Local leaders in Imvepi Refugee Settlement, Terego District, have commended the efforts of religious leaders and the Host Welfare Organisation (HWO) for introducing hand-skills training that is improving livelihoods for both refugees and host communities.
The praise came during a massive gathering organized by HWO, a faith-based organization, held on Saturday, 13 September 2025 at Imvepi Boma Ground.
The event attracted thousands of people, including representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), local authorities, landlords, and church leaders.
Thomas Okiria, the UNHCR representative, applauded HWO for constructing a modern skills training centre in the settlement and for equipping both refugees and locals with practical skills that can transform their lives.
CUE // Thomas on Skill //
Victory Vigoga, the LC1 Chairperson of Lubari, said the Gospel work being carried out by religious leaders in the settlement has strengthened peaceful co-existence between refugees and host communities.
CUE // Victory on Skills //
Denis Olila, the District Settlement Commander (DSC) of Imvepi in the Office of the Prime Minister, appealed to local landlords to continue signing agreements when giving land for refugee use, to avoid conflicts and promote harmony.
CUE // Denis on Skills //
Rev. Jacob Karaba of Mijungona Church expressed gratitude to HWO for supporting religious leaders in spreading the Gospel, saying it has created an environment where both communities live together in peace.
CUE // Jacob on Skills //
Elder Abel Kuang, a visiting church elder from the United States, urged both refugees and hosts to be “smart in mind” and accept Jesus Christ, promising that true joy flows from faith.
CUE // Abel on Skills //
Pastor Samuel Taban of the South Sudan Pentecostal Church prayed for peace to return to South Sudan so that refugees could one day return home safely.
CUE // Taban on Skills //
Bonnie Wen of Host Welfare Organisation explained that the vocational skills being offered—such as liquid soap making, carpentry, hairdressing, and modern farming—are greatly transforming lives. She noted that many beneficiaries are now able to support their families and contribute positively to the community.
CUE // Bonnie on Skills //
One of the trainees, Rose Nyoka, a 23-year-old refugee from Yei, South Sudan, said the liquid soap-making course has given her hope for the future.
“Before, I only depended on food aid, but now I can make liquid soap and sell it in the market. This training has helped me support myself and my younger siblings,” she said with a smile.
Imvepi Refugee Settlement was established in February 2017 to receive South Sudanese fleeing civil war. It now hosts about 70,200 refugees, mostly from South Sudan, and consists of more than 20,000 households.
Children under 18 make up nearly 60% of the population, while the surrounding host community has about 45,300 people in Odupi Sub-County.
BY: Anwangkani Franco - Dailywestnile.info
