Breaking Language Barriers: Empowering Adult Refugees Through English Education in Kyaka II

In the heart of Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking place.

Many refugees in this settlement come from Francophone countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. While Uganda offers safety and opportunity, the reality on the ground is that English is the official language,creating a significant barrier for those who do not speak it. For many educated refugees, this challenge goes beyond communication; it limits access to jobs, services, and meaningful integration into the host community.

Recognizing this urgent need, Hope Away From Home launched an Adult English Education Program aimed at refugees aged 25 and above.

After conducting selection and registration in November last year, classes officially began in January. Now, just three months later, the program is already making a visible impact.

Learners attend classes four days a week,Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday,from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EAT). Through consistent engagement, weekly homework, and interactive sessions, participants are steadily building their confidence and communication skills.

Today, the program proudly reaches an important milestone: students are preparing for their first trio assessment in speaking, writing, and listening. This marks not just academic progress, but a renewed sense of dignity and possibility among learners.

This journey would not have been possible without partnership and solidarity. We extend our sincere gratitude to EMAP Foundation for providing a learning space. As a young, grassroots organization operating in a context of limited funding and a broader humanitarian aid crisis, access to such a facility has been invaluable.

We are also deeply thankful to individuals who continue to guide and strengthen our work through advice and capacity building, including Ann Dechenne and Diana Powell. Your support helps us grow, improve, and stay committed to our mission.

However, this is only the beginning.

We believe that humanitarian work thrives on collective effort. That is why we warmly invite volunteers, supporters, educators, and professionals to visit us, engage with our learners, share experiences, and provide feedback. Your insights can help us refine and expand our impact.

We also call upon donors and partners (https://www.wearecohere.org/ ,Reframe Network staff ) to join us in this mission. The needs remain significant, we require learning materials, especially books, and additional resources to sustain and scale the program.

Most importantly, we encourage you to come and see the impact firsthand. Visit us on the ground, connect with our learners, and help us identify areas where we can grow stronger together.

Because when we break language barriers, we unlock potential, restore dignity, and build bridges between communities.

And together, we are already growing.We believe that if local actors adopt the culture to begin with available resources,we will achieve together milestones that could take years dormant just for the lack of a togetherness spirit.