As Multipurpose Community Centre, we were greatly honored to host a special team from the Royal embassy of The kingdom of the kingdom of Netherlands at our facility in Nakivale Refugee Camp. The team was led by the embassy policy officer- Trade, Investment and Economic diplomacy whose major purpose was to visit the Youth Connect project that it has funded and implemented by AVSI. Along the embassy team, were representatives from International Labor Organization (ILO). This visit is part of the embassy’s diplomatic effort to promote financial resilience, economic development and cultural pluralism, to drive towards steadfast achievement of sustainable development goals in Uganda and Refugee communities in particular.

Part of the activities undertaken during this visit included; visiting small scale business startup exhibitions by young talented entrepreneurs, who some of them are former beneficiaries of MCC while others are current beneficiaries. Exhibitions included beverage processing & value addition, fast food businesses, bakery and tailoring among others. A group of young entrepreneurs exhibited exceptional agricultural skills that openly astonished, and mesmerized the visitors!: a one, JAT Mixed Farm, enlightened and explained how they have successfully carried out many agricultural activities such a poultry, piggery, aquaculture and agro-procesing amidst limited resources. With this kind presentation, the young founders of JAT Mixed Farm portrayed their unmatched resilience through adaptation, creativity and innovation: thanks to the Youth Connect Project. The visiting team expressed immense gratitude sighting that the original objective of starting MCC is being fulfilled.

The Dutch embassy team noted on the success of the MCC facility; stating that the fruits borne by the trainings are undeniable and relevant to building refugee financial muscle in Nakivale Refugee Camp hence cubbing down the dependence syndrome. The event was concluded with a high-end luncheon shared at the facility after which great insights were shared between different teams and donor representatives. The visiting teams affirmed their continuous commitment to promote lasting change through supporting life transforming projects in collaboration with partners.