Training and support for urban refugees in Kampala

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The development problem that the project aims to alleviate is poverty defined as lack of certain minimal or basic capacities needed for generating human well-being. The overall objective of the project is to alleviate poverty among the urban refugees in Kampala. The poverty is alleviated through increased self-reliance of beneficiaries which is achieved by building the capacities of participants throught training, counselling and supporting refugees income generating activities. The project has human rights based approach enabling participation of different groups of refugees in the planning and implementation of the project. Special emphasis is put on participation of women and minorities. Training and group discussions will include topics on gender equility, human rights and democracy. The improved level of knowledge and skills of the participants will result in increased self-esteem and better capacity to take actively part in the decision making and development activities in their communities. This supports also UNSC Resolution 1325 "Women, Peace and Security" as the knowledge and the skills acquired during refuge will be used also after return contributing towards peace building and reconstruction in the post-conflict areas. The project arranges special counselling and support for the most vulnerable women and girls to improve their well-being and participation in order to reduce the social inequalities. The project is implemented in cooperation with the FRC field staff and refugee associations. Refugee Law Project organises the psycosocial support component. The refugee associations have established the supported learning groups as well as chosen the instructors. The main beneficiaries are the refugees participating in the trainings and other supported activities. Annually 900-1000 refugees - majority of them being women and youth - benefit from the project. 20-30 voluntary instructors, who receive training and mentoring are also main beneficiaries. Other beneficiaries are the members of the supported refugee associations and family members of the learning group members and instructors. The key activities are: 1) support to functional adult literacy and English training through mentoring, instructor training and learning materails 2) business training and support to IGA 3) Youth training and counselling and support to Youth clubs 4) psychosocial support to women and youth and 5) strengthening the refugee associations by training and mentoring.