You want to receive insights into the workings of an innovative and growing NGO? You feel you can contribute to the impact of humanitarian programs with your experience and skills? You want to join our team?
We are looking for a volunteer to support our team in fundraising. The position is home-based with flexible work hours, 1 to 3 days (8 to 24 hours) a week.
According to UNHCR and the OPM, the level of food insecurity amongst the refugee population in Uganda is increasingly high. In all settlements across the country food security, the stable and continuous availability of diversified and nutritious food, is limited due to a number of reasons such as extreme poverty, limited knowledge in agricultural production and inadequate livelihood alternatives. The cuts in food rations in the past three years provided by the WFP further exacerbate the economic pressure and risk of malnourishment amongst refugees.
Among all settlement in Uganda, Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement has the highest percentage of acute malnutrition. As 60% of the settlement population are children, they are the ones mostly affected by the lack in food provision which in the long-term can have a drastic impact on child development and general health.
To address the acute issue of food insecurity and malnourishment and to empower refugees economically, GRI developed a block farming program. Currently, we support five farmer groups within the settlement by providing access to land and by giving out seeds and other agro-inputs. Moreover, our livelihoods officer offers trainings on organic farming and climate smart agriculture as well as continuous guidance throughout the year.
Meet some of our farmer group members in our new video series “Exploring the Benefits of Block Farming to our Refugee Groups” and hear how the farming activities with GRI impact their lives:
Every year on June 20th, we commemorate the World Refugee Day. To address existing challenges and to encourage international solidarity for displaced people, UNHCR highlights a different theme every year. This years World Refugee Day focuses on the power of inclusion.
Giving refugees a voice and listening to their concerns is of key importance for a genuine and prosperous inclusion.
Today, Leon David Duku, a South Sudanese refugee staying in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, shares with us what gives him hope away from home:
On the 18th of June 2023, Global Refugee Initiatives participated in the highly anticipated Run 4 Climate event, an initiative organised by our Partners Tree Adoption Uganda (TAU) aimed at raising funds for tree planting and environmental conservation.
One of the highlights of our participation was the involvement of children from our esteemed Environmental Kids Club program. These young environmental enthusiasts showed their dedication and passion for a greener future by participating in the children’s 4km race. Their energy and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, serving as a reminder that the future lies in the hands of our young generation.
“I believe that engaging children in environmental initiatives is crucial for building a sustainable future.”
Peter Tumusiime, GRI staff representative.
Moreover, we are proud to share that GRI staff members and well-wishers also took part in the 10km race. By actively participating, our team demonstrated their personal commitment to environmental sustainability while supporting the overarching goals of the event and aligns perfectly with GRI’s mission to promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and create a more sustainable world.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and everyone who participated, including the children from the Environmental Kids Club, GRI staff members, and all the well-wishers who contributed to the success of the event. Your commitment to the environment and your support are truly commendable.
Let’s continue working together to create a greener, more sustainable future for all. Remember, every small step counts!
“I work as an independent international consultant in the private sector development. As a board member of GRI, I am overseeing the economic empowerment program. I strongly believe in supporting our target group members to become self-sufficient. Through education, peace-building, improving health, generating income and personal development, our “beneficiaries” become partners. Together we build communities and create well-being.”
Frans Wittermans, GRI Board Member
Want to know more about the GRI Board of Directors? Here the full profiles.
Every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts
UN Convention on the rights of the child, Article 31.1
Kids develop essential motor skills through physical games and improve their social competencies as they interact with peers. Likewise, rest is key to recuperate and to have a fresh mind for class.
Our learners at Ubuntu Model Primary School enjoy their breaks everyday. The school compound turns into a place of joyful playing of all kinds of games.
Madol Kuneng from Primary 3 shared with us his favorite games:
“I like playing netball, football and skipping ropes. I play with my friends.”
Madol Kuneng
Curious what breaktime at Ubuntu Model Primary School looks like?
This week, GRI successfully held it’s inception meeting. The team presented GRI’s implemented activities and as well as it’s future plans in front of key stakeholders. Representatives of Kiryandongo District, Local Government, Bweyale Town Council, Refugee Welfare Committees, UNHCR and OPM Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement attended the meeting and expressed their appreciation for GRI’s contribution to the much needed assistance in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement.
GRI thanks all stakeholders for their attention and collaboration.
GRI intends to install a solar-powered irrigation system. It will enable farmers to cultivate throughout the dry season, thereby increasing food security and generating additional income. If this initiative has caught your attention and you wish to support us visit our donation site.
This week we went on a nature walk with the Environmental Kids Club from Bweyale Public Primary School. Together, we discovered our immediate environment, using all our senses. We also observed some environmental threats, such as littering and pollution, soil degradation and the downsides of growing non-indigenous trees, and discussed potential solutions.
Nature walks allow the kids to get in physical touch with the environment and also offer a hands on experience and medium of passing on environmental conservation messages in a fun way, rather than in class lessons.
Global Refugee Initiatives
