Sasa-RDC Initiatives Final Report, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Uganda

SASA-RDC INITIATIVES FINAL REPORT

Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Uganda

SASA-RDCINITIATIVES’FINALREPORT

APPRECIATION

I am deeply grateful to every individual and organization who has played an instrumental role in the fruition of my Initiative Report. Your unwavering support, belief in my dreams, and commitment to thebettermentofourcommunityhavebeeninvaluablebeyondmeasure.

Pathy Foundation Fellowship Team: Your belief in my aspirations and steadfast support have been the cornerstone of my journey. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a communityfarfromhome,guidedbyyourvisionandencouragement

Coady Institute: Your dedication to fostering hands-on approaches to community development and leadership has been transformative. The skillsandknowledgeIhavegainedunderyourguidancehave empoweredmetomakeameaningfuldifference

Government Officials from the OfficeofthePrimeMinisteroftheRepublicof Uganda:Iextend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Commandant Mugenyi David and Ms Kyesigye Boneconsil for your selflessguidanceanddedicationtobridginggapsandaddressingshortageswithinourcommunity

Family, Pathy Fellows Cohort, and Friends: To my siblings, parents, and fellow Pathy Fellowship cohort, your unwavering encouragement and camaraderie have been a source of strength throughout this journey To my dear friends Gisele, Marie, and Alexander, yoursupportandcompanionshiphave meanttheworldtome.

Refugee Wellbeing Councils: Ms Jeannette Nyirahabimana, Ms Mukakimenyi Jovial, Mr Elia Niyonzima, Ms Uwimana Ikundiro, Mr Lufungula Martin, Mr Maki Jérémie, Mr Karimbi MoiseYour tireless efforts and commitment to refugeewellbeingaretrulycommendable.Yourcollaboration hasbeeninstrumentalinshapingthedirectionofmyinquiries

Medical Experts: Dr. Heritier Chelo, Dr. Likilo, Dr. Sulphur, and Dr. Collins - Your expertise, guidance, and unwavering support have been invaluable in navigating complex medical issues and addressingsystemicshortageswithinourmedicalsystems

Resource Persons: Ms Grace Arach and Ms Ashah Mwanga - Your mentorship, guidance, and expertise have been invaluable assets on this journey. Your unwavering support has helped me navigatechallengesanduncertaintieswithclarityandresolve

CommunityResources:MrBonheurMpungwe,Mr.TwinamasikoAlex,Ms.Keiko,MrTimothy,Ms. Mwamini Eduige, Mr Thierry, President Wamara, VicePresidentBahemuka,AuntyFola,Gloria,Jey, Teojen Musafiri, Master Printers Bukere - Your generosity, support, and collaboration have been pivotalincreatingimpactfulinitiativesandprovidingessentialresourcestoourcommunity.

Organizations: Medical Teams International, International Rescue Committee,WomenDevelopment Union, Alight, Village Health Team, Foundation for Women Affected by Conflicts-FOWAC - Your dedication to providing resources, support, and facilities has been instrumental in the success of our initiatives.Yourcommitmenttocommunitydevelopmentandwelfareistrulycommendable.

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Sasa-RDC Initiatives Team: I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rachel Wafolo, the manager, Christelle Mulanga, the activity coordinator, and Bora Bivao andVaniKubaho,thelogisticmanagers, for their unwavering support throughout this communityinitiative Yourdedication,commitment,and tireless efforts have been instrumental in the success of our endeavours Your collaborative spirit, attention to detail, and resourcefulness have greatly contributed to overcoming challenges and achieving our goals. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for being integral parts of our team,drivingpositivechangeandmakingadifferenceinthelivesofothers

To each and every individual and organization mentioned, and to those who may not be named but have contributed in their own meaningful ways, I extend my deepest gratitude It is through our collective efforts and unwavering commitment that we can create lasting change and empower communitiesforabrightertomorrow.

Withheartfeltappreciation

Abbreviationandacronyms

- AI:AppreciativeInquiry

- Sasa-RDC Initiatives: name awarded to the appreciative inquiry research in Kyaka II settlement

- SRHR:SexualReproductiveHealthandRights

- ABCDmodel:Asset-basedCommunity-ledDevelopmentmodel

- OPM:OfficeofthePrimeMinisterofUganda

- VHT:VillageHealthTeam

- Informed of SRHR: Girls informed of sexual reproductive health and rights at home or in schools

- Contraceptive knowledge: Girls who have been informed of contraceptivesatthezonepost, hospitals,athome,atschool,duringsensitisationcampaigns

- Gaveconsent:younggirlswhoconsentedtosexualactivitiesleadingtotheirpregnancies

- Reported rape case: Incidents of rape that were reported to the police, to any responsible organizationwithinthesettlementsuchasRescue,Alight,SavetheChildren

- Open communication: Pregnant girls andyoungmotherswhohadanopenconversationwith theirparents

- Transactional sex: non-marital, non-commercial sexual relationship motivatedbyanimplicit assumptionthatsexwillbeexchangedformaterialsupportorotherbenefits

- Abandoned/broken relationship: Girls who were abandoned by their partners due to their pregnanciesandleftwithoutsupport

- Girls Co-op: Income-generating activities offered to groups of girls per zone to start small business

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OVERVIEW

InitiativeName:Sasa-RDCInitiatives

Initiative Community: Kyaka II Refugee Settlement spans across an area of 81 square kilometres, encompassing three sub-counties within the Kyegegwa district. Our focus revolves around assisting refugeewomeninprovidingsupporttounderagepregnantgirlsandyoungmothersundertheageof18 through income-generating activities To achieve our goals, we foster collaborations with community-based organisations and other entities, pooling resources and expertise to offer guidance andsupporttothoseinneed.

Initiative Description: Sasa-RDC Initiatives originated as a project with the overarching goal of supporting pregnant girls and young mothers, ensuring their empowerment as active contributors to their communities The focus was empowering women in the most vulnerable settings, including settlement and displacement camps Recognising the diverse challenges refugees face, the initiative aimed to comprehend the nuanced dynamics of the settlement, acknowledging that whileallrefugees undergohardship,eachexperiencesituniquelybasedonvaryingperspectivesandawareness.

Context of a social issue: Our primary focus was tackling the discrimination and stigmatization surrounding underage pregnancies, alongside addressing the communication gaps that often lead to these young girls being ostracized by their own families. We aimed to foster community resilience within the refugee settlement, instilling hope and empowerment among pregnant and underage girls This involved initiatives such as promoting their return to education, offering income-generating activities, and providing vital support during emergencies. Additionally, we sought to bridge existing gaps within the refugee system to ensure pregnant girls receive the necessary support and care they deserve, thereby creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for these vulnerable individuals

Objectives of the initiative: Based on our appreciative inquiry findings, we identified four key solutions:

1.IncreasingawarenessaboutSexualReproductiveHealthandRights(SRHR).

2.ImplementingaGirlsCo-opprogramtooffersmallbusinessincome-generatingactivities.

3. Launching Held-Hands Initiatives to provide comprehensive support to girls facing challenging circumstances,enablingthemtocontinuetheireducation.

