Pathways to Self-Reliance

Our Programs & Initiatives

Training women and girls through Photography and Storytelling so they can reclaim their voices, gain leadership, and build media careers.

Pathways for Learning & Opportunity

Explore the key programs through which RFS supports women and girls in Bidi-Bidi Settlement with skills, equipment, health, and economic access.

RFS Train the Trainer workshop session in Bidi-Bidi

Train the Trainer

Empowering top graduates to become instructors and train subsequent cohorts of women and girls.

Identifies 6 peer trainers per cohort
Scales impact to 20+ new participants each cycle
Builds local pedagogical and leadership capacity
Provides paid stipend opportunities for trainers
Bidi-Bidi ProgramLearn more
RFS storytelling and photography training in Bidi-Bidi

Storytelling & Photography

Foundational training combining narrative writing, public speaking, and ethical photography.

3-month structured curriculum
Ethical storytelling & photography ethics
Public speaking & advocacy training
Full participant copyright ownership
Bidi-Bidi ProgramLearn more
RFS Photojournalism student documenting community events in Bidi-Bidi
Partner: SliFilm Media
1 Year• Certificate in Photojournalism

Photo Journalism

A rigorous 1-year program in partnership with SliFilm Media aligned with the Uganda Journalism Curriculum.

1-year deep dive into investigative journalism
Aligned with official Uganda Journalism Curriculum
Accredited Certificate in Photojournalism upon graduation
Direct connections to news outlets and media assignments
Bidi-Bidi ProgramLearn more
RFS participant engaged in sustainable craft and community economic activity

Job Creation & Economic Empowerment

Bridging the gap between education and sustainable income through paid assignments and media work.

80% job creation rate in Media and Leadership
Direct contract matching with partner NGOs
Fair pay & freelance portfolio support
Bridging education to self-reliance
Bidi-Bidi ProgramLearn more
CouldYou Menstrual cup distribution and awareness workshop in Bidi-Bidi
Partner: CouldYou?

Menstrual Health / Menstrual Cup Program

Distributing eco-friendly reusable CouldYou Menstrual cups via VSLA repayment models for 10 years of dignity.

Over 500 cups distributed across Bidi-Bidi settlement
10 years of dignity per reusable cup
US certified & eco-friendly (no soap/drying needed)
VSLA Repayment model for sustainable community distribution
Bidi-Bidi ProgramLearn more
Coming Soon • Refugee AI Program

Sep AI Programming

The first AI digital safety program built by refugees in Bidi-Bidi to combat online scams.

First AI program built by refugees in Bidi-Bidi
Digital safety & scam detection training
AI literacy for online employment preparation
Status: Coming Soon
Bidi-Bidi ProgramLearn more

Beyond a Workshop: The 4-Phase Journey

A structured progression taking participants from narrative building to professional digital presence and sustainable employment.

Phase 1: Listening & Understanding Storytelling
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Listening & Understanding Storytelling

Building Core Confidence & Voice

Participants start by listening to and sharing personal stories while learning storytelling concepts, structure, public speaking, and presentation skills.

Listening circles & peer story sharing
Public speaking & presentation training
Story structure & writing fundamentals
Building confidence in decision-making
Phase 2: Ethical Storytelling & Photography
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Ethical Storytelling & Photography

Hands-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.

Camera mechanics & framing basics
Ethical documentation & consent guidelines
Field photography assignments in Bidi-Bidi
Portfolio curation & image editing
Phase 3: Building Up Their Digital Presence
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Building Up Their Digital Presence

Professional 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.

LinkedIn & digital profile creation
Online portfolio site development
Self-branding & bio writing
Digital safety & safe online navigation
Phase 4: Mentorship & Employment Opportunities
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Mentorship & Employment Opportunities

Connecting 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.

1-on-1 mentor pairings
Paid freelance assignment connections
Media outlet placements & job links
Leadership development in local NGOs

Authentic Media Ownership

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.