Four refugee students head from Uganda to Belgium thanks to EU-funded and transnational programme, supported by FCA
The Belgium EUPW Scholarship Programme is a collaborative effort between UNHCR Uganda, the Ugandan Government, the Government of Belgium, Finn Church Aid – Uganda, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), and Caritas Belgium.
This innovative initiative offers refugee students the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees at leading Belgian universities, with comprehensive support covering tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel, language assistance, and orientation services.
Four exceptional refugee youth
In August 2024, four exceptional refugee youth were selected to pursue their studies in Belgium. They all fled the Democratic Republic of Congo at various times for Uganda due to the ongoing conflict and instability in the country.
Ruhamanga Mwami, 35, fled to Uganda in 2018. Starting a new life in a foreign land was tough, but he persevered. In the capital city, Kampala, he found work with an internet company, earning just enough to survive.
Determined to make a difference, Ruhamanga applied for the Belgium EUPW Scholars Program. He’s now pursuing a master’s in economics and social policies with the aim to return to DRC. His goal is to address social inequality through education.
The four scholars being received in Belgium. L-R Morisho Kovokovo, Eliya Cigiriza, François Kalenga and Ruhamanga Mwami.
Eliya Cigieiza, 29, also fled DRC two years earlier in 2016. In his home country he studied geology, as well as being a student leader, but left behind his studies, family, and country, to seek refuge in Uganda. In Kampala, a church hosted him, and his enthusiasm inspired the senior pastor to start a youth engagement programme, leading to the creation of “Women and Children at Risk,” an organisation helping vulnerable individuals.
Eliya applied for the competitive Belgium EUPW Scholars Programme and was selected. He is now pursuing a master’s in economics, determined to drive economic growth and empower African youth. “When we believe in the beauty of our dreams, we unleash the power to make them a reality,” he told FCA Uganda shortly before his departure to Belgium.
Morisho Kovokovo, 30, is a passionate anthropology enthusiast driven to make a positive impact. However, his home country’s insecurity and instability forced him to flee in 2023. Despite completing his degree in anthropology and securing a decent job, Morisho’s safety was at risk.
He made the difficult decision to leave behind his family, friends, and career to find refuge in Uganda. In Uganda, Morisho took a simple job at a research centre to survive. When he heard about the Belgium EUPW Scholars Program, Morisho applied and was selected. He’s now eager to pursue his master’s in Belgium, furthering his growth and dedication to making a difference in others’ lives. Morisho says, “My purpose is to serve others.”
Francois Kalenga, 23, is set to pursue Economics at the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) University. His ambitions are set high: he aims to become a pioneering entrepreneur and minister of economics, driving innovative solutions for his community. “Courage is the catalyst for success,” Francois asserts. “Securing this opportunity is the key to unlocking my dreams, and I’m ready to seize it with both hands.”
EU scholarship is pilot in three countries
The EUPW (EU-Passworld) scholarship is a pilot project funded by the EU’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and taking place in Belgium, Ireland and Italy. The aspiration is that the pathways implemented under EUPW will grow into self-sustaining national programmes after 2024, and to contribute to establishing similar initiatives in other countries.
Finn Church Aid played a key role in identifying and referring qualified candidates based on the program’s criteria. UNHCR provided strategic support through advocacy, verification, and vetting processes. FCA together with UNHCR Belgium and UNHCR Uganda facilitated the pre-departure formalities.
The Government of Belgium, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), and Caritas Belgium generously funded the program, covering tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel, language assistance, and orientation services. These key stakeholders collectively enabled the scholars to enroll in top Belgian universities for their master’s degrees.
Text: Kadlah Nabakembo Photos: Sozzi Daniel /UNHCR
Over 13,000 textbooks given out to schools in Uganda refugee settlements
FCA Uganda distributed over 13,000 textbooks to refugee schools, addressing an urgent gap in the availability of education materials.
OVER 1 MILLION refugees in Uganda are under the age of 18 with over 600,000 being school age, according to UNHCR statistics. However, access to essential learning resources, such as textbooks, remains a significant challenge in many refugee settlements.
As part of FCA’s Lasting Education Achievements Responding to Needs (LEARN) project, FCA Uganda’s office distributed over 13,000 textbooks to secondary schools in several refugee settlements.
A survey conducted by the Uganda Refugee Response Monitoring Group in January 2024 revealed that 70 per cent of schools in these settlements lack textbooks, underscoring the urgent need for books.
Mr. Ronald Karamuzi, Area Manager FCA Kyaka II Refugee Settlement (centre), distributes books to learners at Bukere Secondary School in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement.
Jistey Mapenzi, a senior student from Bukere Secondary School in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, says, “without enough science text books in school, it’s hard to study and do research.”
The textbooks were distributed to schools in the following refugee settlements: Kyaka II Refugee Settlement – Kyegegwa District; Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement – Kamwenge District; Nakivale Refugee Settlement – Isingiro District, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement – Kikuube District, Palorinya Refugee Settlement – Obongi District; Pagirinya, Nyumanzi, Olua, Ayilo I and Maaji II Refugee Settlements in Adjumani District.
Education as a protection tool
Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka, Country Director of FCA Uganda, emphasised the importance of the initiative. In a refugee setting, FCA considers education as a protection tool and is committed to ensuring every child has a chance to access education as a fundamental right.
Finn Church Aid Country Director Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka (right) hands textbooks to Mr. Valence Tukacungurwa (left), Headteacher of Bukere Secondary School in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, at FCA offices in Kampala.
“Finn Church Aid’s effort directly addresses the critical shortage of educational materials, providing much-needed support to bridge the resource gap. This distribution is a crucial step towards improving secondary educational access and quality for both refugees and host communities. By supplying schools with these essential resources, we are not only enhancing their educational experience but also contributing to their long-term wellbeing and future opportunities,” he said.
Mr. Valence Tukacungurwa, the Headteacher of Bukere Secondary School, a beneficiary of the initiative, was very grateful to FCA and PRM for the support.
“This invaluable contribution will have a profound impact on our students and the wider community. They will not only enhance the learning experience of our students but also help to bridge the educational gap that many of them faced. The availability of these high-quality educational resources will be instrumental in improving the academic performance of our students. They will now have access to the necessary tools to deepen their understanding of the curriculum, which will boost their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.”
He noted that the initiative’s impact will extend beyond the classroom walls benefiting the community with improved educational outcomes. “When students are better equipped, they will contribute to the social and economic development of the region,” he added.
Students excited for new resources
Jistey Mapenzi was extremely pleased at the new books telling FCA Uganda staff, “with more science textbooks, we hope to perform better in science subjects. Some of these books even have self-study materials that will help me with my personal study and research. We are very grateful to the donors behind FCA for this support.”
Patience Kabarokole, a Senior Three student in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, added, “as a student under the new lower secondary curriculum, these textbooks are essential for helping me gain a better understanding of my subjects. Having these new textbooks is so important for us, they make it easier to understand our lessons and give us hope for a brighter future. This support encourages us to keep working hard in our studies.”
FCA Palorinya field office staff display copies of the new textbooks, ready for distribution to schools in Palorinya refugee settlement
The LEARN project is funded by the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and has been operational for the past five years, focusing on several key areas. These include ensuring inclusive access to quality education so that both refugee and host community children in the targeted settlements receive a high standard of education and experience improved learning outcomes; creating and maintaining safe and inclusive learning environments for all students; enhancing the quality of education by improving how it is delivered to provide the best possible experience; and prioritizing the protection and wellbeing of learners to support their overall development and success.
With continued funding from PRM, the project has benefited over 166,000 individuals, including 19,612 secondary learners, 145,215 primary learners, and 734 Accelerated Education Program (AEP) learners in primary schools. It also supports 1,492 primary teachers, 50 AEP primary teachers, and 589 secondary teachers. This extensive support system addresses educational needs and improves learning conditions across the targeted settlements.
Text: Linda Kabuzire Images: Renah Atuhaire and Evelyn Nabasa / FCA
Uganda to Canada – refugees bring care experience to new continents
Baderha Pascal Mujombo and Jean Berikiimas Manirakiza, both refugees with experience in medicine and care, have embarked on a new chapter of their lives in Canada with help from FCA and its partners. Both came to the country as refugees, due to conflict and insecurity in their countries of origin.
Through the Complementary Pathways programme, Finn Church Aid (FCA), UNHCR, and Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) supported the pair in securing job placements with the opportunity to relocate with their families as Permanent Residents in Canada.
Complementary Pathways are ways that a refugee can pursue work or study opportunities, reunite with family and apply for other visas just like any migrant, while being supported through their whole journey.
Through the labour mobility pathway, the programme identifies skilled refugees in Uganda, provides comprehensive support through Career Guidance and Counselling, and connects them with durable employment in third countries. Pascal and Jean, together with their families, have departed from Uganda and are now in Canada, where a new life awaits.
Pascal Mujombo: from Kyaka II to Canada
Pascal, a 40-year-old nurse, was forced to flee his home in the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2017. The conflict that erupted near his home left him with no choice but to seek refuge in Uganda.
He has been living in Kyaka II refugee settlement with his wife and five children, the youngest just 2.5 years old.
Life in the settlement was far from easy, and despite his qualifications, Pascal faced significant barriers to practicing his profession.
Pascal is a trained nurse from DRC. Photo: Antti Yrjönen/FCA
“I got my medical training in DRC and worked there as a nurse for five years before fleeing to Uganda,” Pascal explains. “But here in Uganda, being a refugee means that even as a professional nurse, I can’t have a normal job. I haven’t been able to work as a nurse here, so I’ve been volunteering and providing nutritional counselling within the community.”
Pascal enrolled in the Complementary Pathways program, a rigorous process that took more than 1.5 years to complete. Throughout this time, he remained determined, knowing that the opportunity to move to Canada could change his life and that of his family.
“Getting the opportunity to go to Canada through the Complementary Pathways program will change my life,” he says. “My children will get the chance to attend good schools, and we’ll finally have enough to eat once I start earning a real salary.”
A long process was worth the wait
The process was not without its challenges. Pascal faced countless interviews and a long wait, but he never gave up. “It’s been a long process to get this far, and it’s challenged my patience,” he admits. “But it was worth the wait. I have a job waiting across the ocean, and I’ll be paid for that. My family and I will finally be safe.”
Pascal’s wife, is equally excited about the future. “I’m thrilled to be going to Canada,” she shares. “It’s a dream come true for our family. We know it will be different and far from what we know, but we believe everything will go well.”
Pascal and family in Uganda before departure at the offices of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Photo: Linda Kabuzire/FCA
In Canada, Pascal will work as an assisting nurse in an elderly care home, a job that aligns with his passion for patient care. “Being an assisting nurse includes tasks like taking care of patients’ personal hygiene, helping them get dressed, taking them out for fresh air, and ensuring they eat well and take their medication,” he explains. “I’m proud to be a professional, and the most important part of my job is making my patients feel taken care of.”
While Pascal looks forward to his new role, he is also planning for the future. “I hope to complement my studies in Canada at some point and eventually obtain my nurse’s permit,” he says. “I’m also hoping to make enough money to support my brothers who will continue living as refugees here in Uganda. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to help other refugees too.”
The journey ahead is filled with hope, but it also comes with a deep sense of responsibility. “Giving up was not an option for me,” Pascal says. “My advice to anyone dreaming of the same opportunity? You need to have patience. You’re competing for these jobs with others, and being a refugee doesn’t make you any less qualified or capable. Believe in yourself.”
Jean Manirakiza: from Nakivale to a new beginning
Jean Berikiimas Manirakiza’s journey began in Congo, where he was born, but conflict forced his family to flee to Burundi when he was just five years old. It was in Burundi that Jean grew up and completed his education, eventually earning a degree in general medicine.
“I studied at the School of Clinical Officers, Nursing, and Midwifery, and later earned my degree in general medicine,” Jean recalls. “After finishing my studies, I returned to Congo, but the war broke out again, and I had to flee to Uganda.”
Arriving in Uganda alone after losing his family in the conflict, Jean found refuge in Nakivale refugee settlement. In 2013, he began to rebuild his life when he married and started a family. He and his wife now have two children, a son and a daughter, who have grown up in the settlement.
Maniraiza Jean Berchmans with his wife Janet Mukanyirange Manirakiza and baby Kenneth at their home in Nakivale. Photo: Hugh Rutherford/FCA
Despite his qualifications and experience, Jean faced significant obstacles in finding employment.
“Even with my qualifications, I couldn’t get a job because I wasn’t able to obtain a work permit due to my studies being completed outside of Uganda,” he explains. “But I remained committed to my passion for medicine and volunteered with humanitarian agencies in Nakivale.”
Jean’s life took a turn for the better when he attended a career guidance session organised by FCA. There, he learned about the opportunities available through the Complementary Pathways program and applied to move to Canada. With the support of FCA, UNHCR, and TBB, Jean was selected for an employment opportunity in Canada as a Personal Support Worker.
