Engola, Windle discuss expanding education access for refugees, host communities

What the report says

Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Sam Engola has met with officials from Windle International Uganda to discuss ways of expanding education support for refugees and host communities in Uganda. According to Dokolo Post, the talks took place on Thursday and were led by Windle Executive Director Andrew Omara, alongside Programmes Manager Julius Ocen.

The discussions centered on education, youth empowerment, skills development and pathways to employment for young people. Windle said it wants to continue working with government and other partners to strengthen the connection between schooling, practical skills and economic opportunities. Engola also pointed to Windle’s efforts to address youth unemployment through training, scholarships and job placement support in areas including West Nile, western Uganda and Greater Kampala.

Dokolo Post reported that Windle has supported education programmes in Uganda since 1996 and currently works with 69 schools in the West Nile and Karamoja sub-regions. The organisation also runs school feeding and agricultural initiatives intended to improve school retention and support food security in local communities.

The meeting reflects broader efforts by government and development partners to find longer-term approaches to education access and livelihoods for refugees and host communities. More broadly, such partnerships are often used in refugee-hosting areas to reduce barriers to schooling and improve economic resilience, though the article did not provide new policy decisions or funding details.