Empowering Communities
for a for a Sustainable FutureResilient TomorrowBetter World
AYISD empowers refugee and host communities in Nakivale through environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, biochar innovation, and youth-led development programs — regardless of nationality, social status, race, or gender.
About AYISD
A refugee-led organization building resilient futures since 2021
AYISD (African Youth Integrated for Socio-Economic Development), formerly KBTN, is a refugee-led community-based organization registered on February 15, 2021 in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Founded by Benedict Baraka and Mbilizi Kalombo, AYISD empowers refugee and host communities through environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, biochar innovation, and youth-led development programs — regardless of nationality, social status, race, or gender.
In 2023, AYISD was among the first cohort to win a UNHCR Refugee-Led Innovation Grant, a program designed to improve the lives of displaced people and communities. This funding supported our Seed Program and helped establish our work with youth within the settlement, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and livelihoods.
Today, AYISD operates four major programs — RED Biochar, Woodlot, NELIC Innovation Center, and Amsha Community Project — reaching over 600 households and planting more than 10,000 trees across the settlement.
Read Our Full StoryOur Mission
Founded in 2021 in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in southwestern Uganda, AYISD is a refugee-led and youth-led community organization committed to empowering young refugees to become active changemakers within their communities. Formerly known as KBTN ("Unity is Strength"), AYISD believes that young people are not merely beneficiaries of support, but powerful drivers of sustainable solutions and community transformation.
AYISD works to strengthen the resilience, leadership, and self-reliance of refugee youth through advocacy for quality education, sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation, climate action, sustainable agriculture, and holistic youth development. By equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, AYISD aims to build empowered communities capable of overcoming social, economic, and environmental challenges with dignity and innovation.
Our Team
Dedicated leaders driving change in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Benedict Baraka
President & CEO
Kalombo Mbilizi
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Eliza Crosbie
Vice President
Claire Kelly
Secretary
Our Projects
Community-based initiatives for impactful conservation and development
RED Biochar Program
Turning agricultural waste into biochar for carbon sequestration, soil restoration, and clean cooking fuel — reducing deforestation and empowering refugee communities.
Learn MoreWoodlot Program
Planting and managing community woodlots to combat deforestation, provide sustainable fuelwood, and restore ecosystems across Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
Learn MoreNELIC Innovation Center
A hub for digital skills, experiential learning, and PEARL badge certification — developed in partnership with the University at Buffalo.
Learn MoreAmsha Community Project
Supporting community-driven development through sustainable agriculture, vocational training, and micro-enterprise development.
Learn MoreOur Resources
Knowledge and tools to empower communities and individuals
Online Courses
Self-paced learning modules on sustainable agriculture, biochar production, environmental conservation, and more.
Browse CoursesTraining Programs
Hands-on workshops and field training for youth, women, and community groups in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
View ProgramsReports
Impact reports, research findings, and documentation of our work in environmental conservation and community development.
Read ReportsOur Impact
Measurable outcomes from our work in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
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Trees Planted
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People Gained Skills
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Acres Restored
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Households Supported
Our Work in Action
Real moments from our programs and community activities
Community Agriculture
Agriculture
Youth Learning - Construction
Experimental learning
Football Tournament
Sports
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Community Gathering
Community
Meeting Session
Meetings
AYISD Overview
General
Agricultural Training
Agriculture
Community Construction
Experimental learning
Sports Awards
Sports
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Community Meeting
Community
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Meeting Session 2
Meetings
Community Farming
Agriculture
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Youth Building 1
Experimental learning
Football Tournament 2
Sports
Community Activity
Community
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Meeting Session 3
Meetings
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Agriculture Program
Agriculture
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Youth Building 2
Experimental learning
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Football Tournament 3
Sports
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Community Work
Community
Watch Our Stories
Video highlights from our community programs and events
Football Tournament Highlights
Sports
RD Programme Video
Agriculture
Football Tournament Clip
Sports
Our Partners
Collaborating with organizations that share our vision for empowered communities
Grassroot Organisation Mentorship
We provide mentorship and guidance to grassroots organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helping them build capacity and create lasting impact in their communities.
Organization Name 1
Goma, DRCDescription of the first grassroots organization that AYISD mentors in Congo. Replace this with the actual organization details.
Organization Name 2
Bukavu, DRCDescription of the second grassroots organization that AYISD mentors in Congo. Replace this with the actual organization details.
"Young people are not merely beneficiaries of support, but powerful drivers of sustainable solutions and community transformation."
- AYISD Founding Vision
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you want to volunteer, partner, donate, or share your expertise — there are many ways to support our mission.
Get Involved