“I’m very excited to be going to Canada to work,” Jean says with enthusiasm. “I’m happy to go to a place where I can work and live with my family for my whole life. It’s a blessing that I haven’t been separated from them.”
Not just a move to safety
Jean is optimistic about his future in Canada, where he plans to further his education and ensure his children have access to quality schooling. “My plans for the future include adding more to my education and ensuring my children attend good schools,” he shares. “This move is not just about finding safety; it’s about securing a future for my family.”
The cold climate of Canada, which might intimidate others, doesn’t worry Jean. “I was born in a cold place, so I believe I’ll be able to adjust,” he says.
“I’m not sad to leave Nakivale because I’ve spent a lot of time here. While I will miss it, I’m going to a better place.”
Jean’s family shares his excitement. “My wife couldn’t believe the news until we got all the travel documents and confirmed we were leaving,” Jean says. “I hope to meet nice people in Canada,” Jean adds. “This is a new beginning for us, and I’m ready to embrace it.”
Jean Manirakiza and his family before departure. Photo: Linda Kabuzire/FCA
FCA and partners work together to link refugees to jobs abroad
The successful relocation of Pascal and Jean to Canada is a results of collaborative efforts bewteen Finn Church Aid, UNHCR, and Talent Beyond Boundaries. These organisations work together to identify skilled refugees in Uganda and link them to employment opportunities in third countries. The employment pathways provided by these organisations offer extensive support to refugees, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their new lives in the third country
The support includes candidate outreach and information dissemination for current opportunities, identification for job opportunities on the TBB Talent Catalogue, and Career Guidance and Counselling to enable refugees achieve their professional goals. FCA also plays a crucial role in the pre-departure processing, including the acquisition of Conventional Travel Documents (CTDs), which many refugees often lack, visa processing, and pre-departure cultural orientation.
This comprehensive support system ensures that refugees like Pascal and Jean are not only able to secure employment but are also equipped to integrate successfully into their new communities.
Refugee couple work their way from Congo to New Zealand through FCA and UNHCR complementary pathways programme
Eric and Diane fled DRC for Uganda when faced with ethnic persecution. Starting with selling street food, the couple worked tirelessly for nearly ten years in different jobs before applying for a UNHCR programme with FCA help that saw them move to New Zealand.
Text: Kadlah Nabakembo Photos shared by: Eric Mokuma Mombole
‘Leaving Congo was not a choice, it was a necessity’
Eric Mokuma Mombole is a Congolese national born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Conflict stemming from tribal and religious divisions forced him to seek refuge and rebuild his life with his wife Diane.
The move was significant because Eric, who is from an ethnic minority from the west, married Diane, from the east while living there. The M23 rebel movement‘s rise created tensions and suspicion towards Eric, an “outsider” in the region. Their inter-ethnic marriage and Eric’s presence in the east were likely seen as a threat, leading to mistreatment and forcing them to flee.
Diane has a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Pharmacy and Eric has a degree in Information Technology. One Sunday afternoon, Eric came home asked Diane to get her academic documents as he also put together his. And just like that, under a grey sky, they took their last walk through their village, leaving everything behind. “Leaving Congo was not a choice, it was a necessity,” Eric says.
Their escape led them to Kisoro, Uganda, where they boarded an old truck, its cargo hold filled with cattle. Eric and Diane traversed bumpy roads, wondering how, when and if they would make it across the border. “It was the longest journey of my life,” Eric recalls, highlighting the physical and emotional pain.
Arrival in Uganda
At the Kampala police station, Eric and Diane found themselves waiting for an entire day and night. Directed to the office of the prime minister, they registered as refugees pending approval and were soon guided to the Jesuit Refugee Services in Nsambya. As they arrived, the staff quickly noticed that Diane was pregnant and arranged for her to receive care at the city hospital in the Kisenyi neighbourhood.
Their next task was to find a place to stay. Despite the challenges, a kind-hearted gentleman from the police helped them secure a one-room accommodation in the Bakuli neighbourhood in Kampala, at a cost of 70,000 Uganda shillings (approximately 18 US dollars).
It wasn’t luxurious, but they were grateful just to have a roof over their heads. The room proved to be a mixed blessing—too cold at night and unbearably hot during the day. Jesuit Refugee Services met their immediate needs. They received support for a month, along with basic necessities and a sum of 100,000 shillings (approximately 26 US dollars) for their upkeep for three months.
Settling into life in Bakuli, Eric and Diane found relief in the kindness of their neighbors. Despite their own challenges, the neighbors allowed Eric and Diane to wash their clothes at theirs for a small fee. With determination, they managed to save up some money and invested in a small waffle machine to make pancakes. They sold their waffles to the people who had helped them: the Jesuit Refugee Services; the Uganda Police in Old Kampala; and the Office of the Prime Minister, because those were the only places known to them.
The couple welcome a baby
In May 2014, Eric and Diane welcomed their son, Tylor. Despite the good news, challenges continued. Eric found himself working tirelessly to sustain their family making and selling pancakes and waffles to make ends meet. “These were hard times,” Eric recalls, “but something inside me kept me going. I knew and believed that in the end, it would be well.” In that small room, Eric and Diane felt safe. They didn’t have much, just a few things, but they held onto each other and stayed strong. Even when things were hard, their love kept them going, like a light in the dark. “Diane almost gave up, but I had a driving force pushing me to continue working,” Eric recalled.
During Eric’s days of selling waffles, a customer noticed his determination and inquired about his education. When Eric mentioned his bachelor’s degree in computer and management, the customer introduced him to a company in downtown Kampala, who were willing to give him a chance based on his computer knowledge. With no desk to call his own, Eric found himself working outside the shop, running errands and helping out wherever he could. At the end of each day, they would compensate him with 20,000 shillings (approximately 5 dollars). After four months of hard work, Eric and Diane decided to invest their savings in an HP laptop. With this new tool, Eric committed himself into learning graphics, web design, and editing for his colleagues, all without any cost.
“It was tough at first, but I knew I had to keep pushing forward,” Eric recalls, reflecting on those early days.
A chance for Diane
Through dedication and practice, Eric quickly mastered his skills and began attracting his own clients. Soon enough, he joined forces with three others to open a shop, sharing the rental costs. They split the monthly fee of 350,000 shillings (approximately 92 dollars) amongst them. The new entrepreneurial endeavour also reaped benefits for Eric’s wife.
“While at work, I made numerous connections, one of which led to a significant opportunity for Diane,” Eric recounts, a sense of pride evident in his voice.
