Before establishing her secondary school in 2022, CIYOTA ran a secondary scholarship program in 2008. In this program, 100 refugee students were selected and taken out of refugee camps to Hoima town to access quality education in three CIYOTA partner secondary schools. CIYOTA has also partnered with institutions such as the African Leadership Academy and Cornerstone Leadership Academy to provide scholarship opportunities for its potential secondary school students.
Using the primary school model, CIYOTA started its low-cost Secondary School in January 2022 to reach more refugee and host community students across Uganda. The school began with 148 students and 13 teaching staff. Currently, it has an enrolment of 697 students (244 girls and 363 boys) with a teaching staff of 33.
The school provides children access to technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and conflict resolution skills. CIYOTA ensures continued access to quality education for deserving refugee students by identifying talented boys and girls from various camps and preparing them for secondary school.
CIYOTA Secondary School follows the Ugandan curriculum and offers both Ordinary ("O") and Advanced ("A") levels. Additionally, CIYOTA's specialised leadership and entrepreneurship training benefits students, equipping them to innovate and create community-based solutions.
CIYOTA students consistently excel academically and start enterprises in their communities, demonstrating strong leadership and entrepreneurial abilities. Many secure competitive scholarships at prestigious institutions, showcasing their readiness for higher education and global opportunities. They are also recognised for their expertise in conflict resolution and technological skills, making them well-rounded community leaders.
Students also develop essential life skills through sports and other activities, preparing them to adapt to challenging environments.
CIYOTA is implementing its Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum in partnership with the Uganda Education Consortium Management Unit (CMU)/Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRPII), funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW). This initiative enhances secondary education in the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement and host communities by improving access to inclusive, high-quality education and strengthening service delivery. As part of this program, CIYOTA organises students into clubs comprising 30 members. Through these initiatives, CIYOTA empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to become community leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. The following clubs receive comprehensive support, including:
Providing financial support to kickstart entrepreneurial projects and ventures created by student clubs.
Providing essential materials and support to ensure student well-being and security throughout their education.
Comprehensive leadership and entrepreneurship manuals for structured learning experiences.
Student exhibitions and award ceremonies to recognize achievements and showcase innovations.
Entrepreneurial Leadership sessions to develop innovation and problem-solving skills.
Practical study tours and workshops for hands-on learning and real-world exposure.
CIYOTA, in partnership with War Child Canada, is implementing a five-year BRIDGE project that began in 2022 across three Accelerated Education Program (AEP) centres. The project aims to support learners who have lost valuable school time due to conflicts in their home countries and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through a two-year accelerated education curriculum, the program enables 450 students to resume and complete lower secondary education annually, equipping them with the tools for academic success and a brighter future.
CIYOTA was born out of a shared passion: soccer. In 2005, its founding members first connected through the sport, and this shared experience sparked the idea of creating opportunities for fellow displaced youth. What began on the soccer field has grown into a movement that continues to harness the power of sports and extracurricular activities to empower young people. Today, CIYOTA actively supports sports and talent-building activities in and out of school, recognising their vital role in personal development, community cohesion, and long-term transformation.
Through sports and talent development, CIYOTA continues to nurture future leaders—building stronger, more cohesive communities, one game at a time.
Nurturing Talents Beyond the Classroom
As part of our educational and community engagement programs, CIYOTA provides diverse extracurricular opportunities to children and youth in schools. These activities support talent development and promote teamwork, leadership, and creative thinking. In-school programs include:
These clubs create an inclusive environment where youth can explore their interests and unlock their full potential.
Sports as a Tool for Unity and Transformation
Beyond the classroom, CIYOTA leverages the power of sports to bring together displaced and host community youth. In areas once marked by division, sports serve as a unifying force and a platform for healing, collaboration, and growth.
Through organised football and volleyball clubs and athletics competitions, CIYOTA promotes physical health and creates pathways for young people to pursue careers in sports both locally and internationally.
Our out-of-school initiatives help shift mindsets, inspiring youth to channel their energy into personal development while learning the values of coexistence, resilience, and teamwork.