Exploring Uganda's Refugee Settlements: A Journey of Discovery
Last week, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Uganda's refugee settlements and witnessed firsthand the resilience and unceasing hope of those who have been displaced from their homes. From Kampala and Kyaka II to Rwamwanja and Nakivale, each settlement presented unique stories of survival, community, and strength from individuals as well as from refugee-led and community-based organizations.
Connecting with Refugees
Traversing through the settlements, I had the privilege of engaging in heartfelt conversations with refugees, listening to their experiences, dreams, and challenges. Talking about Talent Beyond Boundaries’ (TBB) work and labour mobility opportunities sparked their enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of making information accessible to more displaced people. While I was at the settlements, I shared that TBB provides a wide variety of resources for CVs and job interviews, language learning, and skills building available to everyone who registers for our Talent Catalog.
Within the settlements, I encountered remarkable initiatives led by refugees themselves. Organizations like Let’s Help International and Arise Youth Foundation in Kyaka II refugee settlement, Tomorrow Vijana in Rwamwanja refugee settlement, and Unleashed and Opportunigee in Nakivale refugee settlement are empowering their communities through entrepreneurship, education, and skills training. In Uganda, English is one of the official languages, and many of these organizations provide English language lessons across Uganda’s refugee settlements, amongst the many other projects that they lead to address the challenges refugees face.
Interacting with those at the settlements highlighted the urgent need for increased outreach and information sessions to bridge the gap in awareness about programs like TBB. Through targeted efforts, we can ensure that refugees have the knowledge and resources needed to access opportunities abroad.
Integrating a "train to hire" model is essential to enable organizations serving refugees to prepare people for job opportunities in both local and international markets. Funding and implementing this model guarantees that training programs provide refugees with relevant skills to succeed in diverse job markets. This approach boosts refugees' employability and promotes socio-economic development in host communities. It facilitates collaboration between businesses, governments, and NGOs to develop sustainable solutions for refugee integration and workforce development.
Towards a Brighter Future
As I reflect on my journey through Uganda's refugee settlements, I am inspired by the resilience, creativity, and strength of spirit exhibited by refugees and the organizations supporting them. We must continue to promote and invest in initiatives that empower refugees, foster their integration into host communities, and prepare them for international employment.
I’ve seen firsthand the unique skills, experiences, and ambitions of these individuals. We should strive to foster collaboration, support local initiatives, and advocate for policies that address the needs of displaced populations. If you’re a candidate looking to learn more about our work, follow our Instagram to hear from me live — this week I’ll be taking part in a town hall in Kampala to talk about how TBB can help you rebuild your life using your skills.
Are you a candidate looking to improve your skills? Visit our employment resources page to get started.