Two months ago, when we first stepped into the refugee settlements of West Nile to launch the EUTF Youth Art Competition, we were met with eager faces—some beaming with excitement, others hesitant, unsure if they belonged in this space of artistic expression.
The competition, part of the European Union Trust Fund’s support program for refugee settlements in Northern Uganda (SPRS-NU), invited young people aged 8 to 21 to create themed artworks centered on four critical pillars:
🎨 Environmental Protection
🎨 Leadership and Governance
🎨 Skill Development and Livelihood
🎨 Peace and Protection
For many, this was more than just a competition—it was a chance to be heard.
Art as a Language of Healing
In a quiet corner of one session, a boy named James, no older than 12, sat staring at his blank sheet. His fingers clenched around a pencil, his body stiff with hesitation. We encouraged him gently, but he didn’t speak—until another participant, a girl named Amina, nudged him and whispered, “Just draw what you feel.”
And he did.
Stroke by stroke, a powerful image emerged—a tree with broken branches but deep, unshaken roots. Later, James explained in a few soft words, “This is home. It’s broken, but we’re still here.”
For some young artists, this competition wasn’t just about skill; it was about survival. Many of them carry the invisible weight of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—their memories heavy, their emotions raw. We’ve witnessed moments where participants step away from their canvases, overwhelmed by emotion. We’ve seen others comfort them with quiet hugs, their silent solidarity speaking louder than words.
Beyond the Paint, a Resilient Spirit
Not everyone who picked up a brush did so with ease. Some battled self-doubt. Some had never had access to art materials before. Yet, despite everything, they showed up—with optimism, courage, and a hunger to express themselves.
Their stories remind us that art is not just about color and technique—it is a form of resistance, a vehicle for healing, and a tool for transformation.
Most of us may never fully understand the depth of their struggles, but one thing is certain—through creativity, these young people are reclaiming their voices. They are telling their own stories, in their own way, and asking the world to listen.
And so, we listen. We uplift. We create more spaces for expression. Because every brushstroke, every piece of artwork, is a step toward hope, healing, and a future they deserve.
Would love to hear your thoughts—what role do you think art plays in healing and empowerment? Let’s continue this conversation. 💬✨
As we deepen our engagement in Imvepi and Rhino settlement camps, we are inspired by the warm embrace of local leaders and key stakeholders who recognize the transformative power of art in these communities. In Bidi Bidi, where art has gained some ground, the need for technical support remains urgent to ensure that young people have the tools and guidance to fully develop their talents.
Our immersion in these settlements continues to underscore a pressing reality—too many young people on the margins lack access to the support and opportunities they deserve. Without safe spaces, mentorship, and creative expression, their potential remains untapped, and their voices unheard.
At Faces Up Uganda, we firmly believe that every young person has the right to be healthy, happy, creatively expressive, and empowered to reach their full potential. But realizing this vision requires collective effort—a shared commitment to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and valued.
This is why we do what we do.
Each brushstroke, each sketch, and each moment of artistic expression in these settlements is more than just art—it is an act of healing, resilience, and transformation. But we cannot do this alone.
We invite you to join us in this journey. Whether through partnerships, mentorship, advocacy, or financial support, your contribution can help expand access to arts education and rehabilitation for young people who need it most.
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Together, we can invest in the future of vulnerable young people and ensure that no talent goes unseen, no voice unheard, and no dream unrealized.