Refugee Empowerment for Sustainable Development in Africa

EMPOWERING ITAMBABINIGA COMMUNITY THROUGH A STATIONERY BUSINESS WITH FUNDING FROM COHERE Challenge In Itambabiniga, a refugee-hosting community in kyaka ll refugee settlement in Uganda, families and students faced limited access to scholastic materials. Parents often had to walk long distances to purchase books, pens, and exam supplies, and do printing and photocopying of document either from Bukere zone or Sweswe zone raising the cost of buying because of paying transport to have these done in time. This not only strained household incomes but also contributed to irregular school attendance and low academic performance. Youth and women in the community also lacked meaningful employment opportunities. Intervention With funding from Cohere, RESDA established a community-based stationery business in Itambabiniga central cell called REDEX stationeries starting with the months of July 2025. The project: Set up a fully stocked stationery shop within the Itambabiniga zone. Trained youth, especially young women, in basic business management and bookkeeping. Created an accessible, affordable source of scholastic materials for families as transport costs were reduced as service is brought nearer the community. Impact Over 300 families now access available scholastic materials within the community. School attendance has improved as children are better equipped for learning. Three youth and women have gained direct employment and business skills through the REDEX stationery business as one woman is shop attendant, one security guard and this security guard does not only take control of stationery business only but also entire RESDA office, and one shop manager. The business is generating profits that are being reinvested in community development. Testimonial “Before this project, I had to walk one and half (1.5) hours to make photocopies of my refugee documents and buy books for my children. Now I get them here in the community as it saved us from walking long distance or paying Boda Boda of 2000sh to go and buy. It has made us to save time and money.”Afazali Dezange, mother of 6 children, resident of Itambabiniga zone Cohere’s support enabled RESDA to turn a simple idea into a sustainable solution improving education access, creating jobs, and strengthening resilience in Itambabiniga zone in Kyaka ll refugee settlement.