4. Initiating Youth Initiatives, including dialogues and awareness campaigns, to empower young peopleinthecommunity

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Introduction

Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, situated intheKyegegwadistrict,Uganda,accommodatesover125,000 refugees as of April 2024, predominantly from the North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri Democratic Republic of Congo Growing up in this refugee environment,opportunitieswerescarce,andfulfilling basic needs was often a luxury. School fees paid on time felt like a rare gift, while access tosanitary pads was considered a stroke of luck In households like mine, consisting of seven girls,wereceived stern warnings about the consequences ofpregnancy,withtheloomingthreatofevictionhangingover us Unfortunately, there was little guidance on how to protect ourselves, leaving many vulnerable to the harsh realities of our circumstances. Tragically, some girls in our community resorted to transactional sex to meet their basic needs In contrast, others paid the ultimate price in botched attempts at abortion, despite its illegal status in both Uganda andCongo It'sevidentthatouryounger sisters in the refugee settlement communities deserve better. They deservecomprehensivetrainingon sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), empowering them to protect themselves from exploitative situations like transactional sex and enabling them to achieve autonomy in meeting their basicneeds,thusreducingtheirvulnerabilitytoSTIsandunplannedpregnancies

KYAKAIIRefugeeSettlement,Kyegegwa,Uganda

The Kyaka II refugee settlement spans 81 square miles (Table 4), and is organised into nine zones, further subdivided into 26 villages The zones and their respective villages are as follows: Bwiriza zone with Ndolilere andKyamagabovillages;BukerezonewithAandBvillages;Bulitizonedivided into A and B villages; Kaborogota with A and B villages;KakonizonecomprisingAandBvillages; Itambabiniga divided into Central, Humura, and Ruchinga villages; Sweswe zone with Dam 1, Dam 2, and Kitonzi villages; Mukondo zone subdivided into A, B, C, and Dvillages;andByabakorawith sixvillages

Kyaka II Refugee Settlement accommodates over 125,000 people, with 80% being women and children, and this number continues to rise In our engagement with around 200 underage pregnant girls and young mothers, we discovered that early pregnancies are often linked to poverty, lack of information,absentparents,andculturalbeliefs.

Approach

Throughout our community phase in Kyaka II refugee settlement, we implemented the Asset-Based Community-led Development model and utilized appreciative inquiry to tackle the pressing issue of early pregnancies and the consequent stigmatization within the settlement Recognizing the inherent challenges in engaging girls due to societal norms that typically punish pregnancies out of wedlock, we adopted a holistic approach by involving entire households in devising solutions to support their daughters. Thisinvolvedelicitinginputfromgirlsregardingtheiraspirationsandinterests,contrasting them with the perspectives of their legal guardians, and seeking insights from local authorities to ensureacomprehensiveunderstandingoftheissueathand

The primary objectives of Sasa-RDC Initiatives through appreciative inquiries aim to identify practical solutions, extend support to pregnant girls and young mothers, and promote awareness of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights We employ the ABCD model and appreciative inquiry to confront the pressing issue of early pregnancies and the associated stigmatisation in the Kyaka II refugeesettlement

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Our Appreciative Inquiry followed the 5D model; definition, discovery, dream,designanddestinyto understand the context and situation of early pregnancies in Kyaka II Settlement, along with its impacts

“Definition - Defining the central question or topic of the inquiry, dialogue, or engagement process.

Discovery - Inquire into the best of the past and the present. Choose the positive as the focus of inquiry.

Dream – Use the findings and stories from the Discovery phase to create a compelling, memorable and ambitious picture of the desired future.

Design – Create shared images of a preferred future. Determine what should be.

Destiny or Delivery – Determine what will be. Find innovative ways to create that future.” (Sasa-RDC preliminaryreport)

Employing the 5D steps of appreciative inquiry following the Constructionist Principle, we systematically addressed the problem by defining it, discovering potential solutions, analyzing the community's dreams, designing initiatives to fulfill those dreams, and ultimately bringing these aspirations to fruition through implementation This approach allowed us to harness the collective wisdom and aspirations of the community, empowering them to take ownership of the solutions and drivepositivechangefromwithin

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) played a crucial role in our efforts, particularly in ensuring the effective implementation of income-generating activities for selected girls Through regular biweekly follow-ups, we provided ongoing guidance and support to the girls, fostering open discussions about their daily challenges and triumphs. Moreover, we meticulously assessed the feasibility of remedial measures such as market entry costs and cleaning fees, while simultaneously gaugingthegirls'enthusiasmanddeterminationtopersevereintheirjourneytowardsself-sufficiency

As a team, we remain committed to nurturing resilience and empowerment within the community, leveraging our collective expertise and resources to address complex social issues and foster sustainable change. By fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning, we strive to create a brighter future where every individual, regardless of their circumstances,canthrive andrealizetheirfullpotential

To ensure comprehensive outreach, we meticulously planned sessions across different zones over three months, with all selections made collaboratively. Our awareness sessions were strategically scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays to accommodate communitymembers'availability Our weekly schedule was notably packed: Mondays and Tuesdays were dedicated to Girls Co-op sessions, focusing on SRHR awareness, marketing skills, and market analysis tailored to eachzone's preferences inproductconsumption Wednesdaysweredesignatedasshoppingdays,aligningwiththe two active market days, particularly Bukere market, which servesasourprimarysourceforgoodson Wednesdays and Saturdays. Thursdays were allocated for reporting and preparation of Community andYouthinitiativesheldonSaturdays.

For Girls Co-op sessions, we disseminated the list of selected girls in their respective zones and sought the support of local authorities and the Village Health Team (VHT) to ensure efficient coordination and participation We developed schedules for all team members to follow to ensure a smoothtransitionofallouractivities

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DISCOVERY

“The discovery phase involved extensive questioning on various topics, including pregnancies, support systems, emotional well-being, discrimination, stigmatization, risky abortion practices, health issues, poverty impacts, and communication gaps. We recognized the need to comprehend the nuanced dynamics of the settlement, acknowledging that each individual's experience is unique.” (Sasa-RDCpreliminaryreport)

Table1

Below are the scheduled trips and the number of pregnant girls and their zones of residence, planned visits for our appreciative inquiry from OctobertoNovember2023

KYAKAIITEENAGEPREGNANCY/YOUNGMOTHERS

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VOICILALISTEPROPOSÉEPOURLECALENDRIERDESTRAVAUXSURLETERRAIN

Compiledby:VHTCOORDINATORKYAKA2BONHEURMPUNGWE

Email:bonheurmpungwe@gmailcom

Tel:+256789425529

Table2

Below are the latest findings of our Appreciative Inquiry and cases we considered eligible after 2 months of analysis and deliberations.ThesedataweremadeavailableforthepreliminaryreportsandweremodifiedduringtheDestinyphase EARLYPREGNANCYCASES

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We understood earlier that acknowledging the community diversity was important for our next steps; recognizing that communities, even those nearby and with similar populations, differ in traditionsandperspectivesiscrucialforeffectiveengagementandunderstanding.

EXPERTGUIDANCE

Seeking training and guidance from medical expertsoncontraceptiveshelpedaddressmisconceptions and provide accurate information When we delved into the SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) realm to integrate it within the settlement, Congolese refugees often referenced their knowledge of contraceptives from their experiences in Congo, rejecting those provided by Ugandan healthcare workers at thesettlement SomerefugeesclaimedthatmedicalspecialistsinCongoadvised them that contraceptives cause barrenness, reduce fertility rates among Africans, and are a leading cause of miscarriages. These beliefs led to misconceptions about contraceptives in the community, causingindividualswithlimitedknowledgetomisjudgewomen’sdecisionstoconsiderandusethem.

