Gene Dewey Refugee Award
The organization UNIDOS announced that its founder, Paulinho Muzaliwa, has received the prestigious Gene Dewey Refugee Award from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. This honor recognizes individuals who display "exceptional leadership and dedication to helping forcibly displaced people."
Paulinho's Journey
Muzaliwa's background mirrors that of countless refugees. He was forced to leave his home in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the conflict and eventually settled at the Nakivale refugee camp in Uganda. Rather than remaining passive, he committed himself to rebuilding his life while simultaneously working to uplift those around him.
Building UNIDOS
At Nakivale, Muzaliwa established UNIDOS, focusing on regenerative agriculture as the foundation for community development. The organization aims to build a self-sustaining and environmentally sound future for the Nakivale community through practical training and skill-building initiatives.
Empowering Women
The work has concentrated heavily on empowering women within the settlement. Through structured training programs, the organization has equipped hundreds of women with agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial capabilities. Many participants have launched small-scale businesses centered on sustainable practices, such as producing organic soap derived from moringa leaves.
Environmental and Social Transformation
Beyond immediate economic benefits, UNIDOS has contributed to broader environmental and social transformation. By promoting sustainable farming techniques and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, the organization is reshaping both the landscape and economic prospects of Nakivale.
Vision for the Future
Muzaliwa envisions an expanded future where refugees lead an agricultural transformation. He imagines Nakivale eventually producing abundant organic crops that would support both household consumption and a robust local marketplace.
The UNHCR recognition validates both Muzaliwa's individual contributions and UNIDOS's collective impact on the refugee settlement.
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