Our Story of Resilience and Hope

Refugee youth leading community transformation through innovative health and psychosocial services in Nyumanzi Settlement, Uganda

Explore Our Journey

Who We Are

A refugee-led organization creating sustainable solutions for community healing and empowerment

Our Identity and Purpose

Safe Home Africa (SHA) is an independent, non-governmental and non-profit community-based organization established by refugee youth with diverse expertise to mobilize, empower, and transform communities through comprehensive health care and psychosocial services.

"We believe in the power of refugee-led solutions to create sustainable change in our communities."

Registered with Adjumani District Local Government (Registration No: DZA/1297/23), we operate primarily in Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement with programs focused on mental health support, child protection, youth empowerment, and health promotion. Our approach combines traditional community knowledge with evidence-based practices.

Our Mission

Safe Home Africa works to protect and support refugees youth by delivering integrated programs in protection sector, peacebuilding, education, climate resilience, community health, and sustainable livelihoods supporting their journey toward safety, dignity, and self-reliance.

Our Vision

We envision a home and peaceful Africa where refugees especially children and youth thrive in safe, healthy, and empowered communities that are resilient to conflict, poverty, and climate change.

Safe Home Africa team working with community

Since 2023

Officially registered and serving the Nyumanzi community

Our Journey

From grassroots initiative to a registered refugee-led organization driving community transformation

Community Awakening

2022

Refugee-minded youth in Nyumanzi Settlement began informal support groups to address mental health, trauma, and youth empowerment—laying the foundation for Safe Home Africa (SHA).

Organizational Registration

June 30, 2023

SHA was officially registered as a Community-Based Refugee-Led Organization with Adjumani District Local Government (Reg. No: DZA/1297/23).

Suicide Prevention Campaign

Mid 2023

Trained 120 youth—including suicide survivors—on suicide response and psychosocial support. Youth Champions of Change were mobilized to identify and support at-risk individuals.

Health Education & SRHR Advocacy

August 2023

Partnered with St. Elijah Medical Clinic to deliver health education and testing to over 250 individuals. Formed a Champion of Change girls’ group to lead SRHR advocacy in Nyumanzi Settlement.

Youth Peace Conferences

Late 2023

Hosted peacebuilding conferences with LWF Uganda under the PRM Project, engaging 150+ youth and stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence and gender equity.

UNHCR Delegation Visit

2023

SHA’s Executive Director presented the organization’s mission to UNHCR Deputy Country Director and senior staff during an official assessment of Refugee-Led Organizations in Adjumani.

Global Youth Engagement

2023

Participated in Refugee International Day and joined a virtual Global Youth Peacebuilding Workshop hosted by UNHCR, connecting SHA youth with peers worldwide.

Program Expansion

2024–Present

SHA expanded its scope to include child protection, livelihoods, climate-smart agriculture, and education for teenage mothers—strengthening its impact across Adjumani District.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide our work and decision-making

Compassion

We approach every individual with empathy, dignity, and respect, recognizing the unique challenges faced by displaced communities.

Community

We believe in the power of collective action and the wisdom of lived experience in creating sustainable solutions.

Innovation

We continuously seek creative, context-appropriate approaches to address complex challenges in resource-limited settings.

Integrity

We maintain the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency and accountability in all our operations.

Service

We are committed to putting the needs of our community first, prioritizing those most vulnerable.

Sustainability

We invest in capacity building and local leadership to create lasting impact beyond our direct interventions.

Meet Our Leadership

The dedicated refugee youth driving our mission forward

Executive Director

Sarah Deng

Executive Director

Programs Manager

James Lual

Programs Manager

Mental Health Coordinator

Mary Achol

Mental Health Coordinator

Community Outreach Lead

David Kuol

Community Outreach Lead

Our Impact in Numbers

Measuring our progress in serving the Nyumanzi community

1,200+
Youth Reached
45
Trained Peer Counselors
300+
Mental Health Sessions
12
Community Partnerships
100%
Refugee-Led Team

Our Partners

Collaborating for greater impact in Nyumanzi Settlement

Join Us in Creating Change

Whether you're looking to volunteer, partner with us, or support our work financially, your involvement makes a difference in the lives of refugee youth.