To address these assumptions, we consulted two Congolese medical specialists: Dr Heritier Chelo, a family physician and emergency doctorbasedinGomawhoworkswithindisplacedpersoncampsand nearby villages in North Kivu, and Dr. Jeremie Likilo, a specialist in contraceptives and gynaecology-obstetrics at the University of Kisangani in Tshopo Province. Additionally, we sought insights from Dr Collins and Dr Sulphur, both family physicians with Medical Teams International (MTI)overseeingoutpostzonesintheKyakaIIrefugeesettlementinUganda

These medical professionals provided valuable guidance, helping us understand the various services and challenges faced by the healthcaresystemoverrecentyears,includingshortages,budgetcuts,and the closure of outpost zones due to underfunding Their expertise was crucial as we tailored our training sessions to accommodate the diverse beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and educational levels of the refugees, ensuring that the entire community could participate in and fully understand our initiatives.

SUCCESSES

Our objectives and outcomes evolved during the destiny phase in response to the girls' feedback. Initially, we operated under the assumption, informed by firsthand experiences, that

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the surge in early pregnancies among young girls in the Kyaka II refugee settlement was primarily driven by their engagement in transactional sex for survival, leading to widespread discrimination and stigmatisation Ourinitiativeaimedtometiculouslyexaminetherootcauses and repercussions ofearlypregnancieswithintherespectivecommunities,withaspecificfocus on devising strategies to support pregnant girls and underage mothers through income-generating activities while simultaneously attending vocational skills training. Our approach centred on a thorough exploration of available resources and community-driven initiatives, with the overarchinggoalofidentifyinganyexistinggapstofacilitatemoretargeted planningandsolutionstailoredtothecommunity'suniqueneeds.

During the planningphase,weencounteredbudgetaryconstraintsthatpromptedareassessment of our proposed interventions. Recognising the financial limitations, we sought to ensure the sustainability and accountability of our initiatives while maximising their impact Consequently, we presented pregnant girls with threealternativepathways:theoptiontoreturn to formal education, pursue vocational training in areas such as tailoring and hairdressing, or engage in income-generating activities Notably, many participants gravitated towards income-generating activities due to their inherent convenience and flexibility, which allowed for greater autonomy and self-reliance compared to traditional educational pathways. While education and vocationaltrainingexpenseswerefullycovered,wedevisedarefundablesystem for income-generating activities, incentivising participants to activelymanageandsustaintheir businesses Furthermore, those who successfully fulfilled their financial obligations and maintained their businesses were eligible for additional bonus packages tofurtherbolstertheir entrepreneurialendeavours.

Table3

Table4

DetailsoftheHeld-handsinitiatives

1. Itambabiniga:1emergencypackage,3youngmotherssupportedforvocationaltraining

2 Bwiriza: 2emergencypackages,2hospitalbillsupport

3. Kaborogota: 1youngmothersentbacktoschool(Grade6)

4 Mukondo:3emergencypackages

5 Kakoni:1emergencypackage,1youngmothersentbacktoschool(Grade4)

6. Bukere: 2emergencypackages,1vocationaltrainingsupport

7 Sweswe:3emergencypackages

8 Byabakora:1emergencypackage

8. MixedGirlsCo-op:2hospitalbillsupport

MAINOUTCOMESOFTHEDESTINYPHASE

Acknowledging this disparity, we customized our efforts to directly cater totherequirementsofthese girls Throughourprograms,wefurnishedthemwiththeessentialtrainingandsupport,affordingthem a renewed opportunity at life, fosteringindependenceandself-sufficiency.Byclosingthispivotalgap, we guaranteed that these young mothers and pregnant girls obtained the necessary resources and opportunities to flourish Addressing these challenges required comprehensive education and open communication about sexual reproductive health, as well as support for girls to make informed decisions about their futures. By fostering a supportive environment and providing necessary resources, we can empower these young mothers to break the cycle of poverty and early pregnancy, helpingthemtoachievetheirfullpotential

ThiswasachievedthroughtheSasa-RDCinitiatives,structuredaroundfourpillars:

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1 RAISE AWARENESS ON SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS (SRHR)

Our primary objective was to tackle taboo topics head-on and instigate discussions on SRHR during all our sessions We aimed to educate both young and older individuals, dedicating ample time to challenge societal norms, engage in debates, and provide clarityonmisconceptionsthatoftenmislead youthwithinoursettlement.

We focusoneducatingaboutSexualReproductiveHealthandRights(SRHR),withaspecialemphasis onfamilyplanning Sofar,we'vetrainedover90teenagepregnantgirlsandyoungmothers

During our awareness sessions with pregnant girls and young mothers, we sit in circles, they are safe and filled with single stories of warriors, survivors and dreamers

Together, we laugh, we cry, we inquire, we decide and act together as a team

28days Pillule and 72hours Levonorgestrel, one of the oral contraceptives used for our SRHR training

2. GIRLS’COOPERATIVES;Income-generatingActivities

Through a meticulous selection process based on responses, vulnerability, and observations, we curated a group of girls to participate in a two-day activity This platform facilitated bonding and collaboration among girls from the same zone. Together, we analysed market trends, identified

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SRHR awareness session

preferred products, and provided necessary items on market days Additionally, we conducted evaluations to assess educational aspirations and childcare responsibilities and encouraged girls to pursueeducationorvocationalskillswhilefosteringacultureofsavingandresilience

We support the economic empowerment of girls by providing them with small business income-generating activities. To date, we've assisted 56 girls in this endeavour. We've established a small network cohort where the girls we support gather weekly to openly discuss their day-to-day challengesandreceiveassistanceinasecureandsupportiveenvironment

Distribution day, following market analysis, we supply requested products sourced from local markets to girls who are interested in starting small businesses. This support enables them to pursue vocational training and attend to their infants before resuming their education.

Soki a 17years old mother received her first startup business

3. HELD-HANDSINITIATIVES

We offer comprehensive support to girls facing challenging circumstances. This includes emergency assistance for girls at 35 weeks of pregnancy, access to education and vocational training opportunities, and financial aid for medical bills Despite potential misinterpretations, our intention remains to serve as an emergency resource. We respond to distress callsfromteenagegirlsinlabour, stressed parents seeking assistance for their daughter's medical needs, or mothers facing financial challenges related to education or healthcare expenses Our support is provided without discrimination,aimingtodiscourageexploitationofthesystemwhileaidingthemostdeprived

A. Emergency intervention:Weprovidedemergencypackagesandcoveredmedicalbillsfor25girls in maternity Additionally, we supported four young mothers with medical treatment bills for themselvesandtheirinfants.Andifeducationisheronlydream,togetherwemakeithappen.

Our emergency packages offer essential provisions to the most vulnerable girls, aiming to restore smiles and instil hope during times of crisis.

Visiting a 15-year-old survivor battling depression and anxiety throughout her entire pregnancy

B. Emergency Line: For some, we are just a team of women who check in on young mothers and underage pregnant girls. To others, wehavebecomethe24-7emergencyhotline.Once,wereceiveda message and then a call around 2 AM about a 15-year-old in labour who lacked a bucket, basin, or towel These simple, basic items can be a blessing and a miracle, meaning the world to a young mother.

C. Housing Stability: We referred two young mothers at risk of homelessness to our authorities,whothenassignedthemtoALIGHTorganizationswithinthesettlement.

D. Educational Support: We facilitated the return of two young mothers to school, one in grade 6 and the other in grade 4 This is a rare opportunity asgovernmentschoolsarefreebut often lack essential supplies suchasuniforms,backpacks,books,andpencilsposingbarriersto somechildrenfrompoorhouseholds.

