Damli is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo. A mother of two, she’s given her time and energy over the past few days to help us find communities in need of a boost in green, fruit, and life-giving trees. Serge, a former journalist from DRC, fled five years ago when the government seized his laptop and cell phone because of his reporting. He too was happy to hop in the back of our truck and help distribute, interpret, and help communities plant the trees. Pastor Jean Bosco reached out to his community to find those who could most use the fruit-bearing trees, helping us connect with families and hear their stories. All three had incredible ideas for what might impact the Kyaka community in the most powerful ways. And they had one more... Damli, Serge, and Jean Bosco wanted to plant trees in the center of camp, in the community of Sweswe. “The trees help the community in Sweswe in so many ways,” he said. “They help the environment, they attract … [Read more...] about Start from the Center

Faridah and her brother Dani are refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They have a small music studio in their home, producing music that's personal to them...about their experiences as refugees and what life is like in Uganda. Faridah and Dani live in a crowded neighborhood in Kyaka Refugee Settlement - many people living there come from cities in DRC, and tend to prefer living close to their neighbors. But there isn't a lot of green space to go around. As the siblings graciously welcomed us into their home, we talked about how a spark of green might bring a breath of fresh air to their home, but also their neighbors'. We brought trees upon trees to their neighborhood, filling the nooks and crannies with their growing roots. On top of making music, Faridah helps run a local school - so we got trees for the students, too. "These trees will change the school and the well-being of our children," said Faridah. "Thank you for everything." This day of … [Read more...] about A Breath of Fresh Air

Teachers in Nakivale Refugee Settlement are on site for 24 hours a day, sometimes for months at a time. Since they live and work at their schools, it can be tough to make space for themselves. Teachers Douglas, Laubeen, Milly, and Anithens told us that they were looking for something to do. And we can just the thing in mind... Spikeball is coming to Nakivale! Spikeball is a fast-paced, fun-filled game that's similar to volleyball, but takes on a life of its own. After a quick explanation, the game began - and so did the laughter. Spikeball was the perfect way for these teachers to spend time together, take a break, and have some fun. It's amazing how a ball, net, and some good friends can go such a long way in making the teacher's dorms feel a little closer to home. This day of change brought to you by Spikeball. … [Read more...] about A Spike in Joy

There's a moment when people forced to flee their homes are faced with a difficult truth. The life they used to lead is all but over, and a wholly new life is just beginning. What if, in that moment, we could meet them with kindness? With a little something to show them that we're here to help them build that life? In Kyaka Refugee Settlement in Uganda, new refugees arrive everyday. Centers across the camp house families until they receive the things they need to settle in - a plot of land, supplies to build their house. It's these days of waiting that can be the most difficult, when reality sets in. We've heard from people over the past few days how important and life-giving the simple act of planting a tree can be. So why not give the same gift of life to these new arrivals? We gave families mango tree seedlings, helping them set the roots in the earth. As families construct a home and plant new fields of sorghum, maize, beans, and cassava, we thought a mango tree … [Read more...] about Turning Over a New Leaf

Trees are life giving. Both for the fruit, shade, and oxygen they provide, but also for the meaning they add to our lives. For people in Kyaka Refugee Settlement, trees are meeting places, a legacy to be passed on. Tending to a growing tree is a shared responsibility, a symbol of moving on and growing up. "As the trees grow, our children grow," said Mupenzi, a community member in Kyaka. Yesterday we focused on shared spaces throughout the refugee settlement, planting trees at mosques, churches, and schools. But we also wanted to think about families who might benefit from their very own seedlings. With the help of our team in Kyaka, we found some particularly eager families who were excited about the idea of trees benefiting the family not just in the moment, but for generations to come. Hundreds of growing fruit trees are now rooted in place in these family's backyards, ready to be watered. Sifa, a mother and grandmother, was so grateful for the new addition. “When … [Read more...] about “As the trees grow, our children grow.”

Driving down a road in Uganda, you’ll likely pass jackfruit, orange, mango, and papaya trees dotting the countryside, teeming with bounty. Not only do they offer delicious fruit, some of the best around, but they also do so much more - provide shade, prevent erosion, offer a source of income, attract rainfall, and curb malnutrition. But not everybody in Uganda is able to reap these benefits, especially refugees living in the country. So we turned our attention to one refugee settlement in particular - Kyaka - to help remedy the problem. Starting at a school and slowly working our way through the community to churches, mosques, community centers, and households, we gave hundreds of trees! “There’s a great challenge to our resources," said Benson from Uganda's Office of the Prime Minister, which helps run the camp. "The trees will act to supplement the food rations that the residents already get. People have spent a lot of time sustaining off of maize and beans, but these … [Read more...] about Deep Roots, Strong Branches

A kitchen feels best when it's full. Fridge stocked, plates and cups in the cupboard, friends crowded in - because that's where everyone always seems to gather. But teachers in Nakivale weren't feeling that abundance. At the homes where they live together, their kitchens weren't very stocked. People had to take turns eating, cooking, and gathering, detracting from time spent together. There weren't enough pots and pans and other supplies for everyone. Plus their basic food supplies were running low. This is their home. It should be as full and comfortable as the home they left to pursue their life's work. Our mission? To get these kitchens up to speed! We gathered plates, cups, pots, and pans, along with additional food supplies to split between teachers and students - like posho (corn flour), rice, beans, and wheat flour. “The posho and rice and beans are all helpful because they are nutrient rich and energy-giving foods," said Julius, the head teacher. "This will … [Read more...] about Feeling Full