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Community

In Busia District and surrounding areas, many young people are out of school, under-skilled, and unmotivated due to generational poverty, trauma, and lack of opportunities.

years of empowerment

About us

Who we are

Our organisation is driven by a purpose to create a meaningful social, economic wellbeing amongst the people we serve. We aim to expand the STEM.E programs into peripheral communities of Uganda with a mission of inspiring rural and urban communities in critical skills and professional development. Established in 2023 the Initiative for Community Resilience (ICR) involves collaboration between local and global organizations, corporations and professionals to provide workshops, hand-on training, internships and volunteering opportunities. We warmly welcome partners across the global who are eager to work with us as interns, volunteers, tutors and ambassadors. Happy to engage with those who would want to learn first-hand about the innovative, cultural, and business potential within the eastern African ecosystem. We are an organisation that is locally rooted at the same time globally connected free contact us we would love to hear from.

Mission

To have a community full of people who are ambitious and able to sustain themselves socially, cognitively and economically through local approach

Vision

Building a resilient community for generations

Core Values

- Inclusivity - Empowerment - Collaboration - Integrity - Innovation - Sustainability - Resilience - Leadership

Business Start-ups and Development

ICR equips youth and women with business skills, mentorship, and market access. The program strengthens local enterprises and promotes economic self-reliance. It drives job creation and sustainable community growth.

Climate Change & Adaptation

ICR supports communities to cope with climate impacts through local solutions. It promotes climate-smart agriculture and sustainable resource use. The program builds resilience and protects livelihoods.

Career Coaching & Mentoring

Through its Life Skills & Mentorship program, ICR provides comprehensive support to individuals aiming to advance their careers. Services include: Self-esteem and confidence building, Financial literacy education, Communication and leadership training, Goal setting and motivation strategies

Experiential Learning

ICR emphasizes experiential learning by integrating practical activities into its programs. Participants engage in real-life projects that enhance their skills and contribute to community development, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Vocational Training

ICR's training programs are designed to equip individuals with practical skills that promote economic independence. Areas of focus include: Tailoring & Fashion Design, Carpentry and Joinery, Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy etc

Community Immersion

ICR fosters deep community engagement by encouraging participants to lead service initiatives, mentor peers, and advocate for social change. This immersion cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility, driving sustainable development from within the community.

Volunteering

Volunteers at ICR engage in impactful activities such as mentoring youth, facilitating training sessions, and contributing to storytelling initiatives. Whether on-site in Nangwe or virtually.

Internship

ICR offers dynamic internship programs that immerse participants in real-world projects across various sectors, including vocational training, digital literacy, and community development.

Safari Excursion

While ICR's primary focus is on community development, it recognizes the value of cultural exchange. Participants have opportunities to engage with Uganda's rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's diversity and traditions.

When we launched the Initiative for Community Resilience (ICR) in 2023, we started with a simple but bold idea: What if young people in underserved communities were given the same tools, mentorship, and opportunities as those in global innovation hubs? Could they rise to meet the future? Could they lead? Over a year later, I can say with certainty: yes, they can and they are. Since then, ICR has: Trained over 23 students in STEM.E across five districts, Engaged 30+ volunteers and tutors from across Uganda, Kenya, Canada, and the UK, And supported young professionals like Peter, who now leads one of our youth programs after starting as an intern. Our strength lies in our partnerships, local and global. We are grateful to every volunteer, sponsor, intern, and organization that has walked this journey with us. “We are locally rooted, but globally connected. And that, I believe, is where transformation begins.”

Geoffrey Bwireh

Executive Director

In early 2024, I joined the Initiative for Community Resilience (ICR) as a volunteer STEM.E tutor, driven by a passion for education and innovation. I led coding and robotics workshops in Busia, where many students used computers for the first time. Within weeks, they were confidently programming and building robotic models. A memorable moment was when a group of girls presented a solar-powered irrigation system at a local science fair reflecting ICR’s values of empowerment, innovation, and leadership. ICR also involved me in program planning and connected me with educators and global partners, which strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to using technology for social good. Volunteering with ICR wasn’t just about giving back it was about learning, growing, and contributing to a mission-driven, inclusive community that is creating real change in Uganda.

Adeti Gloria Bwire Jeanyre

Volunteer ICR

In 2024, I interned with the Initiative for Community Resilience (ICR) as an ICT & Community Engagement Intern while pursuing a degree in Information Systems. I was eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful community development. During my time at ICR, I helped organize digital literacy workshops in rural schools, maintained digital tools, and documented success stories from the STEM.E program. These tasks allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in real-world settings. ICR’s supportive team mentored me throughout the internship, helping me strengthen my technical, communication, and leadership skills. I also gained valuable insights into community-driven innovation and development. This experience boosted my confidence and deepened my interest in using technology for social impact. ICR gave me more than an internship—it gave me purpose, growth, and a strong foundation for my future career.

Peter M. Sifudu

Graduate Trainee- ICT and Innovations

I'm Martha Nakatte, and my internship with the Initiative for Community Resilience (ICR) was a true launchpad for both personal and professional growth. ICR’s unique approach—blending mentorship, career coaching, and hands-on entrepreneurship training—taught me not just what to do, but how to think innovatively and lead with purpose. With guidance from seasoned mentors like Bwireh Geoffrey, I gained clarity in goal-setting, personal branding, and strategic thinking. I learned to pitch ideas, solve real-world problems, and approach challenges with confidence and resilience. The experience aligned perfectly with ICR’s mission to nurture self-sustaining communities and its values of leadership, empowerment, and innovation. Today, I apply those lessons in Poland, where I contribute ideas that uplift both my workplace and community. ICR didn’t just shape my resume—it shaped my mindset, giving me tools to thrive and lead. I remain deeply grateful for the foundation it provided.

Martha Nakatte

Graduate Trainee

I'm Evans Arinaitwe, and interning with the Initiative for Community Resilience (ICR) was a transformative experience. Aligned with ICR’s mission to build resilient communities through critical skills and professional development, I contributed to STEM and entrepreneurship programs in rural Uganda. Highlights included supporting STEM education for girls in Buhweju District and mentoring youth in income-generating projects like poultry and beekeeping. These initiatives fostered confidence, problem-solving, and sustainability among youth. I also co-founded a youth-led association to support vulnerable urban children with food and clothing. ICR’s inclusive, empowering, and innovative environment not only shaped my leadership and technical skills but reinforced my commitment to community development. Today, I apply those lessons in my role at Interswitch East Africa, driving financial inclusion in Northern Uganda. ICR truly embodies its values—collaboration, resilience, and impact—and I highly recommend it to anyone passionate about making a meaningful difference.

Evans Arinaitwe

Graduate Trainee

In 2023, I joined the Initiative for Community Resilience (ICR) as a graduate trainee under its transformative program aimed at grooming fresh graduates into future leaders. With a Bachelor's in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, I was welcomed into a dynamic, collaborative environment where I rotated across departments, received hands-on training, and participated in workshops aligned with ICR’s mission of building resilient, self-sustaining communities. Through mentorship, teamwork, and real-world projects, I honed my communication, adaptability, and technical skills. This experience not only deepened my understanding of professional life but also reshaped how I engage with community and work environments. ICR’s inclusive and empowering model has had a lasting impact on me—and I’m confident it will continue to uplift many more youths across Busia district and beyond.