No girl is less of a girl, no refugee woman is less of a human being, we question intersectionality

Angela 17years old, 2nd left supported to pursue her only dream, persuing her education

E. Vocational Training: We supported four young mothers in their vocational training endeavoursbycoveringadmissionfeesandbabysittingcharges,ensuringtheycouldfullyfocus on their training with the collaboration of the Women Development Union of Peace Winds JapanUganda

On March 8, 2024, we volunteered

F. Collaborative Efforts: WecollaboratedwithNotForgottenGlobalMission(NFGMA)to support “Survivor/Victim Initiatives,” aiding a household of five members with household itemsandincome-generatingactivities

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with the Women Development Union in the Buliti Zone of Kyaka II to celebrate Women’s Day

During our inquiry to support the parents of a 5years old victim of rape in Kaborogota

G Fundraising: We fundraised $500 using Gofundme to support the last “Mix Girls Co-op” to support girls who were either not informed in time about our scheduled activities in their respective zonesorwhoarrivedlateafterourSRHRsession

4. COMMUNITYANDYOUTHINITIATIVES

We engaged and trained community members on the importance of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights(SRHR)andtheimpactsofearlypregnancies

Utilising weekends, we engage parents and teenagers aged 12 and above in discussions on SRHR, creating a safe space for dialogue and exchange. Topics such as the impact of underage pregnancy, community perspectives on contraception, parental absenteeism, consent, and cultural shifts among refugees are explored through peaceful discussions and focus groups By fostering open communication and intergenerational wisdom-sharing, we aim to address pertinent issues affecting ourcommunity'swell-beingandculturaldynamics.

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Sasa-RDC Team distributing requested products during Mix Girls Co-op with pregnant Girls and their parents

Through these multifaceted approaches, we strive to empower adolescent girls, promote informed decision-making, and foster a supportive community environment conducive to their holistic developmentandwell-being

Through dialogues and awareness campaigns, we've reached out to 280 community members which has been instrumental in addressing issues such as underage pregnancies and early marriages, challenging entrenched social norms, and initiating conversations on taboo subjects like menstrual health,genderinequality,andsexuality,whilealsoamplifyingthevoicesofvictimsandsurvivors

Through our Community and Youth initiatives, we question our existence and the impacts of war on refugee communities. Bukere zone

Marginalised voices and diverse opinions were actively considered through community and Youth Initiatives, which provided platforms for parents and teenagers to engage in discussions on taboo topics and entrenched beliefs.Byfacilitatingsessionsthatbroughttogetherteenagersandtheirparents to explore issues related to sexual reproductive health, we created opportunities for dialogue and

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Active and vibrant young people inquired of the impacts of contraceptives, Community session in Bwiriza zone

mutual understanding Teenagers were encouragedtoopenlyexpresstheirconcernsandaskquestions, while parents gained valuable insights into their children's needs and experiences. This inclusive approach not only challenged traditional norms but also fosteredgreaterempathyandcommunication within families, ultimately empowering girls to voice their fears and aspirations to their parents an accomplishmentweregardedasparamount.

Moreover, by embracing diverse opinions and perspectives, we were able to address the complex realities of our community comprehensively. Through meaningful engagement and dialogue, we sought to create a safe and inclusive space where marginalized voices could be heard and respected By valuing the input of all stakeholders, regardless oftheirbackgroundorstatus,weaimedtofostera sense of belonging and empowerment among community members, paving the way for collaborative action and sustainable change This commitment to inclusivity and diversity underscored our dedicationtopromotingsocialjusticeandequitywithintherefugeesettlement

CHALLENGES

Reflecting on the journey of our initiatives, various internal and external circumstances profoundly influenced our outcomes,beginningwiththecommunityphases.Economically,thesuddenrestrictions on meat and dairy products in January posedathreattothelivelihoodsofmanywomenwhoreliedon selling dairy products for income This unforeseen development led to a spike in the price of "Mukene," a staple fish in the market, necessitating the exploration of alternativemarketsbeyondthe settlement The timing of these restrictions coinciding with the scheduled launch of the girls' co-op exacerbated budgetaryconcerns,underscoringtheneedforflexibilityandresourcefulnessinmanaging financialconstraints

Socially, the complex societal dynamics within Kyaka II shaped our initiatives, with divisions along tribal and social class lines resultingindatabiasesacrossdifferentzones Whilesomezonesexhibited higher levels of vulnerability,othersshowcasedrelativelymoreaffluentcommunities,highlightingthe need for tailored approaches to ensure equitable distribution of resources and support For instance, zoneslikeKakoni,Bwiriza,andKaborogotawerecharacterisedbyhigherconcentrationsofvulnerable individuals, contrasting with zones like Bukere, Sweswe and Buliti, which presented distinct socio-economicprofilesforreasonsrequiringfurtherexamination.

Culturally, the instrumentalisation of tribal identities underscored disparities in access to assistance and resources, exacerbating existing inequalities. Moreover, certain cultural practices, such as the punishment of pregnancies out of wedlock with forced marriage or isolation from the settlement, perpetuated human rights abuses and posed significant challenges to our efforts to promote reproductive health and rights. Addressing these deeply ingrained cultural norms necessitated a nuanced approach that prioritised community engagement, dialogue, and education to foster understandingandchangeattitudestowardsharmfulpractices

We encountered several strategic challenges, including difficulty in communication due tothelackof cell towers, which hindered coordination. Manyparticipantswereeitheruninformedorabsent,further complicating efforts. Logistical issues, such as late arrivals and inadequatefacilities,posedadditional hurdles

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1. Latearrivalsandinadequatefacilities

Sasa-RDC team members live within the Bukere zone. Due to our lack of facilities, we collaborated with other organisations to secure meeting spaces. Medical Teams International, ACFODE, International Rescue Team, Women Development Union, Peace Wind Japan, and Youth Centre Sweswe generously offered their facilities free of charge For other meeting spaces, we had to pay upfront weeks or months in advance. Unfortunately, we often had to wait 1-2 hours for security personnel or keyholders to open the doors, creating challenges at the start of our sessions as we managed crying infants, toddlers, and hungry teenage mothers despite multipleremindersandcallsto thepersoninchargeaboutourarrivalandscheduledmeeting

2. Uninformedorabsentparticipants.

We utilized all available resources to sample ourdestinyphase,usingfacilitatorstoinformthegirlsin advance, visiting and calling some parents in advance . However, some girls were not found as they had gone for seasonal farm work in the hosting communities during the planting season Mobilizing the girls was costly, requiring us to reach out to the community and fundraise to ensure they benefit from income-generating activities and have opportunities to start their own businesses. To support girls who were either not informed in time about our scheduled activities in their respective zones or whoarrivedlateafterourSRHRsession,wecreatedthe"MixGirlsCo-op"

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The Sasa-RDC team, along with young mothers and pregnant girls, are waiting at the entrance of the meeting place.

Girls co-op training session

3. Resistancefromparentsandcommunitymembers

Refugees in settlements receive various forms of support and have become accustomed to receiving aid without effort Many parents expect income-generating activities to be distributed freely, without requiring savings, and some prefer these activities be given to their sons or other relatives They believe that the girls arenotworthyofsupportandshouldremainoutcasts,facingtheconsequencesof their situations without assistance. Shockingly, the pregnancies of underage girls are often used as leverage to open cases with different agencies in the settlement, requesting support, protection, and prioritizationoverotherrefugees

4. Unscheduledattendanceandmanipulationbyparticipants

We selected girls based on their responses to different levels of vulnerability. In our sexual reproductive health sessions, all girls and women were welcomed on Mondays andTuesdays.Wedid our best with the girls previously recorded during the appreciative inquiry, but issues arose when unrecorded girls who did not meet the requirements wanted to join the Girls Co-op We realized the needtoclarifyourintentionsinadvancetoavoidmisleadingparticipantsinourSRHRprogram.

