Our refugee-led initiative drives job creation and community leadership for South Sudanese women and girls in Bidi-Bidi Refugee Settlement through ethical media, portfolio development, and global mentorship.
Girls & Women Reached
Jobs in Media/Leadership
Program Graduates
Authentic Narrative Ownership
RFS participants learn camera mechanics, narrative writing, and public speaking to document their own experiences in Bidi-Bidi Settlement.
RFS works directly in Bidi-Bidi Refugee Settlement in Yumbe District, Uganda—home to over 270,000 South Sudanese refugees across more than 64 ethnic groups, each with distinct cultural norms and beliefs.
In this environment, young women and girls (particularly those aged 18 to 22) face immense social and cultural barriers. Many are seen only through the lens of marriage rather than individual potential, leading to their exclusion from decision-making, education, and creative spaces.
Rise For Success was created to change this reality. By introducing photography and storytelling, we give young women the tools to express themselves, build self-reliance, and lead change in their communities.
Supporting young refugee women across 64+ ethnic groups with skills, tools, and mentorship.
A structured progression taking participants from narrative building to professional digital presence and sustainable employment.
01Building Core Confidence & Voice
Participants start by listening to and sharing personal stories while learning storytelling concepts, structure, public speaking, and presentation skills.
02Hands-on Camera & Fieldwork
Introduces camera equipment from basics to advanced shooting techniques. Participants capture moments, record authentic stories, and build their personal portfolios while retaining full copyright.
03Professional Portfolios & Online Sites
RFS supports participants in creating professional online profiles and personal portfolio sites (e.g., LinkedIn) to showcase their creative work to global audiences and potential employers.
04Connecting Beyond Bidi-Bidi
Participants are paired with experienced mentors across our global network to guide them beyond Bidi-Bidi, unlocking paid assignments, media gigs, and leadership roles.
Instead of outsiders coming into Bidi-Bidi to document and speak on behalf of these women and girls, RFS equips them with professional cameras and digital tools so they produce, tell, and own their own stories.
Rise For Success launched in 2024 with a pilot group of 20 participants. Today, our daily workshops (Monday to Wednesday) support over 100 active participants in Bidi-Bidi.
Young women empowered across Bidi-Bidi settlement since launch.
Participants completing our core 3-month and 1-year programs.
Graduates accessing paid assignments, media roles, and community leadership.
Enrolled in daily training sessions from Monday to Wednesday.
Distributed via VSLA groups to ensure 10 years of dignity per participant.
Intensive training series on cameras, journalism, and public speaking.
Explore the key programs through which RFS supports women and girls in Bidi-Bidi Settlement with skills, equipment, health, and economic access.
Empowering top graduates to become instructors and train subsequent cohorts of women and girls.
Foundational training combining narrative writing, public speaking, and ethical photography.
Partner: SliFilm MediaA rigorous 1-year program in partnership with SliFilm Media aligned with the Uganda Journalism Curriculum.
Bridging the gap between education and sustainable income through paid assignments and media work.
Partner: CouldYou?Distributing eco-friendly reusable CouldYou Menstrual cups via VSLA repayment models for 10 years of dignity.
The first AI digital safety program built by refugees in Bidi-Bidi to combat online scams.
Program Graduate & Community Leader
Participant at the first pilot in 2024
“I started listening to other women and girls’ stories when I was selected as a participant in 2024. I began building up my voice, and now I can speak clearly. My parents see me now as a leader, not a bride price.”
Partnership is central to the Rise For Success model.
We collaborate with NGOs working with women and girls, media organizations, and health equipment partners to amplify impact across Bidi-Bidi Settlement.
Collaborates with RFS on the 1-year Photojournalism curriculum, providing equipment access and issuing accredited Certificates in Photojournalism aligned with the Uganda Journalism Curriculum.
A NY-based non-profit scaling poverty solutions. Partners with RFS to distribute US-certified 'CouldYou Menstrual' cups to provide 10 years of dignity to women and girls across Bidi-Bidi.
We welcome NGOs, media outlets, and donors looking to collaborate in refugee empowerment.
Whether through direct donation, workshop sponsorship, mentorship, or organizational partnership, your support creates tangible, lasting impact in Bidi-Bidi Settlement.
Directly fund camera equipment, storytelling workshops, physical learning materials, and internet access for participants.
Become a workshop sponsor, volunteer your skills in global grant-writing, or mentor a program graduate beyond Bidi-Bidi.
Have questions about our non-profit registration, programs, or media partnerships? Reach out directly to our leadership team.