Nakivale Refugee Settlement is one of the oldest and largest refugee-hosting settlements in Uganda, accommodating refugees from countries across Africa. Over 60% of the population is young people under 30. Despite Uganda’s progressive refugee policy that allows freedom of movement and access to livelihoods, youth refugees continue to face significant barriers to meaningful employment, skills development, and socio-economic inclusion.

High levels of youth unemployment and underemployment persist due to limited access to vocational training facilities, inadequate market-relevant skills, low levels of digital literacy, and weak linkages between training and real-world work experiences. Poverty, dependency on humanitarian aid, early school dropouts, and psychosocial distress among young refugees further compound these challenges.

AYISD, a community-driven organization operating in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, has consistently engaged youth through livelihoods, protection, peacebuilding, and socio-economic empowerment initiatives. Building on this experience, AYISD proposes the establishment of a Skilling and Experiential Learning Center to provide structured, inclusive, and practical skills, training that prepares youth refugees for employment, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship. This youth center would allow the opportunity for children throughout Nakivale Refugee Camp to build real-world skills, contributing to society and eventually returning to share those skills with others.