Some facilitators unfortunately preferred tosupportthosetheydeemedworthy,apracticeweopposed. Our selection was based on set criteria, and we had to prohibit favouritism This was necessary, especially when some facilitators refused to refer to other vulnerablegirlsbecausewedidnotregister thosewithoutchildren,whowerenotpregnant,andwere19yearsoldorolder

SADREALITIES

Our success was achieved through the conclusion of our appreciative inquiry, which illuminated our assumptions and provided much-needed clarity. Over time, we gained a deeper understanding of the community structure and identified gaps within the system, such as the lack of funding, unemployment, and theabsenceofsecondaryschoolsincertainzones Wediscoveredthatwhilemany organizations target women and promote community resilience, none specifically support pregnant girls.Thisinsightwascrucialinshapingourapproachandinitiatives.

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Mix

1. Budgetcuts

The Kyaka II refugee settlement faces significant underfunding, leading to shortages in essential services. For instance, the healthcare system lacks sufficient medicines, forcing patients to purchase their medications outside the hospital. Additionally, contaminated water due to inadequate treatment facilitiesandtheirdownhilllocationsresultsinwidespreadtyphoidandbacterialinfections,withmany residentsunabletoaffordwatertreatmentexpenses

The shutdowns of the Bukere, Kaborogota, and Byabakora outpost zones due to a lack of necessary medications have led to an overwhelming influx of patients. Medical assistants are outnumbered and exhausted, conducting rapid consultations to ensure every patient is seen before theendoftheirshift

With only 2 to 3 nurses availabletoattendtoover10childbirthspershift,themedicalteamsareoften perceivednegativelybysome,despitetheirbesteffortsundersuchextremeconditions.

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Bukere Health Outpost Zone, after closing its doors in December 2023

Kaborogota Health Outpost zone

2. Unemployment

Furthermore, the settlement suffers from a lack of employment opportunitiesandinvestment Despite the presence of numerous charity organizations, language barriers prevent many refugees from meeting the requirements for office-setting jobs, despitetheireducationalbackgrounds.Withahuman capital of 125,000, of which 80% are women and young people, there is significant potential for manufacturing and agro-business ventures These businesses could thrive by employing the available laborforceataffordablerates,offeringasustainablealternativetoaidthatisoftengivenfreelywithout fosteringself-sufficiency.

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Byabakora Outpost Zone served as our meeting space and provided support to neighbouring refugees who farmed to maintain the vacant land.

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Kyegegwa town

Bujubuli, Kyaka II refugee settlement, Uganda

3. Educationbarriers

The education system in Kyaka II is regulated by the Finn Church Aid (FCA), whichhasfundedand assisted most of the 17 primary schools within the settlement However,thereareonlytwosecondary schools, located in Bujubuli and Bukere This limited access makes it difficult for all graduating primary school students to be admitted into secondaryschool,especiallythosefromdistantzoneslike Kaborogota, Mukondo, Byabakora and those from hosting communities. Distance becomes a significant discouraging factor for young people, particularly, female students whose dreams are cut shortduetodistance

I used to walk 14 milesdailytoschool,andthisremainsaharshrealityformanystudentsinKyakaII, especially girls. Parents often do nottrusttheboardingsystemprovidedbyFCAforgirlswhoachieve better grades, adding anotherlayerofdifficulty FCAoffersscholarshipsonlytostudentswhosucceed with Grade I and Grade II, leaving those who do not meet these criteria to fendforthemselves,often withoutanyviableeducationaloptions.

4. LackofEducationBooks,NoLibrary

Sadly, students with shattered dreams of continuing their education and still fighting internal battles are unwillingtostartvocationaltraining.InKyakaII,theyhavenoplacetoobtainknowledge,asthere is no library, and the Youth Centre in Sweswe has a single bookshelf of books that donotcatertoall age groups They struggle to access essential science, math, and English books, which are crucialfor learning. Some brave students have created a reading club but lack enough copies to study the same topics,sotheymeettoreaddifferentbooks,whichdonotprovidewhattheyneed

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Bujubuli, Kyaka II. Each poster represent a local, national or International organization in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement,Uganda

Some students and former students at the reading club aspire to become doctors, scientists, and engineers but see no connection between their dreams and the vocational training, such as tailoring, hairdressing, carpentry, and media, offered by FCA and other organizations in the settlement They believe thatonlyformaleducation,suchassecondaryschool,canofferthemthisfutureunlesstheyare lucky enough to resettle in a third country soon. However, resettlement is complicated and involves multipleagenciesbeyondtheauthorities'control,leavingthesestudentswithoutaclearpathforward

5. Communitynegativeimpacts

The refugee community has evolved, and children raised in the settlement or camps are increasingly adopting traditionsthatareforbiddenintheirownculture Inthepast,themostseriouswarningachild could receive was the threat of being kicked out of the family household by any aunt or uncle in the absence of their parents. This threat demanded a total behaviourchange,promptingacarefulstudyof family and community dynamics to prepare for emergencies We learned who had authority over our parents and whom they respected and obeyed withinthecommunity Incaseofanemergencyorifwe were kicked out, we would immediately run to these respected individuals, explain the issue, apologize, and beg them to escort us back to our parents. They acted as our advocates, and we acceptedanypunishmenttheydeemednecessary

Nowadays, however, children are more likely to run awayfromconflictsinsteadofconfrontingthem They often leave their parents at the slightest disagreement and turn to friends, boyfriends, or even predators. Some community members offer these children temporary shelter without attempting to reconcile them with their parents Thissituationhascreatedasignificantburdenonthecommunity,as childrengrowupwithoutstrongrolemodelsorclearreferencepoints

6. TheForgottenGirls

While many organisations support women, children, and youth for community resilience, pregnant girls and young mothers often fall through the cracks They are tooyoungtobeincludedinprograms for women and too mature to be placed in regular girls' initiatives Girls in the community bear the brunt of poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and especially theabsenceofsexualreproductive

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Mr Olivier and Mr Jado at the library at Youth Centre Sweswe, the only library

health and rights Parents often assume that their children will learn about their sexuality from peers and teachers, while teachers expect parents to discuss these matters openly, leaving teenagers to rely ontheirage-matesforinformations Additionally,parentsmaymanipulatetheir daughters’situationto theiradvantageleadingtothefailureofauthorities interveninginrealcasesofrapeduetodatabiases

Table5

From our previous findings, 652% of the girls initiallyclaimedtohavebeenvictimsofrapeandover 90% admitted to unplanned pregnancies during our first encounter in the appreciative inquiry phase. However, we realized that many of these claims were exaggerated togainsympathyfromauthorities In the discovery phase, where we spent an hour inquiring one-on-one with our sample, compared to the destiny phase, where we spent two days in circles as a team creating a safe environment and learning with 89 girls, the true picture emerged. We found that 7.86% of pregnancies resulted from rape, over 6966% were due to transactional sex, broken relationships, and ignorance driven by poverty and the lackofopenconversationsbetweenparentsandchildren,and224%involvedmarried girlsaged14-17livingwiththeirpartnersandin-laws.

