New York, February 5, 2026 – In a heartfelt effort to foster self-reliance and economic independence among vulnerable communities, the Nation Voice Foundation recently conducted a transformative training program at the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. This January, the organization visited the settlement to empower 20 women through specialized farming education, equipping them with the skills needed to launch their own businesses and support their families.
The Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one of the oldest and largest in Africa, hosts thousands of refugees from neighboring countries, many of whom face ongoing challenges in accessing sustainable livelihoods. Recognizing this need, Nation Voice Foundation focused its initiative on agricultural training, a vital sector in Uganda where farming sustains a significant portion of the population.
The Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one of the oldest and largest in Africa, hosts thousands of refugees from neighboring countries, many of whom face ongoing challenges in accessing sustainable livelihoods. Recognizing this need, Nation Voice Foundation focused its initiative on agricultural training, a vital sector in Uganda where farming sustains a significant portion of the population.
Over the course of four intensive days, the selected group of 20 women participated in hands-on workshops covering essential farming techniques, including crop selection, soil management, sustainable irrigation methods, and basic business planning. The program emphasized practical skills tailored to the local environment, ensuring participants could apply their knowledge immediately in the settlement’s arable lands.
At the program’s conclusion, each woman received a certificate of completion, along with seeds to kickstart their farming ventures. This certification is more than a piece of paper—it’s a gateway to independence,” said Victoria Martino, Founder & CEO at Nation Voice Foundation, highlighting the initiative’s core goal. By starting small-scale farming businesses, these women aim to generate income, improve food security for their households, and provide better nutrition for their children.
At the program’s conclusion, each woman received a certificate of completion, along with seeds to kickstart their farming ventures. This certification is more than a piece of paper—it’s a gateway to independence,” said Victoria Martino, Founder & CEO at Nation Voice Foundation, highlighting the initiative’s core goal. By starting small-scale farming businesses, these women aim to generate income, improve food security for their households, and provide better nutrition for their children.
The rationale behind the program is rooted in addressing the economic hardships faced by refugee families. Many women in the settlement are primary caregivers, juggling childcare with limited job prospects. Through farming entrepreneurship, they can create flexible income streams, reducing dependency on aid and building resilience against poverty. Nation Voice Foundation’s approach aligns with broader global efforts to support refugee self-sufficiency, as outlined in initiatives like the UN’s Global Compact on Refugees.
Women preparing for the first day of farming training in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
A recurring concern was the persistent externalization of knowledge production on African development. Speakers called for greater intellectual autonomy and sustainable resourcing of African universities and research institutions to lead evidence-based policy formulation in genuine partnership—rather than dependency—vis-à-vis international actors.
Victoria Martino with women in Nakivale Refugee Settlement — the end of the training session.
This visit marks another milestone in Nation Voice Foundation’s ongoing commitment to marginalized communities worldwide. Founded with a mission to amplify voices and drive positive change, the organization has previously supported education, health, and vocational programs across Africa and beyond. Looking ahead, the foundation plans to monitor the progress of these women and potentially expand the program to include more participants in future visits.
