100 vulnerable refugee women in Kampala, Uganda took the opportunity to gain education, English language skills, literacy, life skills, psychosocial support, and greater self-confidence to pull themselves out of poverty thanks to funding from the Rotary Club of Burnaby and a District Grant from The Rotary Foundation.
Through the Special Education for Vulnerable Refugee Women provided by the Uganda branch of the multi-nation Human Rights Defenders Solidarity Network the female refugees have been able to improve their English language communication skills.
The program has also improved access to education, employment, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities. It has enabled the displaced women to navigate essential services, support their children’s education, advocate for their rights, and participate more fully in community life.
The benefits extend beyond the women themselves to their families and wider refugee communities through increased self-reliance, leadership, and economic stability. The project provided learning materials, professional instruction, mentoring, and emotional support to help participants build brighter futures.
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The Rotary Club of Burnaby contributed CDN$6,500 to the CDN$9,750 project and The Rotary Foundation added CDN $3,250 through a District 5040 Grant.
Rotarians also played an active role in helping identify the need, develop the proposal, obtain quotations, coordinate with the Human Rights Defenders Solidarity Network, monitor implementation, and report progress. A Rotarian in Uganda provided local follow-up by visiting the project, observing activities, communicating with the local team, and offering guidance.
Through this hands-on involvement, Rotary helped connect resources, local expertise, and community commitment so the education program could be delivered effectively.