With the increasing rate of early pregnancies, only 6.74% of the girls opted for contraceptive injections and implants after giving birth Breaking this down further: 337% did so without their partner’s approvalbecausetheirpartnersprohibitedit;224%defiedtheoddsandchosecontraceptives to return to school, determined never to be victims again and to plan when and where to have their children; and 1.12% decided to get contraceptives to avoid having a third child before her 19th birthday,fearingthatherfuturehusbandmightnotacceptherwithtwochildren

To illustrate the challenges these girls face, we created four simulation case stories of Neema, Faida, Sifa and Marie that summarise and explain the situation of pregnant refugee girls in the refugee settlement

CaseI.Transactionalsex:Neema

With no one to turn to for support or advice, 14-year-old Neema, who was cute and attractive, met a biker who provided her shelter and spoiled her with gifts.Promisinghermarriageandabetterlife,he would give her medicines, food, clothing,andbodylotionsaftertheywereintimate WhenNeemafelt uneasy and her 25-year-old boyfriend stopped visiting, she asked her female neighbor for advice and was met with disgust: "Whatdidyouexpectwhenyoukeptsleepingaroundatyourage,aplaneticket or early Christmas? You are pregnant, so start preparing yourself and inform that useless guy who impregnatedyou"

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Neema was very confused and decided to reach out to her lover,andwhenheheardaboutpregnancy, hedeniedbeingresponsible.

Trying to find support, she wanted to earn sympathy of people around her, soshecreatedafalserape story; a terrible one: “I was raped on my way to the well and no one helped me, I decided to head home with pain and some weeks later,I discovered that I was pregnant and had never met the person who did it” She was requested to pay UGX50,000 to get the rape report since she did not report the incidentwhenitoccuredandshehadnoproofexceptherpregnancy

CaseII.Relationshipsandearlymarriage:Faida

“In my community, early marriages are celebrated because a girl's dowry can pay for siblings' education or parents' medical treatment. From a young age, girls are trained to be wives, stayvirgins until marriage, and bring dowry, butwehadtofleefromrebelconflictstoKyakaIIrefugeesettlement in Uganda At 13 years old, I was married off to Mika, a 19-year-old shop-keeper, to reduce home expenses and pay my mother’s hospital bill, but my parents never warned me about thenightlyrapes and beatings, the farm work, and the endless household chores; even after giving birth, Mika took a secondwife,leavingmealonewithmysonat16.”

Trying to find support, she wanted to earn sympathy of people around her, soshecreatedafalserape story; a traumatizingoneandherparentsbackedherup.“Iwasrapedinourhomebythieveswhenmy mother was hospitalized and my dad washercaretaker Iwaitedformydad’sarrivalbecauseIwasin so much pain, unable to sleep Idiscoveredlater thatIwaspregnantandIdon’tknowthepersonwho didit.MyfatherofferedUGX50,000fortheincidentreportandfiledacasewithlocalauthorities.

CaseIII.Ignorance:Sifa

Thirteen-year-old Sifa, living with hergrandmother,sawherperiodandaskedherfriendSaraaboutit Sara explained it was normal and suggested Sifa needed a "fix" to prevent it from disturbing her, setting her up with Ushindi for whatSifathoughtwasasimplesolutionbutturnedouttobesex After several encounters, Sifa missed her period, discovered she was pregnant, and found Ushindi hadfled the refugee settlement, leaving her grandmother to care for her during the pregnancy Her grandmother, who got her period at 16, did not expect her granddaughter to experience this so early, highlighting the lack of communication about sexuality between parents and children, leading to unplannedpregnancies

In an attempt to gain sympathy, she fabricated a harrowing story of being raped at the"RUKOOBA" farm, resulting in a pregnancy, but with no funds to pay the report fees, they eventually gave up on seekingjustice

CaseIV.RapeandAssault:Marie

“My rich neighbor's wife was hospitalized, leaving him to care for their four children alone My mother, feeling sorry for them, asked me to help with house chores and babysitting At 15, I cooked meals, cleaned, and put the children to bed, but that night, the neighborassaultedme.Icouldn'tsleep due to the pain and ranhometotellmymother.Sherushedmetothepolicestationafteraneight-mile walk, but they sent us to the hospital first Despite my swollen face and injuries, the doctor issued a recordbookanddirectedusbacktothepolice”

“The policewoman was initially rude and skeptical, assuming I was lying to gain sympathy and support from organizations fightinggender-basedviolence.Shetookmetoaprivateroom,threatening

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me if I wasted her time with false accusations Seeing my injuries, she softened and apologized but still blamed me and my mother for helping the neighbor. After hours of questioning, we were sent back to the hospital for a check-up and given amoxicillin and panadol The next day, the doctor confirmed my injuries and prescribed PEP, but wehadtoreturntothepolice,wherelanguagebarriers complicatedtheprocessfurther.

We were asked to bring twowitnesses,butourneighborsweretooscaredtospeakagainstthewealthy man who had fled the settlement,andourrefugeesafetyrepresentativerefusedtoprovideastatement, advising us to pay for the services instead The police demanded UGX50,000 to investigate, but my mother couldn't raise the funds, stalling our case, while relatives judgedandshamedme,suggestingI deservedwhathappened”

Seeking support, Marie painfully recountedherrapeatherneighbor’splacemultipletimes,eventually gaining belief and support; a therapist later helped her understand it wasn't her fault and encouraged hertofocusonhealingdespitethecommunity'sstigmaanddiscrimination.

Neema, Faida, Sifa and MariewereinformedandtrainedonSexualreproductivehealthandrightsand importantly:contraceptivesandfamilyplanningandhowtofindawaytosupportthemselves.

These girls bear the brunt of poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and the absence of sexual reproductive health and rights Miscommunication between parents and teachers leaves teenagers to rely on their peers for information, often resulting in misinformation Our inquiryrevealedthatwhile initial claims of rape and unplanned pregnancies were exaggerated to gain sympathy, the true causes included transactional sex, broken relationships, and ignorance due to poverty and lack of open conversations Despite the rising rate of early pregnancies, only a small percentage of girls opted for contraceptives post-birth, often facing prohibitions from partners or societal pressures. Addressing these gaps withtargetedsupportandeducationiscrucialtoempowertheseyoungmothersandprevent futurehardships

7. SystemicDissonance:ADefinitionandItsGlobalImpact

We define systemicdissonanceas the phenomenon where a system's strict guidelines and requirements, designed to facilitate applicants' navigation, are exploited by applicants who learn its patterns and falsify their stories to fit these requirements

This issue is prevalent worldwide Forexample,inCanada,professionalsandeducatedindividualsare often prioritized over regular applicants As a result, many individuals with only high school or elementary education falsify degrees and fabricate extensive work experiences to stand out among thousands of immigration applications. This has led to an increasing number of cab drivers and cleaners with immigrant backgrounds holding PhDs and professorships, who have grown weary of defending their credentials in a system that has become skeptical of educational backgrounds from Africa,Asia,andSouthAmerica.

Growing up as refugees, we often heard negative narratives about the inefficiency of the refugee system However, what was rarely mentioned was the role refugees played in transforming these systems to the point where theynolongertrusttheirstories,whethertrueorfalse Theconstantclaims from applicants pretending to be something they are not have led to a general loss of faith in the system, creatingbarriersforgenuineapplicants.Thoseinrealtroublenowfacelengthyandexhausting processes to prove their need for assistance, as authorities must screen, inquire, and cross-check all narrativestoensurethatthelimitedaidavailablegoestothemostvulnerable

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With this understanding, we turn to the systemic dissonance within refugee communities regarding sexual reproductive health and rights, early pregnancies, and adolescent sexual health. Many pregnancies in these communities are the result of transactional sex, early marriages, and broken relationships However, these situations are often misrepresented as more severe cases of rape, defilement and molestation to attract sympathy and be perceived as victims, thus gaining priority for resettlement or other forms of assistance. The excessive reporting of cases of rape and defilement, safety concerns, and illnesses is often driven more by the desire forresettlementinWesterncountries for abetterfutureandimprovedlivingconditionsthanbyagenuineconcernfortheholisticwell-being oftheirchildren.

