Participant Introduction – Richard(Uganda)

“My Motivation is to live and work together for self-development as refugees.”

Richard Tumwesigye is a project manager of the St. Patrick’s Refugee Center in the Kyanwali Resettlement Kikuube District, a major project by SPACID. This center hosts refugees from neighboring war-torn countries such as South Sudan, DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, with many faiths, nationalities, and languages. The center lacks external support and insufficient physical resources, but Richard keeps a positive environment full of service and love for center residents.

Richard manages multiple projects and activities, such as dairy cows for regular milk sources, meat from goats and rabbits, and eggs from poultry raising. In addition, he involves the refugees in daily labor so they can build dignity and self-respect and improve their incomes.

At ARI, