Period: June 2024 – November 2025
The second phase of the project commenced in June 2024 and successfully implemented a range of online and local activities involving partners from Uganda, Kenya, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The activities promoted intercultural learning, digital collaboration, peace building, global citizenship and values-based education among young people.
More than 100 Ugandan students and youth participated in online exchanges, values-based sessions and Living Peace activities. The project involved NASSO, Together for a New Africa (T4NA), St. Kizito Secondary School Bugolobi, teachers, youth, religious and Focolare Movement members.
Key Activities and Achievements
1. AFRESH Africa–Europe Student Exchange and Living Peace Programme
St. Kizito Secondary School represented Uganda in international online exchanges with students from Kenya, Italy and Portugal. Over 400 students participated in the 2024 school interaction. Students exchanged knowledge on culture, food, people and countries, and discussed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Uganda presenting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The 2025 exchange involved a new group of students who presented SDG 3 and SDG 4: Quality Education from the Ugandan perspective. The exchanges strengthened students’ confidence, communication skills, digital competence, cultural awareness and global citizenship.
2. Strategic Planning and Project Design Training.
NASSO staff and partners participated in online training organized by New Humanity of the Focolare Movement. The training strengthened skills in needs assessment, project design, logical frameworks, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation. It improved project planning, documentation, reporting, teamwork and evidence-based decision-making. Participants also gained practical experience in reviewing and improving ongoing projects.
3. T4NA Tree Planting and Environmental Awareness
NASSO collaborated with T4NA under the AFRESH project to conduct tree-planting and environmental awareness activities, encouraging young people and communities to take greater responsibility for environmental protection This activity was done in Jinja district and Bulamu seed school in Mityana
4. T4NA Summer School.
NASSO and T4NA participated in an online Summer School focused on team building, leadership, unity and social transformation in Africa. The training strengthened participants’ understanding of values-based leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, problem-solving and community development.
5. Run4Unity Activity
Approximately 40 adolescents and young people participated in a peace walk at the Focolare Centre, Mbuya. The activity promoted peace, unity, solidarity and social cohesion, encouraging young people to become active promoters of peace in their communities.
Overall Impact
The project created meaningful opportunities for young people to connect across Africa and Europe without the need for physical travel. It enhanced intercultural understanding, digital skills, confidence, leadership, and teamwork, peace-building and responsible global citizenship. It also strengthened collaboration between NASSO and its local and international partners.