Day of the Girl Child 2023: Aderine went from adversity to aspiration
Aderine returned to school after giving birth thanks to the INCLUDE Project supported by European Union Humanitarian Aid
October 11th is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to promoting girls’ rights and opportunities, while recognising the unique challenges girls face.
AT JUST 15 years old, Uwamahirwe Aderine found herself in a challenging situation. Experiencing peer pressure from her social group, she had a relationship with a man that led to a pregnancy.
She had grown up in Rwamwanja refugee settlement in southwestern Uganda, her family and nine siblings having fled the Democratic Republic of Congo to Uganda in 2013 to seek refuge and a better life.
The news was a shock for both her and her parents, who were very disappointed. It was clear that Aderine was far too young to become a mother, and her dreams of education seemed to be over.
Support and a second chance
Through Finn Church Aid Uganda and their “Back to School” campaigns, Aderine was identified as a girl in need of help. The organisation provided crucial support to her through a career guidance assistant, who closely followed her journey and persuaded her back to school.
When Aderine was ready to rejoin the education system, she was enrolled in the Accelerated Education Programme (AEP) supported by European Union humanitarian aid (ECHO) funding. The AEP programme is designed to cater to the unique needs of young mothers and adult students.
The support allowed Aderine to refocus on her life and commitment to education. Despite her young age, she realised the immense importance of education in her life and her future aspirations.
“Because of school, I am more focused on my studies,” she says, confiding in us also her dream to become a teacher herself.
Aderine with her baby at her home in Rwamwanja refugee settlement.
Aderine’s family play a crucial role
Aderine’s parents, particularly her mother, Nzitukuze Perache, were instrumental in her journey. Though initially disappointed, they decided to support her decision to carry the pregnancy to term. Ms Perache, the mother of ten children, values education deeply, as she herself never had the chance to receive it. She, like many mothers, appreciate the importance of education as a means to a better life, not just for her family but for the community at large.
“Education is very important especially for girls. Instead of getting married, they need to finish school so they can have a bright future. I didn’t manage to complete school, but I work hard so my children can go to school and live a better life than me.” Ms Perache tell us.
Aderine and her mother Nzitukuze Perache sit in front of their house in Rwamwanja refugee settlement.
The importance of educating girls
Aderine’s story is a testament to the resilience, strength, and determination of girls worldwide. The International Day of the Girl Child serves as a reminder that every girl deserves the chance to pursue her dreams and contribute to a more equitable and better world. It is a day to acknowledge and address the challenges that girls face, promote gender equality, and support their right to education.
Aderine goes to dig in the garden on weekends when she is away from school.
The right to quality education for all is central to FCA’s work. While attention over the past years has been called to the importance of offering girls more opportunities, much work remains to be done. Climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic further increased the burden on girls and threaten to reverse progress already made. But with adversity comes resourcefulness, creativity, tenacity, and resilience.
Hundreds of millions of girls have shown time and time again that given the skills and the opportunities, they can be the changemakers driving progress in their communities. They need the international community to invest in this potential, not just pay lip service.
Finn Church Aid works to support girls’ access to education through efforts like Uganda’s Accelerated Education Programme, but also much more widely, providing school supplies, dignity kits, awareness campaigns, supporting parents’ livelihoods, and investing in schools, classrooms and teachers.
Vocational training unlocks the potential of refugees
In Uganda’s Rwamwanja refugee settlement, thousands of refugees, including a significant number of youth, face immense challenges. Locked out of many employment opportunities, they struggle to find ways to generate income.
FINN CHURCH AID launched their Business Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) programme in response to the need for change. It’s had a profound impact on the lives of the young people living in the settlement.
Two individuals living in Rwamwanja, located in Kamwenge district, Western Uganda, shared with us how their lives have been positively impacted by the programme. The UN Refugee Agency and the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly support the initiative.
From shattered dreams to creative success
Gaston Chirimwami, a Congolese refugee living in Rwamwanja, had long harbored aspirations to become a musician. His goal was dashed, however, when he was forced to flee his country and seek safety in Uganda. His luck changed when he enrolled in FCA’s Creative Industries programme at their training centre.
There, he discovered his passion for video production and learned skills such as camera operating and photo and video editing. Gaston’s newfound abilities not only boosted his confidence but also provided him with a source of income through photography.
“I believe I can pursue both music and video editing like successful musicians like Tekno,” he told us.
Gaston Chirimwami shooting a video in Rwamwanja refugee settlement. Gaston completed FCA training in camera operation and video and photo editing.
Hairdressing helps support an entire family
Majengo Sadick, a resilient young adult who has the responsibility of caring for his six siblings, stumbled upon FCA’s vocational training program, and found it lifechanging. After completing a hair dressing course at the centre, Sadick started a mobile salon in Rwamwanja refugee settlement (see main picture).
Sadick’s newfound abilities in hairdressing opened doors to lucrative job opportunities while also igniting a passion he never knew he had.
Today, as a professional cosmetician, he owns a salon and supports his siblings’ education. “I’m glad that FCA provided me with skills and a professional certificate without any cost as compared to the expense I would spend in my home country, Congo,’’he says.
Majengo Sadick braiding a client’s hair at her house. Majengo completed an FCA vocational training course in hairdressing and now runs his own salon in Rwamwanja refugee settlement in Uganda.
Vocational training brings transformative change
Beyond these individual success stories, FCA’s vocational training program has made a tangible impact on the Rwamwanja community. The programme’s focus on trades such as tailoring, cosmetics, and agriculture has resulted in the establishment of numerous salons and tailoring firms owned by FCA BTVET graduates.
Parents in the community have witnessed the transformative changes brought about by vocational education. Now youth, who were once passed over, play a crucial role in rebuilding their lives and addressing unemployment challenges. Many graduates have even ventured beyond Kamwenge district, competing for job opportunities in urban centres across the country.
The hope for a better future is being restored, one skill at a time, thanks to FCA’s vocational programme.
Text and Images by Shema Bienvenu: Communications Intern at FCA Uganda
Shema completed secondary school with assistance from FCA and is now studying Journalism and Communication at university. We are honoured that he chose FCA for his internship!
World Refugee Day 2023 – hope away from home in Nakivale, Uganda
Finn Church Aid (FCA) is dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of refugees residing in Uganda’s refugee settlements. Through the Disaster Relief Funds project, FCA has been able to provide crucial support and educational opportunities to new refugee arrivals in Nakivale Refugee settlement.
Empowering Dreams and Impacting Lives
Ishimwe Emmanuel, an ambitious 18-year-old, had to flee his home in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to escalating violence. His father was killed during the conflict and Ishimwe became the primary source of support for his mother and siblings. Despite adversities, Ishimwe never lost sight of his dream to become a prominent politician.
Taking on multiple responsibilities to generate income, he rented a bicycle to transport and sell water, all while striving to return to school. Ishimwe’s determination paid off when he received scholastic support from FCA, including essential supplies like school bags and books. The impact of this support was profound, reigniting Ishimwe’s motivation to pursue his aspirations and create a positive impact on society.
Refugees like Ishimwe Emmanuel have experienced extraordinary transformations amidst the challenging circumstances they face.
Reflecting on his journey, Ishimwe shares, “the day I received the scholastic support from FCA, I felt a renewed sense of motivation to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact on society. Their support has been instrumental in helping me believe in myself and my abilities.”
Rediscovering passion for learning
Pauline Tumushime, a resilient thirteen-year-old, who is also from the Democratic Republic of Congo, fled her home country in search of safety and found refuge in Uganda with her family. With her father absent since her early childhood, Pauline’s mother, Nyiramugisha, took on the responsibility of providing for her children.
However, the transition to Uganda presented numerous challenges, making access to education seem like an unattainable dream. It was through FCA’s Youth Engagement Centre in Rubondo zone that Pauline found a renewed sense of hope. Engaging in career guidance and counseling sessions, Pauline rediscovered her passion for learning and the joy of forming connections with her peers.
Supported by her mother and the FCA programme, Pauline is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor and making a difference in the lives of others.
Pauline Tumushiime (Centre) with her mother and two sisters, at their home in Nakivale refugee settlement.
“With the support from my mother and the FCA program, I am now filled with hope and determination. I am grateful for the opportunities that FCA has provided, and I am excited to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.”
Far-reaching impact
The impact of FCA’s commitment to empowering refugee children and youth through education extends far beyond Ishimwe and Pauline.
The Disaster Funds Project has transformed the lives of 1,460 students within Nakivale Refugee settlement. FCA constructed 2 blocks of classrooms at Rubondo Community Secondary School. By providing essential school supplies, career guidance, and psychosocial support, FCA has significantly increased school enrollment and instilled hope in the hearts of young refugees.
Their stories serve as a testament to the power of education in unlocking potential and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
Pauline receives guidance from her class teacher in her classroom at Rubondo Primary School, Nakivale.
“At FCA we are proud to celebrate the indomitable spirit of young individuals like Ishimwe and Pauline, who have overcome tremendous challenges and are making remarkable strides towards achieving their dreams,” says Wycliffe Nsheka, FCA’s Uganda Country Director.
“Through our ongoing support, we continue to empower dreams and inspire hope among refugee children and youth, fostering a brighter future for themselves and their communities,” he adds.
“Education can have a transformative impact on the lives of refugees. Together, we can make dreams a reality and bring lasting change to the lives of those in need.”
Breaking barriers: FCA Uganda ensures access to education for children with disabilities
Leticia Kanyere is a 14-year-old deaf student. She came to Sweswe Special Needs Education (SNE) Unit after her family heard about their inclusivity scheme. She now stays at the boarding school facilities with her friends, and loves it.
Children with disabilities in refugee settlements are especially vulnerable to stigmatisation, exclusion, isolation, and violence. These barriers limit their abilities to access education, essential services, form relationships with their peers, and foster psychosocial well-being.
“I like the school because it’s easy to make friends. We easily understand each other because we use the same language. In my village, only a few people understand sign language so it’s hard to communicate,” says Leticia, who is doing well in class and wants to become a hairdresser in the future.
Leticia Kanyere is loving her time at Sweswe SNE. Here people know sign language, and communicating is easier. PHOTO: BJÖRN UDD / FCA
In order to provide inclusive education, Finn Church Aid (FCA) constructed a fully-fledged Special Needs Education Unit at Sweswe Primary School in Kyaka II refugee settlement. The unit was a big undertaking and came together thanks to funding from several donors. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland paid for the unit itself. Then, the U.S department of State, Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) supported the construction of a fence around the SNE unit to enhance the safety of the learners. Finally, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) supports operations in the school.
The support provided to the SNE unit enhances closer supervision, opportunities for safeguarding, and the ability to identify and address children’s psychological, social, and medical needs. This fosters an inclusive environment where learners can stay in school and feel supported.
The facility launched in 2022 and supports learners from both Kyaka II and the neighbouring Rwamwanja refugee settlement. It opened its doors to children and adolescents with disabilities from host and refugee communities, bringing enormous relief to both the children and their families.
Alex Dusabe, 16, also enjoys coming to school. “I used to have many challenges back home but when I came to Sweswe SNE, I made friends with the teachers, and they support me,” he says.
Many of the students at Sweswe feel the school has helped them make friends. Alex Dusabe is no exception, and has several friends among his classmates. PHOTO: BJÖRN UDD / FCA
Finn Church Aid trains teachers at the facility in special needs education and management so they can both engage with and take care of the learners.
The inclusive environment at the school makes it possible for learners with special needs to stay in school. The blocks at the facility have been constructed with ramps and rails and are accessible by wheelchair. The classrooms are brightly lit to help the visually impaired. Further improvements are planned to make students’ lives easier.
