Developing skills for self-sufficiency & sustainability in rural northern Uganda
CRESS is actively educating and training displaced people, giving them the knowledge and skills to empower them to establish self-sustaining communities.
We do this by creating local groups within the refugee and host community in rural northern Uganda. Our local team deliver training in savings, business skills and financial management and the group sets up their own basic bank so they have access to savings and loans. Many of these Livelihood groups have also received training and tools for climate-smart agriculture as well as preventive community health training. The groups also receive Christian teaching to aid their spiritual health. The team in Uganda monitors and coaches the groups and individuals as they develop the skills they need to thrive.
We also have our Children's Accelerated Trauma Therapy (CATT) programme to support children and raise awareness of PTSD within the communities.
Our Impact
Our Stories
Isaac Kuga has completed his vocational skills training achieving a Certificate in Graphics and Design. He told us,
“Before the training, I had little hope of earning a sustainable income or contributing meaningfully to my community. But through this vocational program, I gained hands-on skills in branding, poster design, photo editing, business cards, digital art, and social media content creation.
Today, I am equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with confidence and creativity. I have already started designing flyers and logos for local businesses within the settlement, earning a small but growing income. My dream is to open a mini-design studio where other youth can also learn and work. I’m thankful to CRESS Africa Foundation and my sponsor for believing in me. You’ve given me a tool that will feed me for a lifetime.”
“My name is Konga Mary, a South Sudanese Refugee in Rhino Camp Refugee settlement, I had a terrible accident which nearly claimed my life, we were travelling from Rhino Camp to Arua… by the grace of God, I am recovering slowly but still cannot walk without support. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the gift of the wheelchair you provided me. Your generosity has had a great impact on my life, and I cannot thank you enough for this incredible gift.The wheelchair has given me a newfound sense of independence and freedom that I had longed for.”
Mary has set up her own shop, selling soap, sugar, local food staff, like small fish, tea leaves, coffee, onions, and more.
“Despite the challenges of running a small business, I never gave up. I understood the importance of building strong relationships, always greeting my customers with a smile and ensuring they got the best value for their money. My dedication paid off as word spread, and more people began visiting my stall.
