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CHILD is partnering with Community First Uganda (CoFi) to support education and skills training for refugees living in Kampala, Uganda. CHILD supplements the salaries of teachers leading CoFi’s education and training classes. CoFi provides literacy classes, vocational training, community services, sports, and social programs for children and adults.
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CHILD comes alongside CoFi to support education and training programs for children and adults living as refugees from Northern Africa. CoFi operates in the inner city of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
Many refugees arrive in Uganda with minimal primary education and little in the way of social support or skills to facilitate their integration and resettlement in the country. Many refugees are separated from their families or are single parents. Often, mothers are left to shoulder the burden of caring for their children while lacking the means to support themselves. |
CoFi’s goal is to empower its community through its programs, helping people become thriving, self-sufficient groups.
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To meet this need, CoFi offers literacy classes, vocational training, community services such as psychosocial support, sports and fitness classes, as well as therapy and other programs for both adults and children.
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With the exception of a very minimal, subsidized one-time registration fee for adults, CoFi does not charge participants school fees to take part in its various learning and training programs. Dedicated teachers lead these classes with a commitment to making a lasting positive impact in vulnerable and marginalized communities. CHILD helps cover some of the costs of running the classes by subsidizing the teachers’ salaries, supporting them as they do this important work. |
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Classes are available for adults who want to improve their skills, find employment, or better facilitate their integration into the host community. There are also classes for children who, for various reasons, are unable to attend formal educational institutions in Uganda. CoFi focuses on teaching English as a second language (ESL), computer and digital skills, and children’s literacy. These training and skills programs open doors for refugees as they begin life in a new country, helping them access public services, education, and health care, while improving their general communication. The various programs range from introductory to comprehensive levels, helping learners gain the skills they need to thrive in their new situation.
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CoFi also offers basic vocational skills training. These livelihood support programs provide participants with practical skills and basic entrepreneurship training to help them generate a sustainable income. Class options include IT, crocheting, handicrafts, henna, cultural skills, tailoring, liquid soap making, and business development skills.
CoFi also provides psychosocial support for trauma healing, as well as sports and social activities that provide safe and enjoyable opportunities for community members. They provide fitness classes for women, sports days for children, and soccer programs for boys and young adults. |
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All of these programs are designed to restore dignity to a refugee community, affirm their personhood as valuable members of society, and help them integrate well into their host community.
Stories of Hope
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Community First Uganda has helped me a lot. They teach English and computers. I came here as a beginner last year, but now I’m getting better. I am grateful for their support. Thank you, Community First Uganda.
- Ayanle 
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I enjoy learning English, programming, and Excel. My favorite part is English and programming. I love writing stories too. Once, I wrote a story and shared it with my teachers. It was a great experience for me.
- Ayan 
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