In Oruchinga Refugee Settlement in Uganda, there are a group of students that we've really fallen in love with. Their energy is contagious, smiles vibrant, and resiliency sky high. The kids of the deaf unit at Kajaho Primary School face enormous challenges. Since they can't hear, this puts them at a severe disadvantage to the rest of their peers, who already deal with obstacles to staying in school. But for these kids, there simply aren't a lot of resources to get them the special support they need. Despite all that, their commitment to school is unwavering. The bonds between them strong. But their dormitory? It didn't match their brilliance. The kids of the deaf unit stay in dorms, as most of their families live too far away to commute every day. But the building was a little worse for wear. Our first step? Make it simply more beautiful. We added color - and patterns - to the walls of their dorm. We made it look fresh and new, a little bit of joy to come home to … [Read more...] about Seeing in Color

Our greenhouse project in Nakivale Refugee Settlement has really taken root. It began a few years ago as a passion project for one of our teammates, Wilson, and has now more than doubled in size, providing fruits, vegetables, and invaluable skills to vulnerable women. Now, there's a new head agronomist in town - Iyan. And he has dreams to take the greenhouses to the next level. We wanted to help him get there. And what better way than by helping to lay the foundations for a greater bounty to grow? We purchased seeds for all six greenhouses! Soon tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, and mango will be sprouting up, ready to be harvested. The greenhouse project helps women who are facing particularly difficult circumstances at home find their footing again. With newly learned gardening skills, added nutritional value from the fruits and vegetables grown, and products to sell at the market, these women have a chance at a brighter future. Iyan tells us that because of the … [Read more...] about Taking Root

Abuyi’s story is quite amazing. Originally from Uganda, he was forced to flee the country at 18, heading toward South Sudan. He lived there for the next 28 years, working as a driver for humanitarian organizations. During the conflict in South Sudan a few years back, he was then forced to return back to Uganda, now as a refugee. Abuyi’s story is a difficult one. But his outlook on life is so inspiring. Everyday at his shoe repair stand, he puts out a sign that reads “Mondi Mada," which translates to “Be patient, your time will come.” “When I see this sign, it calms my heart," says Abuyi. "My children lost their mother in South Sudan and so now I am playing the role of a mother and a father. I know that my time will come, I just have to be patient.” Today was his day, because we had a surprise waiting for him! His shop was pretty small, and pretty bare bones. So we brought more sandals, shoes, and the materials to fix them. Abuyi was overcome by the … [Read more...] about Mondi Mada

Feeling and looking put together is not to be underestimated when it comes to boosting your confidence. So today our team had an idea for how to help make two groups in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement feel a little more official. They might not seem like they have much in common, but both our security guards and students could really use some help with their uniforms! “We are the first point of contact when you enter ARC Bidi Bidi," said one of the guards of the settlement. "We are proud to work for ARC and we want to represent ARC well." We got right to work on getting these security uniforms made for our team in town. At the same time, we put in an order for some girls school uniforms. Why? School uniforms can keep children from being able to attend school. Our team had the great to get some new uniforms made for girls, so that they can attend class in style. When both parties received their uniforms not only did they look amazing, they got to experience the joy … [Read more...] about Looking Sharp

In a refugee settlement, there are always houses that could use a little upkeep. And, especially during emergencies, there are new houses to build. Luckily, there's a new crew of carpenters in town - and they're ready for the challenge. Nicholas, the leader of this group, told us that although he's an experienced carpenter, he didn't have any tools. And because of that, he couldn't work. Nicholas’s story was very similar to many of the men in the group. There were no carpentry tools to be found. We headed out on a quest for tools! The journey took us many towns over, but in the end, we finally tracked down a treasure trove of tools. We headed back to see Nicholas and friends with a surprise - tools as far as the eye can see! We were able to provide saws, levels, nails, hammers, sanders, and anything else a carpenter could dream of. Good luck to the carpentry crew of Bidi Bidi - we can’t wait to see what you build! This change made possible by Atomic Data. … [Read more...] about Hammer and Nails

A clean water point impacts everything around it. From the overall user experience to reducing the spread of diseases, its crucial for these water points to be clean. Enter Victor, our water point hero. Victor has been working in Bidi Bidi since it opened two years ago. He helps out at water points and with plumbing around the settlement - and he wanted to step up the hygienic game. Victor's dream? To use liquid soap to clean up water points all over the settlement. “When I clean the water points, I feel good,” he said. We thought this was a fantastic idea. So we stepped in to make his dream come true. With a brand-new supply of liquid soap, Victor was able to get right to work! He is a cleaning master - the first dirty water point didn’t stand a chance. Thank you Victor for looking after the safety of those who use the water points around Bidi Bidi. We couldn't do it without you! This change made possible by Atomic Data. … [Read more...] about Water Point Hero

Today is our last day at the Bidi Bidi maternity clinic, and they had one last very important request. Hand sanitizer. You're probably familiar with how clinics and hospitals you visit always have hand sanitizer available in dispensers on the wall, or before you go into a consult room. Pictured below is what they were previously using for hand washing before entering the clinic. But a small bucket that sometimes had soap to wash your hands wasn't cutting it. They needed something better, and something that could be accessed all around the clinic. So we got refillable hand sanitizer dispensers that can be used anywhere is most convenient. An easy solution to fight infection and keep things squeeky clean! This team knows all the things they need to best serve their patients. They just needed a little help in getting there. Now, the clinic staff is feeling confident - ready to care for every mom and child who walk through their doors. This change made possible by … [Read more...] about Squeeky Clean

Whenever someone has a baby, one of the first go-tos is measuring their height and weight. These measurements are so important. Without them, it can be difficult to track a baby’s health and know their progress. But the maternity clinic at Bidi Bidi wasn't equipped to get the measurements they needed. Bidi Bidi is way up in Northern Uganda, and it can feel pretty isolated. The types of tools the team was looking for can be hard to find. So we set out on a road trip, searching for the things they needed... A few hours and a little worse for wear, we found a scale and measuring stick! We returned triumphant. And the team was thrilled. "We needed this!" they said. There's no reason why new mothers and their babies should feel just as cared for and looked after as any mother, anywhere. These two simple tools will help to lift the clinic to the standards they so want to provide. This change made possible by Atomic Data. … [Read more...] about Measuring Up