Australians supporting the UN Refugee Agency

Our Stories
10 Years Gallery

Have a look at how we've made a difference over the last 10 years!



Subscribe toour eNewsletter

 
Subscribe

Photo Gallery Life Lines for Nakivale

Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda is one of Africa's oldest and largest refugee camps. Situated in a highly volatile region, it shelters more than 56,000 refugees - many of whom have been forced to flee long-running violent conflicts in nearby countries such the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Australia for UNHCR has already funded several programs in Nakivale, and will continue to do so in the coming years to improve refugee lives.

Supported with funds from Australian donors, this is the first secondary school in Nakivale. Already some 145 students have enrolled. Like many of the UNHCR-supported programs, both the refugees and local Ugandans can access the services. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaClasses are often conducted on a dirt floor, or outside under trees – or not at all if it rains. With 50 per cent of the population being children and youth, resources are extremely stretched. Australia for UNHCR/T. Mukoya National Director Naomi Steer speaks with a refugee near the water treatment facility that Australian donor funds have helped build. Australia for UNHCR/T. Mukoya There are only four health clinics in the settlement catering to a population of 56,000, and Health Officers can treat up to 150 patients a day. There are only two ambulances in the settlement, and the nearest hospital is two hours away on a bumpy road. Australia for UNHCR/T. Mukoya Due to overstretched resources, many women give birth in tents set up around the settltment. Women delivering their babies at home are given Clean Delivery Kits, a package of simple items that has made a huge difference to postnatal infection and mortality rates for mothers and their babies. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaWater collection is a huge burden on women and children, many of whom spend up to 5km each day trekking across the settlement. Even then, refugees in Nakivale receive only 15L of water per person per day. The UNHCR standard is 20L per person per day. The average Australian consumes up to 285L per person per day. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaThere are only four health centres in Nakivale to treat a population of 56,000. Health Officers can see up to 150 patients each day, meaning people have to queue for hours before they can even be seen. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaWith little in the way of employment or training opportunities, young people in Nakivale are prone to many youth-related social problems. Australia for UNHCR is building a Computer Technology Access centre so that refugee youth can gain valuable skills, and connect with the outside world. Australia for UNHCR/T. Mukoya A UNHCR Field Worker hands a refugee boy cooking oil for him and his family. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaAustralia for UNHCR National Director speaks to UNHCR Water & Sanitation Specialist about the water purification process. Australia for UNHCR/T. Mukoya Access to clean water in Nakivale is extremely limited, and refugees are currently receiving on 15L per person per day. The UNHCR standard is 20L per person, per day, and the average Australian consumes up to 285L of water each day. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaA baby queues outside a health clinic with his mother. There are only four clinics to serve an population of 56,000, and each Medical Officer can treat up to 150 patients each day. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaA refugee woman walks the long distance to her shelter after receiving a food ration. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaUNHCR field worker reads with a young refugee girl in one of only nine classrooms in Ruhoko Primary School in Nakivale. At Ruhoko, there are only 15 teachers for 836 students. Australia for UNHCR/T. MukoyaAccess to clean water in Nakivale is extremely limited, and refugees are currently receiving on 15L per person per day. The UNHCR standard is 20L per person, per day, and the average Australian consumes up to 285L of water each day. Australia for UNHCR/T. Mukoya