From a Tree Shade to Global Impact: The Story of AYISD

In the heart of Nakivale Refugee Settlement, a movement was born—not in a boardroom or a high-rise office, but under the shade of a tree, where a young refugee with a vision refused to let circumstances define his future.

The Beginning: A Dream Fueled by Resilience

Benedict’s journey began in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Uganda, where he and his family lived for 14 years after fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Like many refugee children, he faced immense barriers to education. After completing Universal Primary Education, he had no means to continue to secondary school. But Benedict was determined—he knew that education was his only way forward.

During school holidays, he took on physically demanding work—burning charcoal and working as a foreman—to earn money for his school fees. Against all odds, he completed his Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). But he didn’t stop there. He wanted to help others facing the same struggles.

With nothing but passion and determination, he started a nursery school for refugee children in 2013—with just 15 students, under a tree. Two years later, in 2015, Benedict mobilized the community, including parents and youth, to construct two temporary classrooms, giving dozens of children access to education.

Using available resources from UNHCR and other partners, he gathered essential materials such as shifting doors, desks, and teaching resources. His efforts have since transformed the lives of over 5,505 children who have received an education through this initiative.

A New Chapter: From Refugee to Global Changemaker

In a twist of fate, Benedict and his family were resettled in Australia by UNHCR. But even as he pursued his education at La Trobe University, his vision remained unchanged—to expand and strengthen the work he started in the refugee camp.

He knew that young people in the settlements needed more opportunities for education, skills training, and empowerment. That’s when he reached out to Mbilizi Kalombo, a fellow refugee still living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, to share his vision of expanding their services across different camps.

Mbilizi’s Story: From Refugee to Advocate

Kalombo arrived in Nakivale Refugee Settlement at just nine years old, after his family was forced to flee the DRC. Despite the hardships, he excelled academically, earning a rare scholarship to university.

In 2019, Benedict and Kalombo made a bold decision: they would create a refugee-led organization to transform lives.

The Birth of AYISD

On February 15, 2021, their vision became a reality. The organization was officially registered under Isingiro District as KBTN, meaning "Unity is Strength." The name reflected their core belief—no one should struggle alone.

Today, the organization is known as AYISD, with a mission to empower young refugees and create self-sufficient communities. AYISD works to provide:

✅ Quality education for refugee children

✅ Environmental conservation initiatives

✅ Sustainable agriculture & food security programs

✅ Livestock rearing for economic independence

✅ Vocational training for youth employment

✅ Advocacy against family violence & support services

AYISD welcomes all refugees and host communities in Uganda, empowering individuals across nationality, social status, and gender, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Global Recognition & The Future Ahead

Initially fueled by private donations, AYISD’s impact grew quickly. In 2023, it became one of the first refugee-led organizations to win the UNHCR Refugee-Led Innovation Grant. This funding helped launch the Seed Program, supporting youth in sustainable agriculture and livelihood development.

What began as a classroom under a tree has sprout out the community,

Today over 5500 chiildren have received education in the initiative.

Environment

Over 3000 people in the community have been impacted by our work in the environmental sector

Join us. Be part of the story.