Results

LIBRARIES:
FORGE has built and updated libraries in 4 refugee camps. The Meheba Friendly Library in Meheba Refugee Settlement, Zambia, has over 20,000 books and is considered the largest library in any refugee camp in the world. FORGE libraries serve over 60,000 people and receive tens of thousands of visitors every year.

COMPUTER TRAINING CENTERS:
FORGE has built, equipped, and operated computer training centers in 4 refugee camps. The Laboratoire Informatique Safari in Mwange Refugee Camp, Zambia, is equipped with 10 solar-powered laptops designed for rural settings. FORGE computer centers have trained over 3500 people.


Health

HEALTH EDUCATION & ACCESS SERVICES:

FORGE educates refugees on topics ranging from disease prevention to maternal health. HIV/AIDS education is a significant focus of FORGE’s health initiatives. FORGE services also help refugees access existing health care services in camps. These services reach over 10,000 individuals annually.

PRESCHOOL FACILITIES:
FORGE has built and currently operates 3 preschools. It has also restored 4 existing preschools. In total, these preschools provide early childhood education to more than 500 refugee children per year who otherwise have no opportunity to attend school.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT & SAFETY:

FORGE has run 3 Women’s Centers and has created 4 Friendly Corners facilities, reaching about 1,500 women annually. These centers have given shelter to victims of domestic violence, provided women with valuable job skills, and provided relevant information on women’s rights and proactive methods for achieving gender equality.

Women

REPATRIATION CENTERS:
FORGE has established 2 repatriation centers that provide accurate, up-to-date, and myth-dispelling information to refugees who are considering returning home to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Centers also hold workshops in community development, non-violent communication, and business education, and have served thousands of refugees so far.

REFUGEE RIGHTS:
FORGE established the first refugee-run, camp-based refugee advocacy program in Southern Africa. This Refugee Advocacy Initiative helped an average of 140 refugees a month navigate the UN system and access the services promised to them under refugee law.

ADULT EDUCATION:
FORGE has run two adult education programs that focus on endowing adults with the skills they will need when they repatriate. One teaches adults English, and the other taught adults skills in handwriting, letter writing, and resume writing. About 650 adults participate in these programs annually.

ARTS & MUSIC PROGRAMS:
FORGE has operated several community-building arts and music programs designed to help combat post-traumatic stress disorder and ease the psychological stress of being a refugee. The Meheba Creative Arts Center (MCAC) has served the children of the refugee community through its arts-based Playspace program, reaching 60 children per month. Our Music Education Programs have trained over 200 refugees in various subjects including guitar, keyboard, piano, recorder, and musical theory.

Art

MICROFINANCE:
The FORGE Microfinance Institute (FMI) has provided small loans to over 200 refugees, extending them the ability to generate sustainable income. FORGE also runs two agricultural loan projects, that provide subsidized seeds and fertilizer to around 30 farmers each year. These farmers also receive agricultural and business training, so that they can be as successful as possible.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY:
The FORGE Education Fund provides secondary and post-secondary scholarships to promising refugee youth who could otherwise not afford formal schooling. We have provided scholarships to 21 students for secondary school and 9 students for University and vocational school.