“The toilet facilities are near the dormitories and far from the dining hall. I would be grateful if we could get a boys’ toilet facility closer to the dining,” says Alex, who has a physical disability.
Alex Dusabe is actively involved in suggesting improvements to his school. PHOTO: BJÖRN UDD / FCA
Living Businge, a sign language teacher at the SNE Unit with 12 years’ experience, encourages adolescents and children with disabilities to go to school and access their right to quality education.
He’s had a long interest in the deaf community and decided to learn sign language so he could better support them as a teacher.
“Inclusive education provides learning opportunities to all individuals and caters to the diversity among learners. Among people with physical, sensory, mental, and intellectual disabilities, exclusion from education is most pronounced. The SNE unit at Sweswe presents a chance to eliminate the obstacles to participation and learning for students with severe disabilities that mainstream education cannot accommodate,” says Filbert Idha, the Education Technical Lead at Finn Church Aid.
The boarding school creates a safe environment for the learners, who do not have to travel long distances to school everyday. Here, learners with a physically disability sleep in the lower bunks. PHOTO: BJÖRN UDD / FCA
According to Uganda’s national Education Response Plan (ERP) for refugees and host communities, only 2% of learners with disabilities are enrolled in school (global average: 10%). Nationally, only 172,864 children with special needs (approximately 2% of total primary level enrollment) were enrolled in primary schools in 2022.
Disabilities among children who are refugees are reported to be mobility, cognition and vision, but most commonly anxiety and trauma related disorders.
Contract farming project delivers life-changing benefits for women farmers in Uganda
Traditionally, women have had a hard time making a living in Mityana, a rural town in central Uganda. Women are usually not allowed to own farming land, and the ones who have land at their disposal have had low and unpredictable crop yields. This is something the contract farming project, backed by Women’s Bank and Finn Church Aid, wanted to address.
CONTRACT FARMING is a system in which farmers enter into an agreement with a buyer under predetermined contractual obligations. The farmers produce for the market, as they are already assured that they will have a buyer, and what price they will get for their produce.
In some cases, the buyer might also support the farmers with agrotechnical knowledge, inputs and other production requirements to be assured of the best quality product.
“Before, I struggled to make ends meet. I would plant my crops and hope for the best. But now, I have a contract that guarantees to buy my maize at a fair price. I have also received training on how to improve my farming practices, and I have seen the results in my yields,” says one of the farmers, Celina Nelima, about her experience with contract farming.
With the money Celina Nelima has earned through contract farming and selling chips, she and her husband are building a new house. Picture: Björn Udd / FCA
“With the profits I make, I set up a fast foods business where I sell fried chips to the community in the evenings. I save enough money weekly, and now I am building my dream house. I am grateful to Finn Church Aid for their support,“ Nelima, 34, adds with a big smile.
Increased bargaining power
Finn Church Aid and Women’s Bank help build the linkages between the women farmers and buyers. One of those buyers is Egg Production Uganda Limited (EPL), which is set up by the Women’s Bank. Women are assisted in organising into groups, creating collective bargaining power, to negotiate fair trade deals with the buyers.
FCA and EPL provide women farmers with training and support in the community, such as business literacy, good agricultural practices, Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) methodology, gender awareness, leadership and short-term specialized livelihood trainings. Training has improved the lives of the women and helped them access seeds, fertilizers, and other things they need to start their businesses.
Bitamisi Nakibirango was able to start a tailoring shop. Now she makes school uniforms for the nearby schools to earn some extra income. PHOTO: Björn Udd / FCA
The results have been remarkable. The farmers have been able to increase their yields and household income significantly, take their children back to school with ease, access finances for investment through VSLAs, access medical services, gain respect in their communities, and be elected to leadership positions.
Women in control
Through this, the lives of the women farmers have transformed. They are no longer at the mercy of middlemen who would buy their crops at a low price or not at all. They now have a steady income and can plan for the future.
Bitamisi Nakibirango, 52 years says, “I used to walk 7 kilometers to go to the market to sell my produce, now EPL collects the produce from the bulking center which is not far from my home. This has allowed me to save time and money.”
