🌿 My Story

My name is Akon Deograce, which means Grace of God. I was born in Bukavu, Congo, where I lived until I was 10 years old. Because of war, my family and I were forced to flee, and I was raised in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda (now age 23).

My childhood was full of fun and dreams, but darkness came when war entered our lives and we never had rest.

I come from a humble family. I am the 4th born. I have one step brother and five step sisters, and although I lost my late brother who inspired me deeply, I believe that my community is my family.

🌱 Why I Started Nakivale Young Talent Community

I founded Nakivale Young Talent Community (NYTC) in 2019 (officially registered in 2021) because I wanted to create a place where refugee children and youth could:

• learn

• express themselves

• heal from trauma

• build confidence

• dream again

I started small, teaching a few children art and basic learning skills using the little I had. Step by step, those small lessons grew into structured programs that now serve more than 100 children and youth every week.

🌈 What We Do Today

NYTC is a refugee-led community organization running the following programs:

🎨 Art Education Program

We provide free art classes including:

• drawing

• painting

• craft-making

• creative expression

Art helps children heal from trauma, express emotions, and discover their talents.

We have built an Art Education Center, which still needs support to be fully completed.

📚 Dream Again Program (Non-Formal School)

Many children in Nakivale cannot attend formal school.

The Dream Again Program provides:

• reading lessons

• writing skills

• English basics

• storytelling

• learning support

This program helps children return to education and believe in their future again.

👧🏽 Raise Her Program (Girls Empowerment)

This program supports girls and teenage mothers through:

• mentorship

• leadership skills

• personal development

• health and dignity discussions

• safe spaces for expression

🎶 Music Education Program (Launching 2025)

We are launching a Music Program to teach:

• guitar

• singing

• music production

Currently, we have only a few guitars. To teach properly, we need 18 student guitars, handmade by refugee artisans in Nakivale.

💛 Why We Need Your Support

To continue serving our community, we need support for:

• art supplies (paints, brushes, paper, pencils, frames)

• student guitars for the music program

• finishing the Art Education Center (floors, shelves, storage)

• Dream Again and Raise Her program materials (books, learning tools, girl kits)

Every donation directly supports refugee children, youth, and girls.

❤️ What Keeps Me Going

What keeps me motivated is seeing the smiles, growth, and hope in the children and youth.

Every time a child learns something new or gains confidence, I am reminded why this work matters.

The challenges are many, but the impact keeps me going.

🙏 A Message From Me

Life in Nakivale Refugee Settlement is very hard.

But through these programs, we are building hope every day.

Your support helps children:

• learn in a safe place

• express themselves freely

• grow their talents

• dream again

Thank you for standing with us and believing in refugee youth.

Akon Deograce

Founder & Director, Nakivale Young Talent Community

Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Empower Nakivale Refugee Youth Through Arts, Education & Hope

Supporting refugee children, youth, and girls to learn, heal, and dream again through art, education, and creativity