SUSTAINABILITY

From our initial encounters, we met several girls who later joined the Girls Co-op These girls transitioned from being unemployed underage mothers, reliant on community mercy, to young business owners capable of supporting themselves and their infants. They also began contributing to their households. To track their progress, we conducted assessments before offering them their businessesandagainaftertwomonthsofthemmanagingtheseventuresindependently

The results weremixedbutpromising Somegirlsexcelledandexpandedtheirbusinesses,showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit and determination. Conversely, others faced challenges and saw their businesses fail within weeks due to various factors such as poor decision-making,childillnesses,bad advice from relatives, and product losses Despite these setbacks, all the girlsrecognizedthevalueof their businesses They acknowledged that the businesses restored their dignity, paid for their infants' medical bills, and helped them achieve dreams like buying roofs for their homes, purchasingpartsof farms,orstartingclothingbusinesses

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Left to right; Chairperson Rachel, Hortense, Vice chairperson Christelle

Girls Co-op members Byabakora zone at Sweswe Youth Centre on Bonus Day

Overall, the Girls Co-op initiative demonstrated significant positive impacts While not all ventures succeeded, the experience empowered the girls, providing them with skills and confidence to pursue their goals It highlighted theimportanceofongoingsupportandeducationtoensurethesustainability oftheireffortsandthecontinuedupliftmentoftheirfamiliesandcommunities

As the Sasa-RDC Initiatives under the Pathy Foundation Fellowship and Coady Institutesponsorship concluded in May 2024, our team established a Community-based Organization named Women-led InitiativesforDevelopmentandResilienceinCommunities(WIDRC)fortheFutureofOurGirls.This organization aims to continue our work in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, focusing on raising awareness about sexual reproductive health and rights,empoweringpregnantgirlsandyoungmothers through education and income-generating activities, providing support for emergency cases, and fostering community and youth initiatives. By leveraging theskillsandlessonsfromourAppreciative Inquiry, WIDRC will collaborate with local and international organisations to enhance community resilience and autonomy among young mothers and women, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. HealthcareSystemChallengesand waterSanitationandsafety

Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of the residents ofKyakaIIbyaddressing thesecriticalshortagesandimprovingtheiraccesstoessentialservices

We urge international organizations, donors, and healthcare agencies to step forward and provide necessary medical supplies and funding to bolster the healthcare infrastructure in Kyaka II Your support can ensure that all residents have access to the medicines they need without the additional financialstrain

Weappealtowatersanitationorganizations,environmentalgroups,andcharitablefoundationstoassist in upgrading and relocating water treatmentfacilities.Providingclean,safedrinkingwaterisessential forpreventingdiseaseandpromotingoverallhealthinthesettlement

Financial contributions are needed to purchase medical supplies and improve water treatment infrastructure In-kind donations of medical supplies, water purification tablets, and other essential items are highly valuable Additionally, we seek volunteers with expertise in healthcare, water sanitation, and infrastructure development to support sustainable solutions. Advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the situation in Kyaka II and to garner increased support from governments and internationalbodiesarealsocrucial

2. Supportforpregnantgirlsandyoungmothers

We can address the unique challenges faced by pregnant girls and young mothers by providing the necessary training, support, and resources to help them achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life for themselves and their children Developing specialized programs tailored to their specific needs is crucial. These programs should include education, vocational training, healthcare, and psychosocial support Additionally, flexible educational opportunities that accommodate their schedulesandresponsibilities,suchaseveningclasses,onlinelearning,andon-site childcarefacilities,willenhancetheiraccesstoeducation.

Furthermore, offering vocational training in various trades and skills canhelpyoungmothersbecome financially independent Providing support for entrepreneurship initiatives will enable them to start their own businesses. Ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare services, including prenatal and postnatal care, as well as mental health support, is essential Establishing safe spaces and support networks where young mothers and pregnant girls can receive support,shareexperiences,andbuilda community will fosterasenseofbelongingandencouragement Raisingawarenessamongcommunity leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders about their specific needs and advocating for their inclusion in broader community development programs and policies is also vital Continuous monitoringandevaluationofthesespecializedprograms,usingfeedbackfromparticipants,willensure they effectively meet the needs of pregnant girls and young mothers, allowing for necessary adjustmentsandimprovements.

3. EmploymentResources

The refugee settlement operates on limited resources, and significant changes could occur if parents took moreresponsibilityfortheirchildreninsteadofrelyingsolelyonthegovernmentandblamingthe

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negative outcomes on the settlement’s lifestyles While we appreciate spontaneity and improvisation during our field trips, we prefer adhering to certain guidelines to better understand the situation and providefairopportunitiestoallselectedgirls

The mindset among refugees of expecting free aid without effort or building resilience needs to change. Refugees should bewillingtotakeaccountabilityfortheirlives.Donationsandcharityshould be reduced unless they address urgent needs such as medicines, vaccines,andcarefortheelderlyand disabled This is because the hosting communities around the settlement also live in vulnerable situationsanddonotbenefitequallyfromaid.

Fundsshouldbeinvestedinfarmingandmanufacturingwithinthesettlementtoreduceunemployment and attract otherbusinessestothearea Thiswouldcreateemploymentopportunitiesforbotheducated and uneducated individuals with valuable life experiences.Resettlementisanopportunityavailableto all refugees, and while many await this process, they can become industrious and live comfortably. Some refugees have lived in settlements for two to three decades and have even become naturalized overtime

Countries like Canada, which offer resettlement andwelcomerefugees,benefitfromthecontributions ofnewcomersandseasonalworkerstotheireconomies,particularlyinfarmingandservices Bytaking similarsteps,refugeescanalsobecomemastersoftheirowndestinies

The Kyaka II refugee settlement possesses a wealth of untapped human capital that, if properly harnessed, can transform the economic landscape of the area By investing in manufacturing and agro-business ventures, providing language and job training,andfosteringpartnerships,wecancreate a thriving, self-sufficient community. We urge investors, businesses, anddevelopmentorganizations to recognize and harness the economic potential within Kyaka II. By investing in manufacturing and agro-businesses, you can create job opportunities that empower refugees to build sustainable livelihoodsandreducedependencyonexternalaid

Investment in businesses, particularly in manufacturing and agro-business ventures within the settlement, can generate numerous job opportunities for refugees Expanding language and job training programs will help refugees meet the requirements for office and other skilled jobs, enhancing their employability. Collaborating with local and international businessescanfacilitatethe integration of refugees into the workforce, stimulating economicgrowth Additionally,promotingthe potential of the Kyaka II refugee community through advocacy and awareness can attract more investors,creatingasupportiveenvironmentforbusinessdevelopment.

These investments will empower refugees in Kyaka II, building resiliencethrougheconomicgrowth, self-sufficiency, and empowerment of women and youth Investing in local businesses will stimulate the settlement’s economy, creating a ripple effect that benefits the broader community. Providing employment opportunities helps refugees achieve financial independence, reducing the need for continuous aid Focusing on job creation for women and young people harnesses the energy and potential of the majority of the population. A shift towards business investment ensures long-term developmentandstabilityforthecommunity,promotingsustainabledevelopment.

