Guest Blog Post: Nothing about Us, Without Us; How Refugee Together for Transformation Empowering Disabilities in Uganda
- jordan teegardin
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
In the global movement for human rights and inclusion, a powerful mantra has emerged: "Nothing About Us, Without Us." This principle asserts that no policy, program, or service concerning a particular group should be decided without the full and direct participation of members of our group. In Uganda, this rallying cry finds its vibrant embodiment in the work of the Refugee Together for Social Transformation (RTST)
RTST: A Voice for Dignity and Right
Refugee Together for Social Transformation (RTST) is a voluntary organization established in
2020 registered in Uganda by young Congolese refugees living in Kampala.
Refugee Together for Social Transformation; aims to walk alongside refugees with disabilities and migrants, offering them solace and support throughout their ordeal.
Empowerment: our work to empower refugees by helping them access their rights, education, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Our vision
To Educated, Empower, and Inspire Young Refugees with Disability
Our mission
To Empower Refugees with Disability, Orphans and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) around the world to overcome the burdens of deprivation and vulnerability to become healthy, educated, self-sustaining and contributing members of society.
Core Activities:
• Education: RTST provides access to quality education for refugee children and youth, including formal schooling, vocational training, and adult literacy programs.
• Livelihoods: RTST empowers refugees to become self-sufficient through skills training, microfinance, and business development programs.
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support: RTST offers counseling, therapy, and community-based activities to help refugees cope with trauma and build resilience.
• Advocacy: RTST advocates for the rights and protection of refugees at the local, national, and international levels.
• Emergency Response: RTST responds to humanitarian crises affecting refugees and displaced persons, providing essential aid like food, water, shelter, and medical care.
Additional Activities:
• Reconciliation: RTST promotes peace building and reconciliation among refugees and host communities through dialogue, cultural exchange, and conflict resolution programs.
• Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response: RTST works to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, providing safe spaces, legal aid, and counseling services to survivors.
• Child Protection: RTST prioritizes the protection of refugee children, ensuring their access to education, healthcare, and safe environments.
Refugee Together for Social Transformation (RTST)
Past Experience in Protection, livelihoods and environment, any other sectors
RTST has a rich history of working with refugees across the globe, with extensive experience in protection, livelihoods, and environment, as well as other sectors.
Protection:
• Legal Aid: RTST provides legal aid and representation to refugees facing legal challenges, such as asylum claims, family reunification, and deportation.
• Advocacy: RTST advocates for the rights and protection of refugees at the local, national, and international levels. This includes lobbying governments, raising awareness, and participating in policy dialogues.
• Child Protection: RTST prioritizes the protection of refugee children, ensuring their access to education, healthcare, and safe environments.
Livelihoods:
• Skills Training: RTST offers vocational training programs to equip refugees with skills that enable them to find employment or start their own businesses.
• Microfinance: RTST provides microfinance loans and business development services to help refugees establish and grow small businesses.
• Agricultural Support: RTST supports agricultural initiatives, providing training, tools, and seeds to help refugees become self-sufficient through farming.
Environment:
• Sustainable Agriculture: RTST promotes sustainable agricultural practices to minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term food security.
• Environmental Conservation: RTST engages in environmental conservation projects, such as reforestation and waste management, to protect the natural resources of refugee-hosting areas.
• Climate Change Adaptation: RTST works to help refugees adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods.
Other Sectors:
• Education: RTST provides access to quality education for refugee children and youth, including formal schooling, vocational training, and adult literacy programs.
• Health: RTST offers healthcare services, including primary healthcare, mental health support, and reproductive health care.
• Psychosocial Support: RTST provides counseling, therapy, and community-based activities to help refugees cope with trauma and build resilience.
RTST's work in these sectors has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of refugees with Disabilities around the world. By providing essential services and advocating for their rights, RTST empowers refugees to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.
Our Call to Action
The journey towards full inclusion for persons with disabilities is ongoing, and organizations like RTST are vital to its success.
• Learn More: Visit the RTST social media ( https://www.instagram.com/rtstuganda,https://twitter.com/RtstUganda ) to delve deeper into our programs, read success, and understand the specific challenges and triumphs faced by persons with disabilities in Uganda.
• Advocate: Support the work of DPOs like Refugee Together for Social Transformation (RTST) by raising awareness about disability rights and advocating for inclusive policies in your own communities and beyond.
• Support: Consider donating to RTST or other reputable DPOs. Your contribution directly supports our vital advocacy work and community-level programs that empower persons with disabilities to lead dignified and independent lives.
Let us stand in solidarity with RTST and all DPOs, recognizing that true progress is achieved when the voices of those most affected are at the very heart of the solutions.
Kapalakasa Zelo Chiley
Founder and Director of Refugee Together for Social Transformation (RTST)
Passionate To Empower Refugees with Disability, Orphans and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) around the world to overcome the burdens of deprivation and vulnerability to become healthy, educated,
self-sustaining and contributing members of society.
Promoting social justice and human rights, raising awareness about marginalized communities, fostering inclusive development. We believe that by understanding and supporting organizations like RTST, we can contribute to a more equitable and just world for all.
https://www.instagram.com/rtstuganda https://twitter.com/RtstUganda
Email: refugeetogetherforsocial2020@gmail.com
P.O Box 71514 Kampala Uganda
Whatssap: +256761333805
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