"The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it." – John Ciardi
Ujuzi Training Center
A Growing Home for Learning and Belonging
What began as a small classroom with just a handful of students has now blossomed into a thriving hub of opportunity. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Ujuzi Learning Center is expanding its walls and its impact.
Every refugee who walks through our doors is greeted not with scarcity, but with abundance.
This growth belongs to all of us: students, teachers, volunteers, and every donor who believed in the power of education to change lives. Together, we are building not just classrooms, but futures.
Preparation Underway for Ujuzi Training Centre
A land plot of 1,030 m² was purchased in December, 2024 for the construction of the new Training Centre in a rapidly growing part of Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
This strategic acquisition marks a critical step toward establishing a sustainable and impactful facility that will accommodate up to 400 participants annually.
The design process is already underway and is spearheaded by a top architectural firm DO ARCHITECTS. The involvement of DO ARCHITECTS ensures that the facility will be both innovative and functional, meeting the unique needs of the community while adhering to principles of sustainability and inclusivity.
The construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with a targeted completion date by the end of the year.
Construction of the new building during the first phase
Laying the foundation
Bricks being prepared
Frame construction
Roofing
Building the walls
Plastering of the building
Newly built building
Painting of the building
Installing glass in the windows and doors
Decorating the building
The exterior of the building is completed
The water tank is installed beside the building
Opening ceremony of the new learning center
Key features of the building planned for construction during the second phase
Experienced Architects: DO ARCHITECTS (a top architectural firm in Lithuania) with expertise in sustainable, community-focused design, will ensure the building is both functional and environmentally conscious.
Sustainable Construction: Built using local materials like sun-dried clay bricks and eco-friendly methods, the center will blend with its environment and support long-term sustainability.
Climate-Resilient Design: Designed to withstand the local climate, ensuring reliable year-round operation, even during harsh weather.
Community Ownership: The construction process will involve the local community, building expertise and fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the facility.
Energy Self-Sufficiency: Equipped with solar panels, the building will be fully self-sufficient in energy.
Water Conservation Systems: The facility will include rainwater harvesting and water recycling solutions to provide a sustainable supply for daily operations and the garden.
Capacity: The building will accommodate up to 100 participants at a time.
Specialized Training Spaces: Dedicated spaces for a shop, salon for hairdressing and beautician training, and a kitchen for the catering program.
IT Hub: A dedicated IT hub will provide technology resources and connectivity.
Garden: The facility will feature a community garden for permaculture training, fostering sustainable agriculture practices.
Childcare Facilities: A dedicated childcare area will support women with young children, allowing them to participate in training while their children are cared for in a safe space.
Trainer Accommodation: The building will include two bedrooms for trainers and visitors, allowing for extended training programs.
Multipurpose Community Space: A safe, permanent space for community gatherings, events and fairs, fostering social engagement and learning.
Second phase of the building project
Sun-dried clay bricks are assembled for a new building
Construction of the building extension has started
Roofing and plastering of our 2 rooms (textile+office)
