There are over 120,000 refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. Which begs the question – how are they all looked after?
One way? Our community activists.
Community activists are members of the community who keep their eyes and ears open for victims of sexual and gender-based violence, and help those victims get the support they need. “They allow us to reach out to the places we cannot reach,” our colleague Sonia told us.
Our community activists are volunteers – they don’t get paid for the work they do. So today, we wanted to recognize some of our all-star activists who go above and beyond in their work, and do something to make their jobs just a little easier.
These all-stars travel throughout the settlement for their work. But Nakivale is huge – over 32 square miles. And right now, it’s the rainy season, which getting around a little uncomfortable.
We wanted to provide them with a way to reach their destination dry – umbrellas!
Two of the all-stars activists we met – Edward and Claudine – really stood out. “Claudine is new,” said Sonia, “but with just the little time that she’s been here she’s had a great impact. People feel comfortable with her. She’s already referred a number of cases to us.”
“And Edward,” she continued, “when we call him he’s always available, always there to support us. That’s someone we want to recognize.”
We couldn’t reach all the communities in Nakivale without these amazing individuals. And with their new umbrellas, they can reach farther – and stay dryer – than ever before.