A friend of Eric was seeking a multilingual translator for Techno Brain, a global digital consultancy. With Diane’s proficiency in English, French, and Swahili, Eric made the connection, securing her a daily pay totaling 500,000 shillings per month (approximately 132 US dollars).
Diane worked hard at her company, Techno Brain, which ultimately led to a chance to move to New Zealand, via a UNHCR programme.
“With Diane’s skills, I knew she would excel in this role,” Eric reflects, recalling his confidence in his wife’s abilities.
With Diane and Eric both employed, they decided to move to a one-bedroom house in Namungoona, paying a monthly rent of 150,000 (approximately 40 dollars) shillings. Despite the challenges, Diane persevered, even when faced with ridicule from her coworkers for her English skills. Although she was fluent in English, her strong accent sounded different and was mocked. Eric stood by her side, encouraging her to keep learning and improving, and his support helped her to stay motivated and confident. Diane kept learning and in a few years had seven different language under her belt.
“It wasn’t easy, but we knew we had to keep moving forward,” Eric shares, his voice filled with determination.
UNHCR programme
A special moment arrived when Techno Brain introduced a refugee helpline in partnership with UNHCR. The organization offered Diane a contract for a new role that required fluency in English, Kinyarwanda, French, and Lingaala. As chance would have it, Diane was the only candidate at Techno Brain who possessed this unique combination of language skills, making her ideal for the position.
As Eric and Diane established their new life in Namungoona, a quiet suburb far from the city’s hustle and bustle, they found comfort in the warmth of their humble home. Though distance separated them from their loved ones, they persevered, with only Diane’s sister nearby to share in their joys and sorrows. “We longed to share our happiness with our families, but they were far away,” Eric said wistfully. “Our families were divided by cultural and religious differences, which only served to widen the gap between us,” Eric reflected with sadness.
Their son, Tylor, began attending school in Namungoona, marking a new chapter in their lives and in 2018, they managed to secure a two-bedroom apartment, a significant step up from their previous accommodation.
Financial challenges met with kindness
Eric’s business endeavors had starting bringing in substantial profits. With money in his pocket, his dream of buying a car was fulfil. “It was not safe for us on boda boda (motorcycle taxis commonly found in East Africa),” Eric recounted. “The costs and risks were too high due to reckless drivers and many other issues.” But just four weeks into buying the car, COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted their plans for further investment. A car purchase, once seen as a symbol of success, became a burden as lockdown restrictions rendered it immobile.
While the entire world was on a lockdown, the couple experienced financial challenges, their landlord at home displayed compassion by reducing their rent, alleviating some of their financial strain. “Oh God bless her,” Eric expressed gratitude. “She reduced the cost of my rent from 500,000 to 200,000 monthly so that I could afford it.”
After enduring several miscarriages, Eric’s wife, Diane, finally welcomed another baby into their family, bringing them joy as a family of four. The journey to get there was long and difficult, with each miscarriage requiring costly visits to specialists to identify the underlying causes, further straining their finances. The struggle to conceive again was equally challenging, with numerous doctor’s visits and expensive treatments. Recalling the compassion of their landlord during those difficult times, Eric reflected on the financial strain caused by the loss of pregnancies, which had even led to the loss of his business.
Eric and Diane and their two children in Uganda before they left for New Zealand.
Forced to start afresh, he returned to his roots, where supportive friends welcomed him back with open arms. Despite the hardships, the arrival of their new baby brought them immense joy and a sense of redemption, making their journey worthwhile.
The struggles persisted as Eric was forced to sell his beloved car at a significant loss. He used the proceeds to pay off debts and cover essential expenses, helping them stay afloat during a difficult period. In 2018, they discovered the Complementary Pathways Labour Mobility programme, which offered a glimmer of hope. They independently applied for the programme, facilitated by FCA, which provided invaluable training and support, including CV writing skills, to enhance their employability and potentially secure a brighter future.
Move to New Zealand
In June 2023, Erick received a call from UNHCR, revealing an exciting opportunity to relocate to New Zealand. Upon sharing the news with his wife, they both celebrated their luck in being selected for the same programme.
The family’s journey saw further upgrades when they were selected for a labor mobility program in New Zealand. This opportunity marked a new chapter, promising a fresh start with government support, furnished accommodation, and educational opportunities. It was a dream come true, especially after enduring numerous hardships, including financial struggles and personal losses.
FCA Uganda had the fortunate opportunity to meet a hopeful and enthusiastic Eric, along with his son Tylor, just a few days before they were set to leave for New Zealand. Eric was filled with hope and eagerly anticipated starting anew with his family in New Zealand, where they have since settled and found satisfaction.
“Our journey from Congo to Uganda and now to New Zealand could never be better. A private sponsor from the Anglican Church, along with the UNHCR and Finn Church Aid, all played a crucial role in our journey.”
Finn Church Aid played a critical initial role by identifying qualified candidates and referring them based on New Zealand’s criteria.
UNHCR took on a collaborative and strategic role by advocating for these candidates, conducting verification and carrying out the vetting processes, it also analyzed the family composition to ensure they met the necessary criteria. They collaborated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to manage pre-departure formalities and support the candidates.
The private sponsors contributed by providing opportunities that will allow candidates make professional contributions to the host country and engage in meaningful work which help expand the tax base. Together, these three main players significantly contributed to enabling Eric and Diane, refugees with potential to secure employment and transform their futures.
Eric, Diane and the family enjoying a city tour as part of their onboarding and orientation to their new life in New Zealand
FCA and EU Humanitarian Aid launch new project in Uganda
A new European Union Humanitarian Aid funded programme in Uganda, called “Towards Greater Effectiveness and Timely Humanitarian Education Response (TOGETHER)” will support over fifty thousand schoolchildren in Uganda to rejoin and stay in school.
Kampala, 20/06/2024 — Finn Church Aid (FCA) in partnership with Cheshire Services (CSU), Hopelink Action Foundation (HAF) Uganda, Promoters of Agriculture and Market Linkages (PALM Corps), and Forum for Education NGOs (FENU) are thrilled to announce the launch of the TOGETHER (Towards Greater Effectiveness and Timely Humanitarian Education Response) project, funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid.
This project aims to directly support 50,861 children, in primary, secondary, and Accelerated Education for a period of 24 months. The overall objective is to provide access to quality and inclusive formal and non-formal education for South Sudanese and Sudanese refugees, asylum seekers, and host community children in Palorinya, Rhino Camp, Palabek, Kiryandongo, and Imvepi refugee settlements in Uganda.
The project will focus on increasing enrolment, retention, and transition of conflict-affected girls and boys, strengthen child protection and safeguarding mechanisms, improve response and referral systems, and promote child participation through girl child empowerment.
