COVID-19 has impacted everyone in the world. From some, changes like a small shift in plans were the only impact. While others experienced much more difficult circumstances. Today, we will be focusing on a group of young girls who lost their jobs and used the opportunity to reinvite themselves. The group had an idea, “our vision is to see that we are big entrepreneurs and home baking trainers in the community especially for girls out of school.” Our team loved the idea of supporting young women who want to support other women, so we got right to business! The team helped upgrade their equipment so that they can scale their operation and have more reliable results. Today’s idea was able to provide an efficient charcoal oven, a hand mixer, and a kitchen scale. “We are excited with Alight’s CM365 program of ‘doing the doable’ especially thinking that host community also have human needs, come 2021 we hope to close the year with a large-scale bakery”, said Anne one of the … [Read more...] about Sweet Treats

When we were talking to some of the frequent flyers at Nakivale's library, many of them requested activities that would develop a stronger sense of team bonding and collaboration with their peers. We wanted to organize something for them that would not only help with bonding, but to help develop critical thinking and confidence, too. So we set out to create a good old fashioned debate club! We got 20 young people from Oruchinga Refugee Settlement together with 20 young people from Nakivale and posed the question: "Has technology changed our reading habits?" Both sides expressed their views on technology versus reading habits. Some participants said that there is limited access to books in both Nakivale and Oruchinga because the library is only accessed by the people who live nearby. They expressed the need for mini libraries and outreach in even the furthest parts of the camp. At the end of the debate, the participating groups received French-English dictionaries and … [Read more...] about The Great Debate

In Nakivale Refugee Settlement, football (soccer) clubs are increasingly engaged with their communities. They frequently undertake community works activities and help out with sharing useful health or community updates, when needed. But most of the time when these clubs get support, girls' clubs are left out. This can have a huge impact on their performance and activities in the community. To help reverse this trend, we wanted to support a football club with 20 girls, all working to improve their skills and get some exercise together. We got them four new balls, three sets of jerseys, two sets of training aprons, and a ball pump, all helping to bridge the gap between the boys and girls clubs. “After hustling and failure to save money for jerseys, we had totally given up," said Kayiganwa Deborah, the team captain. "We can now confidently win!" … [Read more...] about Go for the Goal

Having computer skills — for anyone, anywhere — is no longer a perk. It's essential to being a part of our 21st century global community and job market. In Uganda, computer studies have been embraced as part of all secondary school curriculum. We wanted to make this education available to refugee students in Nakivale, too. One way to help? Getting computer books for the library. "We have not been able to access computer books from our school," said one student who frequents the library. "Now that this community library has brought them, we are surely going to pass this subject with flying colors!" We stocked the library with 50 more computer books, the latest edition of "Computer Studies for Uganda." These books will help students get a head start on some of these concepts, getting them ready for future opportunities to learn and grow. Julian, a student from a nearby community, chimed in as well. "I've wanted to read computer books but haven't had access. I'm … [Read more...] about “Information is Power”

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health of Uganda and the World Health Organization (WHO) came up with different measures to combat the virus. It soon became clear that face masks were one of the most effective steps in prevention. At the Nakivale Library, community members requested masks to have on hand in case visitors to the library didn't come with any of their own. Luckily, we had been working with community groups in Nakivale to produce these masks, and with the help of 365, we were able to produce even more and create a stock for the library's use only. “I never thought l would get two more masks!” said 13-year old Yolandi Maseke from Burundi, who comes to the library every day. "It has been a struggle during washing intervals. I end up putting them on damp while rushing for my reading sessions at the library." Vendredi Shonga, a 14-year-old Congolese girl who has found a second home at the library, was excited for the extra … [Read more...] about Easy Reading

Music is simply good for the soul. A shared song has the power to lift up spirits and break down barriers. It also brings people together, helping with feelings of loneliness and isolation — two things unfortunately experienced quite often in a refugee camp. The customers at the Nakivale Library told us that they would love some musical instruments to be a part of the tools available at the library. We loved the idea. We searched the area for locally-made musical instruments and found incredible flutes, shakers, long drums, fiddle strings, drums, guitars, and even a shield! It's all about getting more young people involved in reading, drama, and musical activities, keeping their creative minds growing. “We were only focused on modern music using electronic music instruments," said the Chairperson of the writer's club. "Now we are going to include traditional music in our drama production!" … [Read more...] about Feel the Music

Today the Nakivale library is taking on a challenge! The teachers at the Nakivale library are always on the lookout for new ways to engage their students. When children are learning, it’s not uncommon for their minds to stray and for it to be difficult to maintain their attention. In order to fix this, the teachers had a plan. A reading Fiesta and kids’ corner! The kids’ corner will create a brand-new way of experiencing the library. Bright colors and exciting books to fill the children with wonder line the shelves of the kids’ corner, creating an exciting environment to step into and expand their minds! The book fiesta was an energy-filled event! Singing, dancing, storytelling, drama, poetry, games, and reading competitions all were activities to make the children excited about books and reading! There were over 300 children in attendance. “Having these kinds of activities helps to have more children involved and keep them busy, I can see the joy on the faces of these … [Read more...] about Book Fiesta!

Socializing is a fundamental need for child development. At the library in Nakivale, the main activity is always individual reading which doesn’t allow the readers to spend time together and build relationships. The teachers wanted to foster a sense of community for the youths and assist them in creating new friendships with their peers. Putting their heads together the teachers came up with a plan! Board games! Playing board games brings people closer, strengthens relationships, and can help meet new people. It is the perfect way to spend time in good company and strengthen bonds with others. The team purchased educational games for all age groups so that everyone can join in the fun. Ludo, chess, checkers, snakes and ladders, scrabble and, puzzles now line the shelves of the library just waiting to unlock new friendships. “I have always wanted to play snakes and ladders, kept admiring from my neighbor’s next door whenever they play, thank you Library for putting my ideas … [Read more...] about Learn, Grow, and Play Together