History and Background
AYAN was established in June 2015, initially as a youth initiative created by young refugees for refugee communities. Its early work focused on bringing together displaced young people from different backgrounds to promote peace, reconciliation and community cooperation.
In 2016, the organization received support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) through the Youth Initiative Fund to train refugee and host-community youth in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Its first Peace Ambassadors Training programme began with 20 participants.
As the organization identified the economic challenges affecting young refugees, it expanded its activities in 2018 to include entrepreneurship and craft training. Today, AYAN combines peacebuilding with economic empowerment, leadership development and community-based development initiatives.
Mission and Vision
AYAN’s mission is to nurture young people’s personal, community and national aspirations and potential through informed, innovative and values-driven approaches that promote peace and sustainable development.
Its vision is to create peaceful and thriving communities where young people have opportunities to participate in leadership, social and economic development, and decision-making.
The organization places particular emphasis on ethical leadership, equity, transparency, integrity, accountability and social justice.
Geographic Focus and Areas of Operation
AYAN operates in Uganda and South Sudan, with activities reaching refugee settlements, host communities and urban centres. Its work includes:
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Kampala, Uganda
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Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, Uganda
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Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Uganda
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Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, Uganda
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Juba, South Sudan
The organization works with refugee and host-community populations, particularly adolescents and young people under 35 years of age.
Major Programmes and Initiatives
AYAN implements programmes that address the interconnected challenges of conflict, displacement, unemployment and limited access to opportunities. Its major areas of work include the following.
1. Peacebuilding and Youth Leadership
AYAN promotes youth participation in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and reconciliation. Its Peace Ambassadors initiative trains young people to become advocates for peaceful coexistence and positive community relationships.
Activities include leadership training, mentorship, community outreach, conflict resolution and nonviolent engagement. The programme also encourages young people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to work together towards shared development goals.
2. Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment
The organization recognizes that sustainable peace requires economic opportunities and financial independence. Its livelihoods initiatives help refugee and host-community youth develop practical skills and explore income-generating activities.
Support includes entrepreneurship training, craft development, business skills and other livelihood opportunities designed to strengthen self-reliance and reduce economic vulnerability.
3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
AYAN encourages young people to develop business ideas and build sustainable enterprises. Its entrepreneurship initiatives focus on equipping participants with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to establish and manage small businesses.
The organization also promotes innovation as a way to address challenges affecting refugee settlements and surrounding communities.
4. Psychosocial Support and Community Wellbeing
AYAN recognizes the emotional and social effects of conflict, displacement and violence on young people. Its community-based initiatives include psychosocial support and activities that help young people rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships and participate in community life.
These interventions are particularly relevant to young refugees who have experienced displacement, uncertainty and trauma.
5. Policy Advocacy and Youth Participation
AYAN works to strengthen the representation of young people, particularly refugees, in decision-making and development processes.
Its advocacy activities aim to increase awareness of opportunities for refugee leaders to participate in public discussions, express community concerns and engage with relevant institutions.
6. AYAN Innovation Centres
AYAN has developed community-based centres in refugee settlements to provide spaces for training, learning, collaboration and economic empowerment.
Its centres in Kiryandongo, Kyaka II and Rhino Camp offer facilities that can be used for workshops, training sessions and community activities. Available facilities include computer laboratories, internet connectivity, presentation equipment and dedicated childcare spaces.
The centres can also be used by partner organizations seeking suitable venues for training and workshops involving refugee and host communities.
Funding and Partnership Opportunities
AYAN is primarily a programme-implementing nonprofit organization rather than a conventional grant-making foundation. Its website does not identify a general open grant programme through which external NGOs can apply for funding.
Instead, the organization invites donors, development agencies, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders to support its work through financial contributions, programme partnerships, technical assistance and collaborative initiatives.
Potential areas for collaboration include:
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Youth peacebuilding and leadership development.
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Refugee livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
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Vocational training and skills development.
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Psychosocial support and community wellbeing.
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Women and youth economic empowerment.
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Refugee and host-community development.
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Innovation, digital skills and community training facilities.
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Policy advocacy and youth participation.
Organizations interested in working with AYAN can explore joint project implementation, community outreach, training partnerships and other forms of cooperation.
Who Can Partner with AYAN?
AYAN welcomes collaboration with organizations and stakeholders interested in improving the lives of refugee and host-community populations.
Potential partners include:
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International and national nonprofit organizations.
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Humanitarian and development agencies.
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UN agencies and refugee-support institutions.
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Government departments and local authorities.
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Youth-led and community-based organizations.
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Educational and vocational training institutions.
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Private-sector organizations and social enterprises.
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Philanthropic foundations and individual donors.
Partnerships can focus on programme implementation, funding, technical expertise, training, infrastructure development and community engagement.
Donor and Institutional Partnerships
AYAN’s early peacebuilding activities received support from UNHCR through its Youth Initiative Fund during 2016–2018. The organization also acknowledges support for its entrepreneurship and craft-training activities from a private supporter in Germany.
Its work involves engagement with refugee settlement authorities, local government representatives and development stakeholders. These relationships help connect its programmes with community priorities and local development needs.
Impact and Achievements
AYAN reports that it has impacted more than 5,000 young people since 2015 through its youth empowerment and development activities. Its work has expanded from peacebuilding and reconciliation training to include livelihoods, entrepreneurship, leadership development and community innovation.
Important milestones include:
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Establishment of the organization in 2015 by refugee youth.
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Launch of the Peace Ambassadors Training initiative in 2016.
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Training of 100 young peace ambassadors in Rhino Camp, according to its organizational history.
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Expansion into entrepreneurship and craft training in 2018.
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Development of innovation and training centres in refugee settlements.
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Expansion of its operations across Uganda and South Sudan.
AYAN also reports that it has received NGOsource certification as equivalent to a United States public charity, which can facilitate international partnerships and donor support.
Conclusion
The African Youth Action Network is a youth-led organization working to promote peace, leadership, livelihoods and sustainable development among refugee and host-community populations in Uganda and South Sudan. Through its peacebuilding programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, psychosocial support, policy advocacy and innovation centres, AYAN creates opportunities for young people to participate in community development and build more resilient futures.
For international NGOs, humanitarian agencies, philanthropic organizations and development partners, AYAN offers opportunities for collaboration in refugee empowerment, youth development, peacebuilding and socioeconomic inclusion.
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