The Trauma-Informed Self-Reliance System (TISS) helps refugees in Adjumani, Uganda rebuild their lives by addressing both trauma and poverty. Through a 12-week cohort program, TISS first helps participants stabilize emotionally and build healthy daily routines. Only then do they start learning practical livelihood skills and launching small businesses such as vegetable selling, poultry farming, and baking. Donations provide mental health support and vocational training.
Refugee communities in Adjumani face enormous hardship. The district hosts over 230,000 refugees, who are dealing with drastic reductions in humanitarian assistance. Only a small portion of refugees still receive any support, and it's around $4 a month - far below what families need to survive. Traditional livelihood training programs struggle because refugees have unresolved trauma and stress, making it difficult for them to focus, plan, and sustain income-generating activities.
Voice for Humanity Uganda developed the Trauma-Informed Self-Reliance System (TISS) to address emotional recovery and economic independence together. This 12-week cohort program first provides group support to manage stress, trauma, and emotional issues, and guides refugees to develop consistent routines and positive habits. Then, participants receive training to start small businesses in profitable markets (farming, baking, etc). Successful participants go on to mentor future cohorts.
With adequate funding, the program can support four cohorts each year, helping 40+ vulnerable refugees and host community members annually to start income-generating activities that support their households. As participants graduate and become mentors, the program's reach expands through peer support and community networks. Over time, this approach strengthens local resilience by enabling refugees to support themselves and contribute to the well-being of others in their settlement.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