The success of the contract farming system in Mityana has also had a ripple effect in the community. Other farmers have seen the benefits and are now interested in joining the program. Finn Church Aid Uganda continues to work with the farmers to expand the program and ensure its sustainability.
In Mityana, over 700 women, from as many households, with an average of 6 household members each, were introduced to contract farming by Finn Church Aid Uganda (FCA). FCA is a non-profit organization that works to promote sustainable livelihoods in rural communities in a program that was initiated on January 3rd 2021.
“Getting an education means I learn to think in a different way” – young refugees are getting access to university studies in Uganda
For many bright young refugees getting access to higher education can be next to impossible. Tuition fees are high and the distance to proper universities long. That is why Finn Church Aid, in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), supports young refugees with full scholarships to be able to go to university and obtain a degree.
“Studying at a university was a desire I always had, but I didn’t know how to get there”, says Anita Magret, a 24-year-old second-year student of Social Work and Social Administration at the Ugandan Christian University, one of the top universities in Uganda.
She is sitting at a fireplace outside a few small huts in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement, where she lives with her aunt while away from university for her internship. Many of the students return home for internships or when they are on leave.
Anita Magret always wanted to study at a university, but never knew how to achieve her dream.
Another Bidi Bidi resident and university student is Luate Richard, 22. He studies Microfinance at Kyambogo University in Kampala.
“Being able to study at a university means a lot. Nobody in my family had studied at a higher level before, so this opportunity means a lot for my family”, he tells us.
Both Luate Richard and Anita Magret escaped South Sudan with their families during clashes in 2016, and have been living in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement since then.
From refugee camp to university
The refugee settlement is one of the largest in the world, home to an estimated 270,000 refugees, over half of them children. Still, the number of learners advancing all the way to university is miniscule due to manifold challenges.
That is why Finn Church Aid, together with UNHCR, are supporting 53 learners with full scholarships. The scholarship makes it possible for students to attend their university of choice.d
“My hostel, my tuition and my upkeep are all covered. My family wouldn’t have any possibility to cover these kinds of expenses, so this is an answer to my prayers”, says Luate Richard.
Luate Richard stands in front of his hut in Bidi Bidi refugee camp. He studies Microfinance at Kyambogo University in Kampala .
“When it was confirmed that I got the scholarship my whole family was so full of joy, everyone was in tears. It was not easy to reach this point, but when I made it, everybody was very happy and excited”, says Anita Magret.
In addition, the scholarship also covered the unexpected expenses that came with COVID-19. The pandemic forced students into remote studies. Since access to the internet can be quite expensive in Uganda, that was covered too.
Bringing their talents back to their communities
Both Luate Richard and Anita Magret chose to do their mandatory internships in the refugee camp. In the future, they hope to be able to work in their communities.
“In microfinancing we try to find active poor, the ones who are willing to start businesses, finance their ventures and give them financial knowledge so that their business will be successful. I would like to do this in my own community”, says Luate Richard.
Anita Magret also intends to use her education to better people’s lives.
Anita wants to use her education to help people back in her community.
“I feel like I needed to go far to be able to come back and help people with what I learned in school. I want to improve the social well-being of my community and others in need.”
She already feels the opportunity of getting out of the refugee camp, going to university and meeting people with diverse backgrounds, has expanded her thinking.
“The change has been huge. I can really notice it now that I am back for my internship. I notice how I can bring everything that I learned into my work”, says Anita Magret, who is interning with the organization Hope Health Action, giving counseling and guidance to people in vulnerable states.
“It really moves me, when I am able to help. It feels like I chose the right field of work.”
Education opens up horizons
Luate Richard also sees education as a tool that opens up new horizons.
“Education is so important. Life is hard in the refugee camp, and it is easy to fall into a mindset where hardship and poverty is normal. Getting an education means I learn to think in a different way. Through that I have the opportunity to change things for myself and for my community”, says Luate Richard.
