Empowering Communities
for a Sustainable FutureResilient TomorrowBetter World
AYISD empowers refugee and host communities in Nakivale through environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, biochar innovation, and youth-led development programs — regardless of nationality, social status, race, or gender.
About AYISD
A refugee-led organization building resilient futures since 2021
Nakivale, Uganda
AYISD (African Youth Integrated for Socio-Economic Development), formerly KBTN, is a refugee-led community-based organization registered on February 15, 2021 in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Founded by Benedict Baraka and Mbilizi Kalombo, AYISD empowers refugee and host communities through environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, biochar innovation, and youth-led development programs — regardless of nationality, social status, race, or gender.
In 2023, AYISD was among the first cohort to win a UNHCR Refugee-Led Innovation Grant, a program designed to improve the lives of displaced people and communities. This funding supported our Seed Program and helped establish our work with youth within the settlement, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and livelihoods.
Today, AYISD operates four major programs — RED Biochar, Woodlot, NELIC Innovation Center, and Amsha Community Project — reaching over 600 households and planting more than 10,000 trees across the settlement.
Read Our Full StoryOur Mission
Founded in 2021 in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in southwestern Uganda, AYISD is a refugee-led and youth-led community organization committed to empowering young refugees to become active changemakers within their communities. Formerly known as KBTN ("Unity is Strength"), AYISD believes that young people are not merely beneficiaries of support, but powerful drivers of sustainable solutions and community transformation.
AYISD works to strengthen the resilience, leadership, and self-reliance of refugee youth through advocacy for quality education, sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation, climate action, sustainable agriculture, and holistic youth development. By equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, AYISD aims to build empowered communities capable of overcoming social, economic, and environmental challenges with dignity and innovation.
Our Team
Dedicated leaders driving change in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Benedict Baraka
President & CEO
Elizabeth Crosbie
Vice President
Claire Kelly
Secretary
Kalombo Mbilizi
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Our Projects
Community-based initiatives for impactful conservation and development
NELIC Innovation Center
The Nakivale Experiential Learning and Innovation Center (NELIC) is AYISD's flagship strategic initiative. Designed in collaboration with Dr. Mara Huber of the UB Experiential Learning Network, NELIC promotes youth engagement around Climate Action with a focus on Environmental Conservation, Agroforestry, and Community Technology — supporting PEARL projects, badges, and seed funding for youth-led innovations.
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Regenerative Ecosystem Development (RED)
Biochar production converging climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, and waste management for carbon sequestration of 3,750 CO2eq/year.
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Woodlot Project
Restoring degraded forests, woodlands, and wetlands. Supporting VSLA groups with agroforestry and sustainable land management practices.
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Amsha Community Project
Establishing vibrant green spaces supporting 500 refugee households and 100 Ugandan Nationals with community gardens and agro-inputs.
Learn MoreOur Resources
Knowledge and tools to empower communities and individuals
Online Courses
Self-paced learning modules on sustainable agriculture, biochar production, environmental conservation, and more.
Browse CoursesTraining Programs
Hands-on workshops and field training for youth, women, and community groups in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
View ProgramsReports
Impact reports, research findings, and documentation of our work in environmental conservation and community development.
Read ReportsOur Impact
Measurable outcomes from our work in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
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Trees Planted
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People Gained Skills
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Acres Restored
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Households Supported
Our Work in Action
Real moments from our programs and community activities
Community Agriculture Program
Agriculture
Sustainable Farming Training
Agriculture
Agricultural Innovation
Agriculture
Football Tournament
Sports
Sports Awards Ceremony
Sports
Youth Learning - Experimental Learning
Learning
Community Construction Project
Construction
Community Meeting Sessions
Meetings
AYISD Uganda Offices
Office
Watch Our Stories
Video highlights from our community programs and events
AYISD Football Tournament
Sports
AYISD RD Programme
Agriculture
Football Tournament Highlights
Sports
Our Partners
Collaborating with organizations that share our vision for empowered communities
"Shared load is always light"
- AYISD (formerly KBTN)
Support Our Mission
Together, we can build resilient communities that thrive in harmony with the environment. Your support helps us plant more trees, train more youth, and restore more land.
Get Involved