Local leadership in Uganda
FCA Uganda Country Director, Wycliffe Nsheka explained, “the project will be implemented by the TOGETHER Consortium led by Finn Church Aid (FCA). It promotes strong local leadership with Cheshire Services (CSU) leading inclusion activities, Hopelink Action Foundation (HAF) Uganda leading psychosocial support, Promotes of Agriculture and Market Linkages (PALM Corps) leading resilience activities and Forum for Education NGOs (FENU)for policy advocacy efforts.”
He added “the project will respond to the regional challenge of increased school dropouts and child protection risks resulting from lack of livelihoods. It will focus on new arrivals, ensuring they have access to proper levels of education in safe and protective environments. I would like to appreciate the EU’s continued commitment towards supporting Education in situations of crisis.”
Bruno Rotival, Head of the EU’s Humanitarian Aid office in Kampala, emphasised that “children’s right to quality education does not stop in times of humanitarian emergencies. Our Education in Emergencies policy helps children in fragile contexts stay in school or continue their interrupted education, building resilience and developing their skills for the future. For 2024, the EU has set aside €157 million to support learning for children and youth caught in humanitarian emergencies, supporting also host communities.”
The project aligns with the Uganda Education Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities policy framework, addressing both supply and demand side barriers to education, ensuring access to quality education for all children.
About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid
The European Union and its Member States are the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.
Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.
Let’s talk about menstruation – A simple way to eradicate period-related absences in a Ugandan school
Three out of four girls in Uganda miss school because they are menstruating. At Bukere secondary school, the problem has been solved by raising awareness about menstruation among both girls and boys.
Text: Elisa Rimaila Photos: Antti Yrjönen
THE EXCITEMENT of over a hundred teenagers combined with the glow of an equatorial afternoon have stirred up the air in the classroom so thick you could almost bottle it. The youngsters sit cramped in their desks, squealingas teacher Jolly Kyogabirwe begins a lesson on reproductive health and sexual rights at Bukere secondary school in central Uganda.
Now let’s talk about menstruation! The rumble slowly calms down..
“Menstruation is not an illness that should make you stay home and out of school,” says Kyogabirwe.
In the front row, a few girls look at each other. In the back, the boys lean forward with interest, letting the teacher continue.
“If your period starts during the school day, the school has disposable sanitary towels for emergencies. We will help you so that you can stay in school despite your period,” teacher Kyogabirwe addresses the girls.
IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS in particular, menstrual absenteeism is a real threat to education. Many girls are absent from school for several days each month.
Bukere secondary school is fighting absenteeism by organising menstrual hygiene lessons and distributing a bag of sanitary towels, soap and underwear to girls.
Teacher Kyogabirwe goes through the signs that the body gives before menstruation starts and reminds you to be aware of your menstrual cycle.
The boys in the back seat are keen to ask questions.
“Why are the pads different sizes – and that one so huge?”
“How long can you use one sanitary towel?”
Best Kemigisa, 20, a student in Bukere secondary school, shows other students the products she received as part of Finn Church Aid’s menstrual hygiene package.
Reusable pads save money
At the end of the lesson, girls and boys can talk freely.
“It’s interesting to know how things work. Some of us boys didn’t know anything before,” says Emmanuel Nsengimana, 20.
“It’s good to have a conversation together,” continues Best Kemigisa, 20.
The lesson makes Manzi Biraguma, 16, wonder whether it would be possible to make a business out of making reusable pads. The boy’s comment makes the girls laugh, but it’s actually not a bad idea, confirms Sonia Kyasiimire, an education specialist at the Finn Church Aid (FCA) office in Uganda.
“If we could get more funding, we could organise a workshop to learn how to make reusable pads for sale. The training could be combined with vocational studies, for example,” says Kyasiimire.
The life cycle of a single reusable pad is about a year, making them a better environmental alternative to disposable shelters. If girls made their own pads, they could also save money.
A five-piece package of reusable pads costs 25,000 Ugandan shillings (six euros), while disposable pads cost girls between 5.000 and 10,000 shillings (about 1.5-2.5 euros) per month.
In the refugee area, it is a significant amount. The cost of one package of disposable sanitary towels is equivalent to about half of the cash grant given to qualifying families by UNHCR each month.
“Many parents have not been educated about menstrual hygiene. It can be difficult for them to understand why girls should be provided with separate menstrual protection,” says Manzi Biraguma.
The girls nod. Lack of knowledge can lead to discrimination and exclusion from everyday activities such as socially important religious gatherings.
“There are communities here that may believe that girls are ‘unclean’ during menstruation or that they are somehow harmful,” says Patience Kabarokore, 17.
Manzi Biraguma and Emmanuel Nsengimana are happy boys have been granted an access to their school’s menstrual hygiene classes.
Emmanuel Nsengimana points out that girls themselves can avoid being stigmatised by taking the management of their menstrual hygiene into their own hands.
“Boys in particular may want to sit somewhere other than next to a girl who doesn’t have proper protection. They might be embarrassed. I’m serious, there are boys like that!”
The comment leads to a debate between girls and boys about whether menstruation is something to be ashamed of.
“Menses are part of normal life. The fact that you are menstruating just means that you are normal,” says Best Kemigisa.
“Sometimes it is difficult to participate in the joy and activities of others during menstruation. Especially if you’re not feeling well. Then I feel ashamed,” defends Fatumah Kenganzi, 17.
She says that as a Muslim she is not allowed to pray or fast during her periods.
“It’s quite understandable. Even a prayer mat can get dirty,” she reflects.
In Ugandan refugee settlements menstrual hygiene may be challenging to maintain due to lack of money. Menstrual hygiene isn’t a priority for families living on less than two dollars a day. This leads to girls staying home when they’re having their period.
Lack of sanitary towels robs girls their education
In Bukere, every young person knows someone who has missed school because of their period. And no wonder, because according to Uganda’s Ministry of Education 2020 data, three out of four school-age girls miss 2-3 school days a month due to menstruation. According to the same statistics, up to 65% of girls and women in Uganda feel unable to afford adequate menstrual protection.
“Girls would certainly like to use disposable pads, but they are not very accessible here,” says Sonia Kyasiimire, referring to the high price of sanitary towels.
Fatumah Kenganzi would like to use disposable pads if she had the money to buy them.
FCA’s menstrual hygiene work involves more than just handing out sanitary pads and teaching lessons. At Bukere secondary school, changing rooms and water points have been built next to the toilets to make girls’ daily lives easier. According to 2020 statistics, only 60% of girls and women reported that they had regular access to water for washing and safe, sheltered places for changing.
