The Devastating Reality of Malnutrition Among Refugees Malnutrition is a silent killer, disproportionately affecting refugee populations worldwide. Conflict, displacement, and poverty converge to create a perfect storm of nutritional insecurity, leaving millions vulnerable to its devastating consequences. Its causes are; Food insecurity and scarcity, Limited access to healthcare and nutrition services, Poor sanitation and hygiene, Conflict and displacement, Lack of nutrition education. GEESI Development and Humanitarian Initiative through educative verbalizes included, refugees at the settlement and host community members. We continued in conducting nutritional assessments with the collaboration of healthcare professionals and volunteers. After the educative talk, we distributed food materials to identified individuals at risk of malnutrition and with specific nutritional deficiencies both in the refugee settlements and also in the host communities. The distribution covered; malnourished children, Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women.

The Mercy Corps Country Director, along with the team, visits ICSS, an implementing partner for the Refine Project. This initiative is focused on connecting refugees and host communities to financial institutions, enhancing their access to finance and promoting economic empowerment.

Success Story of Linda Saima Jackson: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment Linda, a widow and mother of five, faced unimaginable challenges after losing her husband in the 2013 war in South Sudan. Left to care for her children alone, she fled to Kenya in 2016 and sought refuge in the Kalobeyei settlement. Life as a refugee brought with it harsh weather, limited access to water, and no clear path to economic stability. Without any formal skills, Linda struggled to find a way to provide for her family. In 2019, everything changed when Linda crossed paths with the Community Centre for Excellence (CCE). "Thanks to CCE for looking into the lives of vulnerable women like us," she says. CCE provided her with an opportunity to learn dressmaking and tailoring, a life-changing experience that helped her gain new skills and envision a brighter future. Her determination paid off, and CCE not only trained her but also linked her with partners like the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Swisscontact, opening even more doors for her. Today, Linda is not just a successful widow; she is the proud owner of her own tailoring shop and has secured a job to train other women. This newfound stability allowed her to open a hotel, pay her children's school fees, and provide them with a balanced diet. "I am a happy widow," she shares, grateful for the opportunities provided by CCE that have transformed her life. Her message to women is simple but powerful: "Come out of your comfort zone and search for opportunities with organizations that are ready to support and uplift you." Linda's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, skill-building, and the support of organizations like CCE in changing lives.

Exciting Partnership Announcement: CCE and Monarch Business School Switzerland We are thrilled to announce an incredible partnership between the Community Centre for Excellence (CCE) and Monarch Business School Switzerland to offer higher education opportunities to refugee youth with high school diplomas! This groundbreaking collaboration is aimed at empowering young refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps by providing them with access to quality business education. Through this initiative, high school graduates will now have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies, gain valuable skills, and open new doors to their futures. At CCE, we believe that education is a powerful tool for transformation. With Monarch Business School’s support, we are equipping refugee youth and locals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a global economy. This partnership aligns with our shared values of resilience, lifelong learning, and hope for a brighter future. We are excited to witness the impact this program will have on the lives of these young leaders and the wider community. Together, we are shaping the future, one student at a time! Stay tuned for more updates as we begin this incredible journey!

Building capacity for partners on the Feedback, Response, and Resolution Mechanism (FRRM), led by UNHCR, to ensure effective and timely support for community concerns. Together, we are enhancing accountability and strengthening the feedback process to foster trust and improve service delivery in the settlement.

We are happy with the participation of the community in all we bring to change our community to improve and grow for self reliance in brain development in children learning among children with disability through play matter approach.

Big impact from small farms!???? Our women-led SHG is thriving, growing sorghum through our Livelihood Program, strengthening community resilience. ???????? Such powerful initiatives are paving the way for self-reliance and tackling the pressing food shortages here in the Nuba Mountains. And we look forward to building a stronger, more empowered future!

Today, IAOD hosted a meaningful community meeting to discuss the importance of educating children in the refugee camp with a special focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We highlighted how SEL is crucial for children's overall development, as it equips them with skills to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, make responsible decisions, and cope with the challenges they face in refugee settings. At IAOD, we prioritize SEL because we believe that education goes beyond academics. By fostering emotional resilience and social awareness, we are helping children navigate trauma, adapt to new environments, and thrive both personally and academically. Our commitment to SEL is key to building a supportive community that nurtures the holistic growth of every child. #SELMatters #IAOD #EducationForAll #RefugeeEducation #EmpoweringChildren

Today, IAOD hosted a powerful community meeting, focusing on the importance of educating every child within the refugee camp. We emphasized that education is not just a right, but a foundation for building a brighter future for our children. In these challenging environments, ensuring that every child has access to quality education is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty, empowering the next generation, and creating positive change in our community. Together, we can uplift and inspire our children to reach their full potential. #EducationForAll #IAOD #RefugeeEducation #BetterFuture

Every success story reminds us of the importance of our work and the lives we touch. Together, we continue to build a brighter future! Jackline.