4th July-2024-The closure event of the support programme to the refugee settlements and host communities in Northern Uganda was held in Arua city. The occasion marked the conclusion of a successful programme implemented by Enabel, and the announcement of a new initiative aimed at promoting green and decent jobs.

Tom Vanneste, the Country Director of Enabel, shared insights into the programme extension that has been running from December 2022 to November 2023. "The programme set out to skill youth, refugees, and host communities in Northern Uganda. 73% of the trainees are now self-employed," Vanneste said. He highlighted the impact of the project on women, emphasizing their newfound financial independence. "I spoke to one of the female beneficiaries who is proud to be earning her own money," he added. Vanneste also announced a new project by Enabel, which will also be funded by the European Union and will target more youth in the region. "Although we are closing this project, we are also opening a new one that will target more youth in the region," he said. The project will run for four years and will focus on the youth that have already been skilled in the previous project.

The Enabel project manager Charles Okot, expressed optimism about the new project. "With the new WeWork project, more youth will be reached, and we shall hit a higher target," he said.

Richard Sabiti, a catering graduate from the project, shared his success story. After dropping out of school due to financial constraints, he got a second chance through a catering training and was retained by Le tsuba Hotel in Arua after his internship.

The Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Mr Guillaume Chartrain stated, "Today is not the end but a step towards the new project that is coming to the region." He highlighted the European Union's support for refugees and host communities and praised the project as a good example of livelihood programs.

The event featured an exhibition where beneficiaries displayed their products, including soaps, jellies, craft materials, bags and clothes, among others. The EU representative encouraged participants to support the beneficiaries by purchasing their products.

30% of the current refugee population in Uganda are youth, meaning that focusing on the refugee youths is key. The government of Uganda has an open door policy, permitting refugees to settle and work in Uganda.

The deputy Resident City Commissioner of Arua, Charles Ichogor praised the project's success and urged development partners to continue with similar programs. "This project is one of its kind because we have success stories live on the ground," he said.

The new WeWork project aims to support private sector development, create more opportunities for youth, leverage innovation and technology, and foster sustainable business growth. The project is set to benefit the regions of Busoga, Rwenzori/Albertine and West Nile.