From Refugee to Changemaker: Benard’s Inspiring Path

In the heart of Uganda’s Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, a beacon of hope and resilience shines through the endeavors of Benard, a Congolese refugee whose entrepreneurial spirit is transforming his community. Fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benard sought refuge in Uganda, where he faced the daunting challenges of displacement. Yet, with unwavering determination and support from Not For Sale, he has emerged as a catalyst for sustainable development within the settlement.

The Genesis of Transformation: Not For Sale’s Entrepreneurship Challenge

Recognizing the potential within refugee communities, Not For Sale – Uganda, initiated the Entrepreneurship Challenge, aiming to empower individuals like Benard to create self-sustaining ventures. This program focuses on providing business skills training and seed funding to refugees, fostering economic independence and community resilience. Benard’s innovative ideas and leadership qualities distinguished him as a standout participant, leading to his selection as a winner of the challenge.

Sowing Seeds of Change: The Piggery Project

With the seed funding acquired from the Entrepreneurship Challenge, Benard launched a piggery project, starting with five families. This initiative was not merely about livestock rearing; it was a strategic move to establish a sustainable source of income and nutrition for participating families. Over time, the project has expanded, now supporting 17 families, thereby enhancing food security and economic stability within the settlement.

Diversifying Ventures: Catering Services and Community Impact

Building on the success of the piggery project, Benard identified further opportunities to serve his community. He ventured into the catering industry, securing partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Through these collaborations, Benard’s catering services have provided meals and refreshments for various workshops and events, including those focused on child protection and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives. This enterprise has not only generated employment for young mothers, students, and seniors but also reinforced the importance of nutrition and hygiene in community development.

Recent Milestones: Advancing Child Protection and WASH Initiatives

In a testament to the growing recognition of his work, Benard recently secured a new tender from a partner organization focused on critical community education. Working in collaboration with the local Chairperson and Village Health Teams (VHT), the initiative centers around conducting workshops on child protection and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). These sessions are instrumental in promoting good sanitation practices, health habits, and personal hygiene—especially concerning the care and safety of children.

Benard shared the news with the kind of quiet pride that reflects both humility and achievement:

“They gave us the opportunity to supply them with meals and refreshments,” he said. “This week we got a tender from a new partner who are working with Chairperson and VHT from having a workshop on child protection and WASH—mostly how to maintain good sanitation and health habits, including handling children and personal hygiene.”

These workshops took place in Malembo Village, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube District, and mark a meaningful expansion of Benard’s catering venture into essential community services.

The Broader Impact: Education and Youth Mentorship

Beyond his business ventures, Benard is deeply committed to the education and mentorship of the youth in Kyangwali. His vision includes creating scholarships and providing guidance to young individuals, fostering a culture of learning and empowerment. By investing in the younger generation, Benard aims to break the cycle of poverty and dependency, paving the way for a self-reliant and educated community.

A Model for Refugee Empowerment

Benard’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship within refugee settlements. His initiatives align with the broader objectives of Not For Sale – Uganda, which has served over 1,500 children in Kyangwali, providing education, job training, and legal and health services. By focusing on sustainable development and self-reliance, these programs address the root causes of vulnerability, offering long-term solutions to the challenges faced by refugees.

Challenges and Opportunities

Operating within a refugee settlement presents unique challenges, including limited access to financial services and market constraints. However, recent developments, such as the extension of financial services to Kyangwali by institutions like UGAFODE Microfinance Limited, offer promising opportunities for entrepreneurs like Benard. These financial services facilitate access to credit and savings, essential components for business expansion and economic growth.

Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Growth

As Benard’s enterprises continue to grow, the focus remains on sustainability and scalability. Plans to expand the piggery project and catering services are underway, with an emphasis on training more community members and integrating environmentally sustainable practices. The goal is to create a replicable model that can be adopted in other refugee settlements, promoting widespread economic empowerment.

A Testament to Resilience and Innovation

Benard’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience and innovative spirit that thrives within refugee communities. Through the support of Not For Sale and his unwavering dedication, he has transformed personal adversity into communal opportunity. His journey underscores the importance of investing in refugee-led initiatives, demonstrating that with the right support, refugees can become architects of their own futures and catalysts for broader societal change.

References:

• Not For Sale – Meet Bernard From the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement 
• Not For Sale Uganda – Learn about our work and the country 
• Refugees excited over extension of financial services to settlement 
• 2019 Impact Around The World – Not For Sale Campaign