The young university students also see their studies as a possibility to be role models for their younger peers. Anita Magret thinks it is important that young people in the refugee camp are able to see that it is possible to achieve your dreams.
“I have been giving career talks for girls who are in secondary school. It is great to be able to show that you can access better things if you put your heart and efforts into it. I want to give the younger girls courage and hope, and make them believe in themselves.”
Uganda’s Minister of Education welcomes Finn Church Aid support for education policy review
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet K. Museveni hosted Finn Church Aid Uganda Country Director and the Finn Church Aid Global Advocacy team from Helsinki, who were in Uganda in mid-February. Photo: Finn Church AidUganda
Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet K. Museveni, has welcomed an offer made by Finn Church Aid (FCA) to have Finnish Education Technical Experts support the on-going work of the Education Policy Review Commission in Uganda.
FINN CHURCH AID will second two Finnish education experts; an Education Management Consultant recruited by FinCEED, who will work with the Commission from March up to the end of May 2023 and another Specialist recruited by the Teachers without Borders Network in Finland, who will work from June up to the end of the year.
The First Lady, Mrs. Janet K. Museveni on Thursday (February 23rd, 2023), hosted Finn Church Aid Uganda Country Director and the Finn Church Aid Global Advocacy team from Helsinki, who were in Uganda, to among others, follow up on the proposed actions from the benchmarking visit made by some members of the Education Policy Review Commission to Finland in September last year.
The meeting was at State House Nakasero and it was also attended by representatives from the Education Policy Review Commission led by the Chairperson Hon. Amanya Mushega, and technical officers from the Education and Sports Ministry.
Mrs. Museveni acknowledged that Finland’s education system and success is recognized globally and so, there is much that Uganda can learn from them.
“We are very grateful for your selfless support and your willingness to hold hands with us on this journey to improve our education system”, she said.
She added that learning from Finland’s experience will possibly help the Education Policy Review Commission to be deliberate in its investigations of the several issues in the education and sports sector and enable it generate the best recommendations that will reposition Uganda’s education and sports system to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century.
Mrs. Museveni thanked Finn Church Aid Uganda for organizing the benchmarking visit for the Education Policy Review Commission and for its continued partnership with the Education Sector in the implementation of various sector programmes, especially the Education Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities.
In a brief on the benchmarking visit to Finland, the Education Policy Review Commission Chairperson; Hon. Amanya Mushega, described the trip to have been extremely educative.
He pointed out that the teaching profession is highly revered and that the minimum standard for a basic (primary school) teacher in Finland is a Degree, a Master Degree. In addition, one must have a pedagogical subject.
Among the things they noted in Finland, is the central role of a teacher in the education system and the importance of early childhood care and education, which is compulsory for all children in Finland at the age of 6 years so that by the age they join basic education they are all balanced. They also observed that basic education is very important and is accompanied by learning and lifelong education and that a child can continue with basic education until the age of 14, 16 or even 18 years before breaking off for his specialization.
Finn Church Aid Global Director for Stakeholder Relations, Katri Suomi said Finland became what it is now today because it invested in education. Photo: Finn Church AidUganda
In the Finnish Education system there are no inspectors of schools, no sudden examinations to determine the children’s future, and instead continuous assessment of students’ performance is what is done. Another thing is that children with special needs do not have separate schools but are assisted to study together with other children.
Finn Church Aid Global Director for Stakeholder Relations, Katri Suomi, said education is at the heart of Finn Church Aid, which currently works in 12 countries around the world. She explained that Finland became what it is now today because it invested in education.
While in Uganda, the members of the Global Advocacy team also visited Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District and Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa District. The team also paid courtesy calls to the UN Refugee Agency and European Union Uganda office.
In Uganda, Finn Church Aid is UNHCR’s implementing partner for Education and co-lead for the Education Sector Working group together with the Ministry of Education and Sports and UNHCR coordinating the countrywide Education Response for refugees and host populations.
