A community event outdoors with a crowd of people gathered around a table displaying trophies, medals, and sports equipment under a tree during the day.

Programs and Impact

Based in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Western Uganda, RCA operates multiple programs serving local communities and refugee youth. Our programs operate 6 days a week for more than 42 weeks per year. Our programs benefit youth from more than 7 countries speaking 7 different languages ages 6 to 19 years old.

Through literacy & numeracy classes, sports & chess initiatives, mentorship, scholarships, and the creation of safe spaces, RCA helps refugee youth prepare for success and to achieve their dreams.

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Raise Chess Academy

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42 weeks a year

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6 days a week

- Raise Chess Academy - 42 weeks a year - 6 days a week

Children and adults playing chess around a wooden table in a modest room, with one person filming the game, and colorful curtains hanging beside a textured wall.

Chess

Developing critical thinking, patience, and strategy through structured lessons and tournaments.

Two women standing in front of a whiteboard in a classroom, one is holding a sign about self-defense basics, and others are sitting at wooden tables with snacks and water bottles.

Mentorship

Guidance and support to help youth navigate challenges and build life skills.

Children in yellow soccer jerseys running on a dirt field during daytime with blue sky and clouds, and trees in the background.

Soccer

Building teamwork, leadership, and confidence through youth-led leagues and activities.

Five smiling young girls sitting together in a wooden classroom. One girl in the middle is making a peace sign with her hand and holding a colorful book. The background is wooden and the girls are sitting behind a wooden desk.

Scholarships

Opportunities for continued education and growth.

A young girl with a bright smile, sitting at a wooden desk in a classroom, holding a yellow pencil. Other children are visible in the background, sitting at similar desks inside a wooden-paneled classroom.

Education

Literacy and numeracy classes to improve school outcomes and reduce dropout rates.

Women serving and children eating food at an outdoor community event

Women serving and children eating food at an outdoor community event

Safe Spaces

Daily programming creates belonging, stability, and emotional support.

A group of young soccer players in bright green and red jerseys huddled together in a circle on a dirt field, preparing for a game.

2025

Uganda Girls League

Your support helps refugee youth do more than survive. It helps them heal, learn, and thrive.