The Climate Resilience and Economic Stability for Refugees and Host Communities Project (CREST)

The Climate Resilience and Economic Stability for Refugees and Host Communities Project (CREST) is a four-year resilience and livelihoods initiative implemented by Hamiza Development Foundation (HDF) in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement and surrounding host communities in Kyegegwa District. The project seeks to improve the living conditions and wellbeing of vulnerable refugee and host community households by strengthening climate resilience, economic empowerment, livelihood opportunities, and social inclusion.

The project targets out-of-school adolescent girls and boys, young mothers, caregivers, and vulnerable households through an integrated approach that combines vocational skills development, life skills education, climate-smart agriculture, agroecology, financial inclusion, market access, and advocacy for land and gender rights. Through the establishment of community agroecology schools, farmer groups, village savings and loan associations (VSLAs), and adolescent-friendly learning spaces, the project aims to build self-reliance, improve household incomes, strengthen food security, and enhance social cohesion between refugee and host communities.

The project further promotes gender equality, women's economic empowerment, and increased awareness of land rights and asset ownership while creating sustainable pathways for education, employment, entrepreneurship, and climate adaptation among vulnerable populations.

<b>Overall Objective</b>

To contribute to improved living conditions and wellbeing of 100 households (70% refugees and 30% host community households) with adolescent girls, boys, and young mothers in Kyegegwa District through life skills development, economic empowerment, and climate resilience interventions by December 2028.

Specific Objectives
1

Improve re-entry, retention, and livelihood opportunities for 200 out-of-school adolescents and young mothers through demand-driven skilling pathways, life skills development, and literacy training.

2

Economically empower 100 vulnerable households through local agroecological and climate-resilient food production initiatives to enhance self-reliance.

3

Enhance market access and financial inclusion for 300 skilled adolescents, young mothers, and caregivers through business development support and financial services.

4

Promote gender equality in land rights and asset ownership among 500 vulnerable refugee and host community households.