Fatumah Kenganzi is the only girl who would prefer to use disposable protection if she had the choice. But her life with reusable pads is made easier by the fact that she lives in a school dormitory.
“The school has water for washing and shelter. At the primary school I went to, if there was an accident, you had to go home in the middle of the day to wash.”
The situations where girls are most nervous are when their periods start unexpectedly in the middle of the school day. The school day can become embarrassing, especially because of boys’ behaviour.
“They mock it, calling it a ‘blood skirt’, and everyone hears about it,” says Patience Kabarokore.
Best Kemigisa, Fatumah Kenganzi and Patience Kabarokore have had their share of listening to boys mocking girls when they find out they have their period. Sometimes the menstruation begins in the middle of a school day leading the girls leave home and skipping classes.
The comment makes the boys look at each other.
“I think we do it out of ignorance. It boggles the mind to even think about where the blood comes. We boys are sensitive,” Biraguma defends himself.
“Girls can talk openly about these issues. Come and tell us if you need help. We will help,” Nsengimana continues.
The last sentence makes all three girls burst out laughing. Patience Kabakore, however, is grateful that the boys are now getting information through school.
“I think boys are genuinely interested in these things. Now they have the opportunity to participate and learn. Until a few years ago, they were expelled from class when we started talking about menstruation.”
How will boys use the information they learn about menstrual hygiene at school?
“If I had a wife and she needed help with washing the pads, of course I’d help,” says Biraguma, after a moment’s thought.
The girls don’t believe him.
“No way! You don’t even know what menstrual blood smells like,” challenges Fatumah Kenganzi.
“Yes. I’m at least going to offer to help my wife when I have one some day. My wife is my responsibility. Of course I would,” Biraguma promises.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual awareness day on May 28 to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management at a global level.
That time of the month again – the experience of menstruation is universal, everyday life with it is not
“If you don’t have reliable period protection, you won’t want to come to school. I strongly share this experience with girls I have met in refugee settlements in Uganda”, writes Elisa Rimaila, Communications Specialist at FCA.
“DO YOU REMEMBER how it started? I only remember how thick and uncomfortable the first menstrual pads my mother gave me were. I didn’t dare move normally or lie on my back for fear of leaking. That same week my parents also gave me a Gameboy, a games console, which I used to play so much Tetris for the next week that I forgot about my period.
The experience of the onset of menstruation is something that most girls and women born into the world have in common. There is life before “them” and then this part that forces you to count life in about three-week chunks.
On a recent work-related trip to Uganda, I heard once again how menstruation is disrupting the schooling of too many girls. If there is no proper menstrual protection, school is a pain. I strongly share this experience with girls I meet in refugee settlements in Uganda. I was only 11 years old when I started my period, but I learned early on during my period to look at the back of my trousers in mirrors and windowpanes. I was afraid that blood would stain my clothes so that someone would see.
In Uganda, girls told me of the mocking songs sung by boys. They targeted classmates whose clothes were stained, revealing the fact they were menstruating. Some of the bullying is surely the result of ignorance on the part of teenage boys. Still, it is worth remembering the inequality that girls around the world face because of their periods.
Menstruation is still a taboo subject
IT IS LUDICROUS to think that every four weeks your period can prevent you from doing something as important as going to school. There are many reasons. Menstrual pads are too expensive, or otherwise unavailable for families to buy.
Or in many places, all sorts of beliefs about impurity are still associated with menstruation. The pressure these beliefs exert prevents girls and women from participating in normal daily life, for example, eating meals and sleeping nears family members, not to mention going to school or places of worship. Isolation not only causes feelings of hatred and rejection, but also real physical danger. In Nepal, for example, girls in so-called ‘Chhaupadi’ isolation die every year from snake bites or other accidents.
WHAT DID I SAY to the girls in the Rwamwanja refugee settlement who told me that they had been taunted by boys because of the bloodstains? I reminded them that menstruation is really about how incredibly strong we women are: we bleed a tremendous amount of blood, but we don’t die from it.
Although at the same time, I have to admit that I took some pills to delay the start of menstruation during my trip to Uganda. The thought of having my period during the trip is still, in my forties, quite unbearable. Avoiding periods is possible because I happen to be born in Finland and I can choose when my periods come to interfere with things that are important to me. Not everyone has that privilege.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28th. The day is dedicated to breaking taboos and raising awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM).
Despite top grades, refugees face barriers to university
University education is not only important for refugees but strengthens their adopted communities. When refugees get to go to university, they acquire skills that allow them to support themselves and earn a living, thereby contributing to society.
WHEN REFUGEES join universities, they bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the learning environment for all students. This diversity helps everyone’s understanding of the world and fosters greater empathy among students. By supporting refugee access to university education, FCA contributes to creating a more connected and compassionate world.
Currently, many organisations offer scholarships to outstanding students to help them access university education. While these are aligned with what FCA advocates for, it’s important to recognise that refugees often face additional barriers. Many refugees lack access to basic tools like laptops, consistent internet, and reliable electricity. By the time they learn about these opportunities, others who already have these resources may have taken advantage of them. That puts refugees at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing educational opportunities.
FCA recognises the incredible potential of refugees residing in settlements like Nakivale in Southwest Uganda, home to 185,990 individuals from Somalia, Rwanda, DR Congo, South Sudan, and Eritrea. A significant 59% of the population (source: UNCHR) are of school-going age, underscoring a burgeoning need for educational support.
Despite high aspirations among these youth, only a fraction has access to higher education. Our findings, based on data from UNCHR and the government of Uganda at the end of 2023, indicate that while 80% of Nakivale’s residents wish to continue their educational journeys, a mere 2% have the means to pursue university degrees. The gap between aspiration and reality is considerable, representing a critical barrier that must be addressed.
Despite hard work, refugee students can’t access higher education
Students like Arafat Abdi Ahmed from Somalia and Ntezirizaza David from Rwanda represent resilience and determination. Both have excelled in their national examinations and encounter limitations to further their education at the university level. Arafat dreams of becoming an engineer, while David aims to pursue a career in statistics. Their stories bear the harsh truth that, despite their hard work and excellence in all levels of secondary school, accessing higher education remains a challenge due to limited scholarship opportunities.
Arafat responding to a question during a voluntary internship programme with a bank.
‘A refugee has no business in a university’
Arafat’s story started during a time of turmoil in his home country. Fleeing Somalia with his family to seek refuge in Uganda, he found himself at Nakivale Secondary School in one of the oldest refugee settlements in the country. Despite the challenges he faced, Arafat excelled academically, scoring a first grade in his Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and also achieving top grades in his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). His dream of studying physics and becoming an engineer fueled his determination to succeed. With the support of scholarships from UNHCR and partner organisations, he was able to pursue his education at Mbarara High School.
