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The Genesis of CIYOTA

CIYOTA was established by a group of young refugees in December 2005 who had arrived in the Kyangwali refugee settlement, South Western Uganda. Our founders arrived in Kyangwali from Congo (DRC), Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda and Sudan along with thousands of refugees fleeing violence and conflict and hardship in their home countries. What began as an inclusive youth-led club set to protect and improve the lives of the most vulnerable in their midst, CIYOTA has now become a source and model of educational excellence, not just for conflict-affected African refugees and internally displaced persons, but also for host communities. CIYOTA recognizes the power of education as a pathway out of poverty, as well as a means to heal conflict, create social cohesion, and spur economic growth.

December 2005

Young refugees founding CIYOTA
  • CIYOTA was founded in Hoima city, Uganda by visionary youth leaders.
  • Early meetings with religious and local community leaders shared CIYOTA's vision and mission.
  • Formation of the Kyangwali Branch Leadership and mobilization of youth to join the vision
  • Establishment of CIYOTA farms to grow rice, beans, maize, and other crops to support educational programs.
CIYOTA founders meeting Youth mobilization activities CIYOTA farm establishment

2006-2008

Construction of COBURWAS Learning Center
  • Construction of the COBURWAS Learning Center (CLC): This later evolved into COBURWAS Primary School, marking the start of CIYOTA's educational infrastructure.
  • A tutoring program was set up to help primary and secondary students, especially refugees, catch up on arts and science subjects.

2008

CIYOTA Hoima Hostels opening
  • CIYOTA Hoima Hostels: CIYOTA opened its first hostels after the successful completion of the tutoring program and PLE exams by 52 students. The Hostels were a home away from home by students who traveled from various refugee settlements in South West Uganda to access quality secondary education outside the settlements.
  • CIYOTA sent its first students to the African Leadership Academy (ALA), opening up broader education opportunities for youth.
hostel Hostel Hostel

2009

CIYOTA first Primary School
  • CIYOTA established its first Primary School, starting with less than 40 children, mainly orphans.
  • CIYOTA formally registered as a non-profit organisation in Uganda.
  • CIYOTA also expanded to the DRC, forming branches in Goma, Bunagana, Rutshuru Center, Masisi, and Bukavu.
primary-kids branch Hostel

2010

CIYOTA coordination office in Kampala
  • CIYOTA received its first funding from the Global Fund for Children.
  • Opened its first coordination office in Buziga, Kampala, Uganda

2011

  • CIYOTA student Furaha Antoinette won the Anzisha Prize, putting CIYOTA on the map as a leader in refugee youth education.

2012

  • CIYOTA registered as a 501(c)(3) organisation in the state of Colorado, USA, enabling better access to international support.

2013

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Partnership
  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars program Partnership: CIYOTA partnered with African Leadership Academy (ALA) and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program to send students to universities.
  • Received funding from the 50 Cent Foundation to support CIYOTA Hostels.
  • CIYOTA wins its first Echoing Green Award, recognizing the organisation's innovative approach.

2014

  • CIYOTA organized an International Youth Focus on Africa (IYFA) conference gathering youths from DRCongo, Kenya, Uganda among others.

2015

  • CIYOTA's primary school produced its first-ever PLE candidates. The primary school was recognized as a model of education excellence by Ashoka East Africa.

2016

  • CIYOTA formed new partnerships to expand its work and launched the CIYOTA Community Training Center in Bunagana, offering entrepreneurial leadership and vocational skills to the youth.

2017

UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award recognition
  • CIYOTA celebrated 10 years of service with UNHCR, reaching the final stage of the Nansen Refugee Award.
  • The first cohort of CIYOTA Mastercard Foundation Scholars program graduated from various universities.
univ branch

2018

  • CIYOTA established the Think Africa Program, a two-year university bridging initiative designed to support students' transition into higher education.

2020

Online learning during COVID-19 pandemic
  • Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, CIYOTA introduced online home learning to ensure continuity in education.

2021

  • CIYOTA was officially registered as a Non Governmental organisation in DRC.
  • The first pioneers of CIYOTA's pre-primary school program graduated from high school.

2022

CIYOTA Secondary School launch in Kyangwali
  • CIYOTA has officially launched its Secondary School in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, providing quality education to 148 students in its inaugural class. This milestone marks a significant step in expanding access to education for refugee youth, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed for a brighter future.

2023

  • CIYOTA celebrated the best of her own CIYOTA Senior 4 (S.4) exam results in the district, marking a significant academic achievement.

2024

  • CIYOTA was honored with the Gene Dewey Award, further cementing its role as a leader in refugee education and empowerment.
20
Years of Existence
6,345
ECD & Primary Education
2,317
Secondary Education
1.2M+
Lives Transformed