4. Needforaffordablesecondaryschools

We can enhance educational access and support for all students in Kyaka II by addressing distance and financial constraints that hinder their aspirations. This approach will empower more young

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people, especially girls, to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to their community To begin, increasing the number of secondary schools in distant zones like Kaborogota, Mukondo, and Byabakora will reduce travel distances and make education more accessible Additionally, implementing reliable and safe transportation services for students living far from existing schools willensurethatdistanceisnotabarrier,particularlyforfemalestudents.Upgradingboardingfacilities provided by FCA and ensuring their safety and qualitythroughregularmonitoring,transparency,and communityinvolvementwilladdressparentalconcernsandimprovelivingconditionsforstudents

Furthermore, expanding scholarship criteria to include students with lower grades who demonstrate potential and commitment will provide more opportunities for education without financial barriers Engaging parents and community leaders in discussionsabouttheimportanceofsecondaryeducation for all children, especially girls, and encouraging community-based initiatives like after-school programs and study groups will foster a supportive educational environment. Developing vocational training and alternative education programs for students who do not qualifyfortraditionalsecondary school scholarships will offer practical skills and training, enhancing employability and self-sufficiency.

5. Booksforabetterfuture

We can provide students in Kyaka II with the resources and opportunities needed to pursue their dreams, ensuring access to comprehensive educational materials and creating pathways to formal education This will help them achieve their academic and professional aspirations, leading to a brighter future for the entirecommunity Toaddresstheseeducationalchallenges,weurgentlycallfor support in several key areas. First, establishing a community library stocked with books, especially those focusing on science, math, and English, along with digital resources ande-books,willenhance the availability of educational materials for all age groups Additionally, supporting the reading club by supplying multiple copies of essential textbooks and reading materials will enable group study sessions, and providing mentoring and tutoring support will assist students with their studies and careeraspirations

Enhancing educational infrastructure is also crucial Funding the expansion of the Youth Centre in Sweswe to include a larger library and more study spaces, equipped with computers and internet access, will facilitate online learning and research Establishing scholarship programs for secondary school students and providing financial aid for educational expenses, such as school fees, uniforms, and study materials, will ensure that they can continuetheirformaleducation.Raisingawarenessand advocating for policies that support the educational needs of refugee children will attract more funding and resources Partnering with international organizations and donors will ensure sustained support for educational initiatives in Kyaka II Additionally, developingprogramsthatbridgethegap between vocational training and students' aspirations will show how skills in areas like carpentry or media can lead to careers in engineering or sciences, with partnerships facilitatingdistantlearningor certificationinprofessionalfields

6. Communitynegativeimpact

We can address the evolving cultural dynamics within refugeesettlementandreducetheincidenceof childrenrunningawayfromconflictsbyreinforcingfamilyandcommunitybonds.Initiatingprograms that strengthen thesebonds,suchasfamilycounseling,conflictresolutionworkshops,andcommunity

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forums led by elders and respected figures, can provide crucial wisdom and guidance These initiatives willhelpcreateasupportiveenvironmentwherefamiliesandcommunitiescanresolvetheir differencesandworktogethertoensurethewell-beingoftheirchildren

Additionally, establishing mentorship programs that connect children and adolescents with positive role models within the community can provide much-needed guidance, support, and a sense of stability Mentors can offer personal attention and encouragement, helping young people navigate their challenges and stay connected to their families and communities Promoting cultural education that emphasizes traditional values and theroleoffamilyandcommunitysupportcanfurtherreinforce these efforts Community events,storytellingsessions,andeducationalprogramsinschoolscaninstill asenseofprideandbelongingamongchildrenandadolescents

Creating safe spaces for conflict resolution is also essential. These spaces will allow children to discuss their issues and conflicts openly without fear of punishment,facilitatedbytrainedcounselors and community leaders who can mediate andhelpresolvedisputes Launchingcommunityawareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of keeping children within the family unit and thedangersofprovidingtemporaryshelterwithoutattemptingreconciliationwillfurthersupportthese initiatives By addressing these cultural dynamics comprehensively, we can foster a more stable and supportiveenvironmentforchildreninrefugeesettlements

In conclusion, addressing the healthcare system challenges and water sanitation issues in Kyaka II refugee settlement requires a multifaceted approach By urging international organizations, donors, and healthcare agencies to step forward with necessary medical supplies and funding,wecanbolster the healthcare infrastructure and ensure residents have access toessentialmedicines.Simultaneously, watersanitationorganizationsandenvironmentalgroupsmustassistinupgradingandrelocatingwater treatment facilities to provide clean, safe drinking water, which is crucialforpreventingdiseasesand promoting overall health in the settlement. Financial contributions, in-kind donations, technical expertise, and advocacy areessentialactionsthatcanmakeasignificantimpactinimprovingthelives ofKyakaIIresidents

For pregnant girls and young mothers, specialized programs must be developed to address their unique challenges This includes providing flexible educational opportunities, vocational training, comprehensive healthcare services, andcreatingsafespacesandsupportnetworks Raisingawareness and advocating for their inclusion in community development programs will ensure they receive the necessary support to achieve independence and improve their quality of life. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of these programs will ensure they effectively meet the needs of pregnant girls and youngmothers

To combat unemployment andencourageself-sufficiencywithintherefugeesettlement,investmentin local businesses and agriculture is vital Training programs and language courses will help refugees meet job requirements and reduce reliance on external aid. By fostering partnerships with local and international businesses, the economic potential within KyakaIIcanbeharnessed,creatingathriving and self-sufficient community Advocacy and awareness efforts should promote the settlement's potential toattractinvestorsandcreateasupportiveenvironmentforbusinessdevelopment,ultimately leadingtoeconomicgrowth,empowerment,andsustainabledevelopment.

DatacollectedforSasa-RDCInitiatives,AppreciativeInquiryinKyakaIIrefugeesettlement,UgandafromOctober2023toMay2024

Email: theiturian@gmailcom, rdcsasa@gmailcom

Improving access to education is critical for the future of Kyaka II residents, particularly for young girls. Establishing more secondary schools, enhancing transportation services, improving boarding facilities, and expanding scholarship criteria will make education more accessible Additionally, vocational training and alternative education programs will provide practical skills and training, enhancing employability. By investing in educational resources, creating pathways to formal education, and supporting initiatives such as community libraries and reading clubs, we can help students in Kyaka II pursue their academic and professional aspirations, leading to a brighter future fortheentirecommunity

Sasa-RDC Women-led Team Kyaka II, Refugee settlement, Uganda

TheIturianOrganization

E-mail:theiturian@gmail.com

Website:wwwtheiturianca WindsorON,N9A1C5

Women-ledInitiativesforDevelopmentandResilienceinCommunities-WIDRC E-mail:widrcorg@gmailcom KyakaIIRefugeeSettlement,KyegegwaDistrict,Uganda

DatacollectedforSasa-RDCInitiatives,AppreciativeInquiryinKyakaIIrefugeesettlement,UgandafromOctober2023toMay2024

Email: theiturian@gmailcom, rdcsasa@gmailcom

Awisemanoncetoldme:

"Ifyouhaveavisionanda mission,startplanning,and provisionwillfollow."

Wehaveavisiontocombat underagepregnancyin refugeesettlementsto strengthencommunity resilience. Pleasejoinusinsupporting thisimportantcause.

KyakaIIRefugeeSettlement,Kyegegwa,Uganda

Danie Mahirane, Pathy Fellow 2023-24