Back to school in Uganda: excitement and enthusiasm at start of new school year
On Monday, February 6th 2023, hundreds of students walked through the doors of FCA schools in Uganda’s refugee settlements as the first day of classes began for schools across the country. Even more are expected to report to class in the next two weeks.
OUR STUDENTS are from diverse backgrounds and FCA runs several programmes for them to make sure that every child can blossom in an environment catered for their needs.
I am excited to be back to school to play with my friends, start learning and have fun while I am learning,” says Poni Alice, a schoolchild who is flourishing under the Play to Learn programme. FCA runs the LEGO foundation-funded programme in Bidibidi refugee settlement. It provides quality teaching and learning through functional and play-based pedagogy in child-friendly environments.
David missed many years of school. Now, he’s catching up with our Accelerated Education Programme.
Meanwhile, David Mugasa, 17, a level three learner at Nteziryayo Primary School in Rwamwanja refugee settlement is excited about the year’s possibilities. “I’m so ready to attend classes,” he enthuses. “This school term, I will study very hard and be the brightest student in my class. I am looking forward to learning and to receiving scholastic materials from FCA and UNHCR.”
David enrolled on our Accelerated Education Programme (AEP) supported by European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO). He had dropped out of school before he joined the program in 2022, but with the help of our condensed curriculum, he has caught up with several grades of study in only one year.
Secondary education isn’t neglected
We are one of the few development organisations to offer secondary education as well. While many NGOs focus on early years, we believe access to quality education should extend from pre-school all the way through to youth and young adult.
Standing in the school compound, Bernette Niwagaba, the headteacher at Ntenungi Secondary School is excited to start a new school term and has enjoyed watching his students arrive with excitement.
Bernette Niwagaba is the headteacher at Ntenugi Secondary School
“I just have this feeling that it’s going to be such a great term. There have been so many positive changes and the students just seem so enthusiastic and ready to learn,” he says.
Alex Dusabe, a special needs learner at Sweswe Primary School is ready to excel this year. “I’m so happy to see my friends and enjoy staying at the school. I am going to work hard this term and perform well in class and I also want to take part in improving the school sanitation,” he says.
Alex attends school as a boarder, as his disability prevents him from walking long distances.
Alex, who is physically impaired, is glad that he doesn’t have to walk a long distance to school. “I had thought about leaving school because I couldn’t manage walking to and from school daily. I am so happy that I can stay at the school’s boarding section and do not need to travel the long distance.”
In 2021, FCA, with funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Finland, constructed a special needs education unit for learners at Sweswe Primary School in Kyaka II refugee settlement. The unit provides a safe and protected environment for students and has a boarding section where they can live, not only from Kyaka II but also from Rwamwanja refugee settlement, 70 kilometres away.
Sweswe primary school was constructed with a special needs unit, thanks to funding from Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FCA and The LEGO Foundation – Learning through Play
FCA AND THE LEGO FOUNDATION are connecting with out of school children in the world’s second largest refugee settlement through the ‘Play to Learn’ project.
Only 14% of refugees in Uganda’s Bidibidi settlement complete primary education. FCA Uganda is confronting the problem of a high rate of dropouts from school by reaching out to communities with functional and play-based pedagogical activities in safe, protected and inclusive environments.
One of the key tools in the project is the innovative, creative and colourful FCA School Bus. It was supported by The LEGO Foundation funding of $480,000 over 18 months.
Equipped with learning and play material, including locally made toys, the FCA School Bus allows the delivery of attractive and pedagogically organised content.
Motivating children to return to school
The non-formal learning environment also contributes to improved psychosocial well-being and resilience. During the initial project run, 432 children in 6 villages were motivated through play-based learning to return to school.
Video and sound equipment in the bus is power by solar energy and learners have access to tablets programmed with the Can’t Wait to Learn (CWtL) app, developed for Education in Emergencies (EiE) contexts.
Learners can then transfer to our Accelerated Education Programme (AEP) centres where the same techniques and safe, creative playgrounds ensure that newly enrolled learners stay in school and complete their education. With the LEGO Foundation support, FCA has trained 130 teachers and assistants at the centres in functional and play-based pedagogy.
