Tell: (+256)772 888599 | Email: info@fichuganda.org | Location: Karacel Community Development Center, Akongatar-Iceme, Oyam, Northern Uganda.
The journey began in 2010. In the aftermath of the LRA war in Northern Uganda, the Foundation for Inclusive Community Help (FICH) stepped in to support girls whose lives and educations had been fractured by conflict. What started as a localised support system has evolved into a strategic partnership with schools across the Oyam District, with Everest High School emerging as a cornerstone of this initiative. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, Everest High School has become “part and parcel” of FICH’s vision.
Since 2014, FICH partnered with Everest HS to promote and empower girl child education through Rising Star Mentorship, conflict-affected girls and LEAD Discovery Bootcamp. All reaching over 700 girls from Everest.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to learners worldwide. In 2023, recognizing that traditional weekly mentorship wasn’t enough to bridge the post-pandemic gap, FICH transitioned to a new model: the LEAD Discovery Bootcamp.
This 10–14 day residential program was designed to immerse students in a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) framework. Among the first cohort of 120 girls recruited, 40 were from Everest High School. The bootcamp moved beyond the classroom, focusing on “learning, unlearning, and relearning”-a process vital for personal growth.
The success of the bootcamp was bolstered by a unique international collaboration: U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers, spearheaded by Greg Ripke.
The volunteers embraced the life skills program with enthusiasm, drawing on practices from the U.S to advance their work in the United States. As Emmy Zoomlamai Okello, Executive Director of FICH, noted: “Our girls are benefiting from diverse approaches. Having facilitators from different global communities, alongside role model sessions with prominent private, social and public leaders, provides a holistic experience that is both memorable and life-long learning for personal and community thriving.”
THE IMPACT
The impact is visible in the testimonies of the participants. One Senior Two student from Everest HS remarked that the FICH discovery Bootcamp helped her “dream more than even our parents dreamed for us,” while community leaders observe that the “Lead girls” possess a newfound confidence that stays with them long after they leave the school gates. While focusing on developing life skills such as self-awareness, problem-solving, communication, business and entrepreneurship skills, among others, FICH and Everest High School are creating a future where the girls of Oyam and northern Uganda are not just educated, but empowered to lead.
BOOTCAMP BY THE NUMBERS:
- Over 2040 Total Girls mentored.
- 700 Students from Everest High School.
- Each girl spent 2 years of mentorship.
- Focus: Self-awareness, Teamwork, Volunteerism, Empathy, Problem Solving, Mindfulness, Business & Entrepreneurship and Leadership skills, among others.
REACTION
“The Lead girls have never been the same; the skills they’ve gained stay with them long after they leave the school gates.” — Fiona Tali, a Mentor Teacher, Everest High School
“Now that you are here, ensure that you are transformed. Girls are very fragile, please focus on studies first, and everything else can wait” — Patricia Okodi, Director, Everest High School
Over the years, through various interventions. FICH reached more than 700 girls from Everest High School alone from 2014 to date.
BE PART OF THE DISCOVERY
Help us reach the next cohort of 120 leaders.
- Sponsor a Girl: Cover the cost of a 14-day residential bootcamp.
- Mentor: Share your journey as a role model.
- Partner: Align your organisation with our mission.
Contact us: info@fichuganda.org | www.fichuganda.org | Oyam District, Uganda
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