FCA launches PATH Project to equip youth with digital skills in Uganda and Kenya

A man signs a board
FCA Uganda Country Director, Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka, officially inaugurating the PATH project with his signature.

Finn Church Aid launched the PATH project, a three-year pilot initiative aimed at equipping refugee and host community youth with digital skills in Uganda and Kenya. Funded by the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), the project focuses on fostering innovative livelihoods and economic empowerment in the creative industries sector.

The PATH project is aimed at strengthening the self-reliance of refugee and host community youth by equipping them with competitive, in-demand skills and facilitating safe access to decent jobs and sustainable income opportunities in the digital and creative industries. It will also provide safe and inclusive access to complementary pathways and labour market opportunities for refugee and host community youth from Kenya and Uganda in third countries.

Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka, the Country Director of FCA Uganda, appreciated PRM’s unwavering support in empowering refugees and host communities, noting that PRM contributes 50% of Uganda’s refugee response efforts. He also expressed gratitude to UNHCR for its instrumental role in advancing FCA’s mission to uplift communities and provide critical assistance to those in need.

A woman signs a board
PRM Refugee Program Officer, Ms. Ann Boayue, adding her signature during the launch.

Speaking on the transformative potential of the project, Mr. Nsheka stated: “We are focusing on skills development and economic opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future for thousands of young people.” He further emphasized that FCA’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs are strategically aligned with skills that have strong potential for self-employment, ensuring a focus on demand-driven courses to meet market needs.

Ms. Ann Boayue, PRM Refugee Program Officer, echoed the significance of the project, expressing pride in supporting the initiative. “This project aligns with our commitment to providing durable solutions for refugees. It will enhance self-reliance and contribute to regional stability and economic growth,” she said.

The Deputy Country Representative for UNHCR representation in Uganda, Mr. Jason Hepps, commended the PATH project, describing it as “a vital step in providing innovative solutions that empower refugee and host community youth.” He also acknowledged the critical role of the Ugandan government in creating a favourable environment for such initiatives to thrive.

A man signs a board
Deputy Country Representative for UNHCR in Uganda, Mr. Jason Hepps, signing the board to mark the launch of the PATH project.

FCA serves as UNHCR’s implementing partner for education in Southwest Uganda and the Complementary Pathways project in Kampala and refugee settlements across the country.

The PATH project will be implemented in Kampala and Rwamwanja refugee settlement in Kamwenge district, Uganda, as well as Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei integrated settlements in Kenya.

A group of people posing for the camera
The launch event brought together representatives from the Government of Uganda, PRM, UNHCR, humanitarian and development agencies, and key stakeholders from the private sector.

Over its three-year duration, the PATH project targets a total of 15,063 direct beneficiaries and 26,364 indirect beneficiaries. In Kenya, the project will directly benefit 4,968 youth, 80% of whom are refugees, with 50% being women. In Uganda, 10,095 youth will be direct beneficiaries, including 70% refugees, with 50% being women.

Text : Linda Kabuzire