Refugee youth are often sidelined in decision-making processes that directly affect their futures. Many live without access to dignified work opportunities, relying on informal labor or aid dependency to survive.
Children in Kiziba Refugee Camp, Rwanda © RYCM
Refugee youth possess immense potential—but without access to leadership pathways or sustainable livelihoods, that potential too often remains untapped.
At Refugee Youth Changemakers (RYCM), we believe young people displaced by conflict should not just be beneficiaries of aid, but builders of their own futures. When youth are trusted with responsibility, trained with skills, and supported with opportunity, they become powerful changemakers—not only in their own lives, but in their communities and beyond.
However, many refugee youth across East Africa face systemic exclusion from decision-making spaces and struggle to find safe, dignified employment. RYCM works to change that. Through mentorship, leadership development, and livelihood training, we empower youth to take control of their futures, champion local solutions, and break cycles of poverty and disempowerment.
Refugee youth are often sidelined in decision-making processes that directly affect their futures. Many live without access to dignified work opportunities, relying on informal labor or aid dependency to survive. Youth unemployment rates in refugee communities in Uganda and Rwanda are estimated to exceed 60% (UNDP, 2023).
The lack of opportunity fuels cycles of poverty, disillusionment, and even recruitment into exploitative systems. Moreover, leadership development among refugee youth is often overlooked, despite their proximity to the issues and their drive to be change agents.
RYCM organizes dynamic, hands-on bootcamps where refugee youth develop skills in public speaking, community organizing, digital advocacy, and policy engagement. These sessions are designed to foster confidence and build networks for youth-led solutions.
Graduates of our leadership programs design and implement local impact projects — from hygiene campaigns to girls’ empowerment clubs — with seed funding and mentorship from RYCM. Each project responds to local needs while developing practical leadership experience.
We provide short-term vocational training in trades such as tailoring, phone repair, agriculture, and solar installation. In partnership with local businesses, we support job placements, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship coaching. Priority is given to youth-headed households, single mothers, and persons with disabilities.
RYCM supports refugee youth in launching income-generating ventures through ideation labs, grant competitions, and continuous mentorship. Past initiatives have included eco-friendly soap-making, digital freelancing hubs, and permaculture gardens.
Your support can empower refugee youth with education, skills, and opportunities to lead change in their communities.
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