—I wanted to build something of my own. The program gave me more than just skills—it gave me confidence. I learned to knit hats, blouses, jackets, and more. We sometimes faced challenges like running short on materials, but our trainer was incredible. She guided us patiently, encouraged us to redo mistakes, and supported each of us personally. That made a big difference. Now, I can say I have skills that are helping me earn money and see a better future. I feel hope. Customers are coming to us, and my group is now planning to open our own small workshop. I also want to continue my education while working—I’m just getting started. To any refugee who’s considering this program, I say: join UJUZI. It has truly changed my life, and I know it can change yours too.
Siyafahamu Kitinamu
I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo and have lived in Nakivale for four years after fleeing insecurity. I’m single and have no children, but life here has still had its challenges. I joined the UJUZI Co-Creation Hub’s hairdressing program because I’ve always loved styling hair and wanted to master the skill. My expectation was simple: to learn, get a job, and one day teach others. Through the program, I gained not only hairdressing skills but also valuable lessons about living in a community. Our trainer encouraged us like a parent—answering all our questions, giving advice, and making sure we all left with real skills. Even though we sometimes lacked materials and the environment wasn’t perfect, her care and support kept me motivated. Now, I work in a local salon and can earn my own money without disturbing my parents. I believe my future will be better—if I can earn now, I know I can keep earning tomorrow. My dream is to open my own salon and keep improving my skills. To other refugees, especially women and girls, I say: learn. Skills give you independence, respect, and a way to avoid the traps that lead to early marriages. When you have a job, you become a good example for your community and your family.
Faida Marie
Working with Ujuzi has been incredibly rewarding. As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how eager and determined the participants are to learn and grow. Ujuzi creates a supportive environment where education truly transforms lives, and I’m proud to be part of that journey.
Annastazia

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Will you be part of a new movement that brings opportunities to refugees?

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Join Ujuzi as a mentor, teacher, or volunteer and help empower refugees to build brighter, self-sustaining futures through skills, support, and community.

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We’re Expanding: Growing Our Learning Space

 

The first stage of construction for our new learning center is now complete, and we’re excited to announce that the second stage is planned and about to begin. This next phase will bring our vision closer to life, with a thoughtfully designed space that includes classrooms for textile and catering training, a nursery for young children, a vibrant garden, and a permaculture lab to inspire sustainable practices. The new building will also feature an office space to welcome and support visitors to the center, making it a hub of learning, creativity, and community connection.

Learning Center 

This community training center is designed to accommodate up to 300 participants and offers a range of specialized facilities to support skill-building and community development. It includes dedicated spaces for vocational training in hairdressing, textiles, catering, and IT, along with a community garden for permaculture education. Additional amenities include childcare facilities to support women with young children, trainer accommodations for extended programs, and a multipurpose space for gatherings and events, fostering social connection and lifelong learning. We invite everyone to contribute to build modern and sustainable learning center for refugees commuity in Nakivale.

Nakivale Ujuzi Learning Center

Nakivale

The Ujuzi Learning Centre in Nakivale refugee settlement provides crucial educational and vocational opportunities, especially for women and children. Serving a com- munity where many face financial and logistical barriers to schooling, Ujuzi fosters skill development, creativity, and empowerment. The centre is a hub for learning and collab- oration, helping refugees build self-reliance and strengthen community resilience despite challenging circumstances.

Buildings

All buildings are formed using typical dimensions and shapes. The buildings are constructed using unfired clay bricks produced on site. External facades are finished with plaster. The roof structure is made of wood and clad with metal sheet panels.

Small Architecture

Small architectural elements, including the playground-amphitheater and water tanks, are constructed using recycled plastic bottles filled with straw. This innovative technique enables the creation of distinctive features while imparting a playful and engaging character to the structures.

Outdoor Class

In the outdoor areas, covered shelters with raised wooden terraces are thoughtfully designed to fulfill multiple roles: serving as outdoor classrooms that protect from moisture, and doubling as stages for performances. Two terraces are planned—a smaller one during the initial phase, and a larger one upon the completion of the full complex.

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Why We Do It

Nakivale, Uganda’s oldest refugee settlement, is recognized for its progressive policies that grant refugees land, freedom of movement, and opportunities for self-reliance. Though initially planned as a temporary refuge, it has become a long-term home for many, especially women and children. Despite efforts to provide education and support, access to schooling remains limited for many young people, and poverty is widespread. Nakivale continues to be a place of resilience and community strength amid ongoing challenges.

In Nakivale, Uganda’s Refugee Settlement, young refugees struggle with language and cultural barriers, limited job opportunities, restricted access to capital, and social exclusion, leaving many reliant on aid. Single and teen mothers are particularly vulnerable, lacking the skills, education, and support needed for financial independence. Their challenges are compounded by childcare responsibilities, social stigma, and a heightened risk of exploitation.

Our project tackles these challenges by empowering refugee youth through entrepreneurship, providing training, mentorship, and access to business networks to help them create sustainable sources of income.

Economic empowerment is at the core of UJUZI’s mission. We strive to expand training programs, broaden education access and strengthen financial independence pathways. By focusing on entrepreneurship, vocational education and continuous support, we provide the tools, resources and confidence for refugees to take charge of their futures.





Empowering Refugees through Education

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