“At first our primary focus was to improve education outcomes,” says Joseph Munyambanza. “But when you are not empowering families to have an increased income, it’s hard for the community to sustain CIYOTA.”

A few days away from the Christmas holiday, young women from COBURWAS School gather for class.

Students from COBURWAS School during a school assembly.

COBURWAS School students have an opportunity to learn music as part of their studies. Several of the school’s students are part of a brass band, which performs at important functions in Kyangwali. The band earns a bit of money for COBURWAS School.

One of the COBURWAS School musicians, Musa loves to play the trumpet, the stick and the big drum.

One of the COBURWAS School musicians, Safari arrived at Kyangwali alone with his father. He loves math and science.

The women of the Tuugane Microcredit Group do everything as a group. They farm, learn and raise their children together, relying on each other through any challenge they might face. The Tuugane Microcredit Group is led by CIYOTA in collaboration with People Weaver.

A woman from the Tuugane Microcredit Group learns to read alongside her peers.

The women of the Tuugane Microfinance Group at work in the fields, weeding one of the maize and beans farms.

Delphine, right, and Angelique, left, take a moment to speak with visitors to the anti-violence tailoring shop led by Tamari.

Scholar Favourite Regina in conversation with Delphine (left) and Angelique, right.

Samuel Munezero, right, is a member of CIYOTA. Along with other youth from Kyangwali, he is studying computers at the Windle Trust Centre in the settlement.

Scholar Favourite Regina, right, takes a moment to admire the art by New Roots, an artists studio at Kyangwali. Justin, left, is one of the artists leading the cooperative.

Scholar Prisca Bwiza worked as a media and communications intern. She is a graduate of African Leadership Academy (ALA) and returned to CIYOTA to give back before starting her university studies at United States International University Africa as part of the Scholars Program at ALA.

“If you are a refugee, you can still do great things,” says Scholar Favourite Regina. As a girl, Scholar Favourite Regina dreamed of teaching at COBURWAS School. Today, she is a leader in her community, engaging them in numerous income-generating activities.

“I wanted to be the example to the young kids who are growing up and have not seen anyone go to university,” says Favourite Regina. Favourite Regina chats with COBURWAS School students.

Scholar Claude Dusabe speak to media during a tour of CIYOTA projects at Kyangwali. Claude, who is Human Resources Director at CIYOTA, is a graduate of United States International University in the Scholars Program at African Leadership Academy.

Joseph’s mother, Beatrice standing in the doorway of Joseph’s childhood home. She has lived in Kyangwali for the last 22 years.