Bashir Mawa, 13, is picked up by the schoolbus each day.
In the bus, there are a wide range of learning materials for all ages, including digital devices.
Play-based lessons are fun and interactive.
Children who complete the programme are then supported to return to mainstream learning.
Janet, 17, came back to class after giving birth to her first child.
Learning through Play
FCA has worked with The LEGO Foundation since 2022, developing innovative and playful ways to integrate pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning.
LEGO’s Playful Learning in Crisis Settings (PLiCS) initiative focuses on protracted refugee settings and seeks to ensure refugee and host community children aged 3-12+ achieve improved holistic skills and learning.
Key Facts
239,096 refugees in Bidibidi refugee settlement.
50% of refugees are between 5–17.
FCA is a Finnish based INGO working in develop- ment cooperation and humanitarian assistance, focusing on the right to education, livelihood and peace.
In Uganda FCA provides access to quality educa- tion, runs vocational training centres and partners with local organisations promoting resilience to violent extremism.
Watch the video below to learn more
Et ole hyväksynyt markkinoinnin evästeitä nähdäksesi videon.
Particularly for girls and young women in Uganda’s refugee settlements, education is one of the key elements to secure better future. Photo: FCA
Education is an assurance of future for refugee girls
Finn Church Aid (FCA) promotes access to quality education, particularly for girls and young women in Uganda’s refugee settlements.
EDUCATION IS A HUMAN RIGHT. It is essential to the acquisition of knowledge. More than that, education makes us more resilient and independent individuals. Finn Church Aid (FCA) promotes access to quality education, particularly for girls and young women in Uganda’s refugee settlements.
Education can have a life-changing consequences for girls especially. Girls like Anthias Poni Oliver. When violence broke out in her homeland, Anthias and her family were among thousands of South Sudanese who escaped to Uganda in search of safety and peace. Anthias lives in Palorinya refugee settlement in Moyo District, Uganda.
However, like so many girls with refugee background, it has been a struggle for Anthias to stay in school. While still in secondary school, she got pregnant and had to drop out of school for a while.
“Anthias’ father refused to take her back to school after finding out she got pregnant and had terminated the pregnancy. He told her to stay home and forget about school,” says Juru Cicilia, Anthias’ mother.
“I was sad because I loved school and knew I would not be able to complete my studies,” says Anthias herself.
South Sudanese Anthias Poni Oliver dreams of becoming a doctor one day to be able to help her community. Photo: Linda Kabuzire
Helping refugee girls stay in school
Education equips girls like Anthias with the skills they need to unlock their potential. Finn Church Aid ensures safe, inclusive schools with quality teaching for everyone with support from the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migrations (PRM). FCA creates safe, environmentally friendly learning environments and school structures.
“With the support of Finn Church Aid, I was enrolled in Idiwa secondary school to complete my studies. My favourite subjects are Christian religious education and mathematics,” Anthias adds.
Making a study plan and managing her schedules, a skill she learned during a career guidance session, made her improve on her studies and catch up on lost time.
FCA creates safe, environmentally friendly learning environments and school structures such as Idiwa secondary school in Palorinya refugee settlement in Moyo District, Uganda. Project was supported by Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migrations (PRM). Photo: Linda Kabuzire
“Before I used to only read my books at school, but now I revise at home especially on weekends. This has really improved my learning.”
“They also give me school materials, soap and menstrual hygiene kits, and during the reproductive health lessons they teach us how to use the menstrual kits.”
Dreaming of future
Education is important to Anthias because it will create employment opportunities for her in the future. She hopes to be a doctor when she finishes school.
“I have seen many people in my area self-medicating and some have ended up dying. I want to become a doctor so I can be able to give them proper treatment,” she says.
Anthias’s inspiration is Winnie Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s wife.
“She was very hard working and never lost hope even when the husband was in prison. I hope to be like her.”
