Spotlighting the YIDA Youth Initiative

After growing up as a refugee in Kyaka II settlement and struggling to access quality education himself, James Gihoma decided to change that reality for others. In 2013, he began teaching children in his community. Today, YIDA serves more than 800 learners through its schools and has reached over 5,000 students to date. The organization also supports refugee youth entrepreneurs and operates YIDA Financial Services – bringing banking and remittance access directly into refugee settlements, reducing costs and expanding financial inclusion for thousands of families.

James’s story is a reminder that refugees are not only recipients of support – they are educators, entrepreneurs, employers, and community builders. When refugee-led organizations are trusted and invested in, they create solutions that are deeply rooted, sustainable, and transformative.