Now that Arafat is nearing his dream, he yearns for the opportunity to further his education at the university level. Specifically, he wishes to turn his engineering aspirations into a reality. “I want to inspire my siblings and everyone who said I should have concentrated on manual labour instead of wasting time in academics.” Arafat also wants to challenge the stereotype in the settlement that goes “a refugee has no business in a university.”
David excelled in all his secondary and advanced exams. His childhood dream is to become a statistician.
Government scholarships restricted to nationals
David also fled his homeland in Rwanda with his family to seek refuge in Uganda. Despite the challenges he faced, David remained steadfast in his chase for education. Like Arafat, he also excelled in all his secondary and advanced exams. His childhood dream is to become a statistician.
“I hope I have the opportunity to study statistics at the university,” David tells us shyly. However, as a refugee, David faces uncertainty regarding access to government scholarships, a privilege only given to nationals. This fuels his worry about the high university costs. Nonetheless, David remains determined to create a better future for himself and his community.
“If given a scholarship, I am surely going to make the best statistician of our generation. Try me!” he erupts with sudden confidence.
“This is something I have wanted since childhood and if anyone out there can help me, I will not stop until I fulfill this promise which I made to myself. I am determined to make a better future for myself and my community through education.”
David is currently helping learners of Rubondo SS, Nakivale SS, Citizen High School and Mbarara High School through discussions for subjects like Mathematics and Economics. He is also volunteering via UNICEF’s Upshift programme, which empowers young people to identify challenges in their communities and create entrepreneurial solutions to them. David is also engaged in activities for the youth empowerment through skills equipment like making crafts, making soap.
FCA equips refugees with tools for further education
Arafat and David are not just individual stories, they mirror a widespread crisis of university scholarship shortages for refugees.
FCA actively endeavours to promote education by facilitating access to higher institutions through engagements with institutions, individual donors, and joint advocacy with other organisations. We remain committed to breaking down these educational barriers through initiatives such as providing scholarships, psychosocial support and ongoing teacher training. We also build educational facilities, which include laboratories, high quality hygiene facilities, dormitories and teacher accommodation among other facilities. Above all, FCA strives to equip refugees with the tools necessary for success.
Additionally, our complementary pathways project in partnership with UNHCR has a ‘Education Pathways’ programme, which offers refugees opportunities to access scholarships in third countries, further expanding their educational prospects.
The narratives of Arafat and David are not just individual tales of aspiration and hurdles; they mirror a widespread crisis among refugee communities — a dire shortage of university scholarships. The continuation of their education journey is pivotal not just for them as individuals, but for the socio-economic development of their communities and beyond.
It is crucial that more stakeholders join with organisations like FCA to expand the availability of university scholarships for refugees. Investing in higher education for refugees is not only a fulfillment of their rights but also a strategic investment in global development. Educated individuals like Arafat and David are poised to become leaders and change-makers who can influence positive transformations in their communities and the global society at large.
“I was allowed to return to school” – EU-funded INCLUDE project makes sure refugee students in Uganda aren’t left behind.
Ujumbe Murujiza, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) attends Rwamwanja Secondary School.
For children in refugee settlements, access to quality education is not just hampered by lack of schools. Lack of money, family support or basic hygiene supplies must all be overcome to make sure they can attend class.
Yet, refugee and vulnerable children are excelling in FCA supported schools. With funding from the European Union, FCA works in Uganda with Save the Children, Norwegian Refugee Council, Humanity and Inclusion and War Child Holland on the INCLUDE project.
RWAMWANJA AND KYAKA II refugee settlements are home to approximately 1,611,732 refugees and 48,792 asylum seekers. 949,598 of them are children. Many have fled violent conflicts, losing family members and parents. Refugee and host community children attend school side by side in the settlements, but with a large mix of nationalities and backgrounds, it’s tough for teachers to tend to every child’s needs.
Moreover, families are often without stable income. That means little food to aid concentration or no money to buy school supplies. In the case of one girl, it almost led to her dropping out of school to support her family.
Students and teachers take a break at Bukere Secondary School in Kyaka, Uganda.
Cash for education supports children staying in school
Ujumbe Murujiza, an 18-year-old refugee hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is currently enrolled in Senior Two at Rwamwanja Secondary School. But she might have not got this far.
She has eight siblings and her mother struggled to provide after their father abandoned the family.
“Life at home was unbearable,” Ujumbe recalls. “My mother, who often fell sick, struggled to make ends meet by working in community gardens.”
“My brothers had to collect empty bottles for sale just to help us survive,” Ujumbe explained. “I almost left school to work as a maid in Kampala district because we needed money.”
On discovering her plan, Ujumbe’s mother contacted FCA Uganda’s local field office. The Child Protection team met with the family and were enrolled in the Cash for Education programme, as part of the INCLUDE project.
“This support was a miracle for us,” Ujumbe reflects. “It covered school fees, uniforms, and even helped put food on our table.”
The INCLUDE project aims to be versatile and adaptive to the needs of the family in order to support the child’s return to and remaining in school. That’s why it covers diverse interventions, ranging from cash for education to ensuring access to nutritious meals through a school meals programme. It also promotes menstrual hygiene management and reproductive health awareness for both sexes to help children support each other to stay in school.
“I want to become a doctor in the future,” Ujumbe shares with unwavering determination. “After finishing school and getting money, I can support my family and build a better future.”
School meals programme boosts concentration in class
A proper meal can be make or break for a child to concentrate in school. Sometimes, it’s the only meal of the day a child might receive.
At Kikurura Primary School, the INCLUDE project helped start a programme where parents provide food for the students. The project gave out farming supplies like seeds, tools, and fertilisers. The school community worked together to grow crops on a 2-acre piece of land. They harvested 200 kilograms of maize, which helped feed the students.
A proper meal can be make or break for a child to concentrate in school.
The school relies on the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for support. To make sure all 1,267 students have enough to eat, the school talked with parents at the start of the 2024 term. They decided that each parent would give an extra 3 kilograms of maize to add to the school’s harvest.
This collective initiative ensures that every student at Kikurura Primary School receives a daily cup of porridge.
“I no-longer feel hungry during school time and attend all the lessons,” says Shillah, a P7 student , while her classmate Aloysious told us, “many of my classmates no longer have to miss classes because of hunger. I have also noticed that my fellow students no longer steal food from others,”
Menstrual hygiene support helps girls stay in class
As a 15-year-old pupil at Rwamwanja Primary School, Francine’s education journey was marred by the lack of sanitary pads during her menstrual cycle.
