FCA Uganda Boosts Refugee Education

Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro district, Uganda, is one of the oldest and largest refugee settlements in the country, hosting approximately 180,000 refugees, nearly half of whom are school-going children.

This has placed significant pressure on existing education infrastructure, underscoring the need for continued investment in school facilities and improved learning environments.

In response, Finn Church Aid (FCA) Uganda has commissioned new dormitory blocks at Rubondo Community Secondary School in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, with the aim of increasing access to secondary education, enabling learners to stay in school and supporting completion.

The newly unveiled facility includes two boys’ dormitory blocks with a combined capacity of 112 beds, furnished with 224 mattresses and equipped with a solar lighting system. The facility also features a bathroom block, latrine block and rainwater harvesting tanks.

These facilities were constructed with funding from Université de Sherbrooke (University of Sherbrooke), Canada. FCA Uganda, in partnership with Université de Sherbrooke, has implemented the Kazoza project, a six-month pilot initiative aimed at increasing access to safe and inclusive secondary education for refugee children in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.

The project supported the construction of key school facilities and the installation of a gravity water scheme to improve access to clean and reliable water within the school. Université de Sherbrooke has also provided learning materials and supported teacher professional development, while running an exchange programme that enables its students to engage with learners at Rubondo Community Secondary School.

They have also provided cocurricular support, including sports equipment such as balls and uniforms. The commissioning event, held on March 20, was presided over by Nakivale deputy settlement commandant James Mugume, on behalf of the Office of the Prime Minister. Mugume said the development complements government efforts.

“We are happy for the addition of the new dormitory facilities, which complement government efforts to improve access to education. We thank FCA for building partnerships such as this with Université de Sherbrooke that bring such improvements. We also encourage FCA to continue bringing more developments. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THIS STORY