“My schooling was tough, especially during my periods,” she explained. “I didn’t have sanitary pads, so I often missed class,” she says.
“I remember using small pieces of my mother’s old clothes,” she continues. “But blood would pass through, and I would get infections.”
FCA provided her reusable pads as well as lessons about menstrual cycle management. The construction of clean and safe hygiene facilities are also key.
“Our school has a proper changing room with soap and water. If I have my period during school, I can freshen up and attend class comfortably.”
Something that has also helped the girls is including the boys in the learning process.
“Everyone, including the boys, supports us girls during our periods,” Francine explains, recalling a kind act from a classmate. “Once, I needed help, and a boy offered me his sweater to cover up. It made me realise I’m not alone.”
“Now, I’m not worried about my periods anymore,” Francine asserts confidently. I feel confident I’ll achieve my dream of becoming a nurse and helping my family and community.”
Eric, a refugee from Burundi, topped the exams in Kyaka settlement
Eric Niyitegeka’s family fled violence in Burundi and settled in Kyaka II refugee settlement. He was keen to restart his schooling, but had missed out on crucial phases in his education.
FCA’s Secondary Accelerated Education Programme (AEP) was designed for children like Eric to help them catch up with their peers and the national curriculum in a supportive environment sensitive to the needs of refugee and vulnerable children.
Eric topped his class during exams.
Eric worked incredibly hard, attending classes regularly and engaging actively in his studies. During the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations in 2023 he came out top of the programme.
“The support I received during the programme was amazing. I was allowed to return to school. I was also given cash for my school fees and scholastics. I no longer had to worry about money, so I concentrated in class. I am hopeful that I will join the advanced level of education where I want to study Physics, Chemistry and Maths since I want to become an engineer in future. I am deeply thankful for the generosity of FCA and its donors,” he says.
Career guidance offers hope for the future
Keeping students in school is not only a case of providing for their material needs. Children and teenagers need inspiration and hope for their futures. FCA’s pioneering career guidance programmes have been adopted in several countries, not least in our supported schools in Uganda, as part of INCLUDE.
Career guidance can make a huge impact on teenagers.
Acinath Bamurebe, a student at Bukere Secondary School, explains the impact they’ve made:
“I used to feel confused when thinking about what I wanted to do in the future. Many of us felt this way too. But thanks to our mentors, things started to become clearer. I was only in school because my friends were, not because I saw a bright future ahead. However, attending these sessions helped me think about what I’m good at and what I enjoy. The activities and talks from my teachers and mentors helped me understand myself better and decide what I want to do in the future.”
Teachers also included
Teachers are catalysts for change, but are often neglected themselves in terms of training, mentoring and career prospects.
As part of the INCLUDE project, we offer training sessions covering inclusive education, gender sensitivity, career guidance, life skills, and child protection to teachers. By incorporating new teaching methodologies, teachers enhance their ability to meet diverse learning needs.
As part of the INCLUDE project, FCA offers training sessions for teachers.
Phionah, an Accelerated Education Programme teacher, shares her experience:
“I now feel better equipped to address the varying learning needs of my students and create an inclusive learning environment where each student feels valued and supported in their educational journey. Consequently, students not only receive access to quality education but also acquire essential life skills and guidance crucial for their personal and professional growth.”
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Funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), the INnovative and inCLUsive accelerated eDucation programmE for refugee and host community children (INCLUDE) project is implemented by Finn Church Aid (FCA) in collaboration with Save the Children, Norwegian Refugee Council, Humanity and Inclusion, and War Child Holland. It is designed to address challenges to education for refugees and host communities, including newly arrived and out of school children in primary and secondary schools in Kyangwali, Kyaka, Nakivale and Rwamwanja Refugee Settlements.
Find out more about our work in Uganda. Text: Linda Kabuzire Photos: Rebecca Alum and Ronald Igulo
International Women’s Day – Dora Kaiza is FCA Uganda’s first female driver
On International Women’s Day 2024, we focus on investing in women. The following is a guest contribution from Dora Kaiza, one of FCA’s professional drivers in Uganda and the first woman to hold that position.
‘My name is Dora Kaiza. I am 34 years old and I am so proud to be a professional driver. For many years this was regarded as a male-dominated profession. My life before Finn Church Aid was a journey full of challenges. As a single mother raising three boys, I faced the task of providing for my family and driving is all I depended on. Even with my passion for driving and years of experience, the opportunities seemed scarce, and I would find myself being undervalued.
‘A lady can’t drive’
At the transport company where I worked, many said, “a lady can’t drive,” but I refused to let their insecurities lower my potential.
In 2022, after the Covid lockdown, I received a dream come true opportunity to join Finn Church Aid as a driver. It was a chance to prove myself in a new environment, a chance to support my family and also to challenge those saying that women can never make it doing male jobs. I will never forget the feelings on my first day, driving alongside the male drivers. But with each mile, my confidence grew, and I realized that I belonged here. I knew this was more than just a job—it was a calling.
Dora makes some engine checks before her long drive.
Every kilometre is a sign of my determination
The road ahead had its challenges. As the first female driver in FCA’s history in Uganda, I faced resistance from some road users. Yet, with support from FCA colleagues and my determination to succeed, I refused to let people hold me back. Every kilometre driven was a sign of my determination to break down barriers.
FCA’s trust in me was both humbling and empowering. By entrusting me with their vehicle and placing their faith in my abilities, they not only gave me a job but also proved my worth as a woman in a male-dominated profession. Each journey taken was a sign that gender should never be a barrier to an opportunity.
Over the years, I have faced challenges—from driving on bad roads to confronting male bullies who try to push me off the road. Yet, with each challenge, I came out stronger and more determined to prove that women belong behind the wheel and at the forefront of change.
Driving forward
When I reflect on my journey with Finn Church Aid, I feel so proud. They have provided me with a platform to express my passion while supporting my family. FCA has also empowered me to be a symbol for change in my community.
As I continue to drive forward, I am reminded of the many women who have not yet to reached their full potential. My hope is that my story will inspire other women to dream big, ignore stereotypes, and take on every opportunity that comes their way. Together, we can promote gender equality and create a brighter future for all.’
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Invest in women: accelerate progress.
At FCA gender inclusion and equality are not just ideals, they are realities worth fighting for. We work every day alongside our sister organisation, Women’s Bank towards a world where women have the financial independence and power to make their own choices.
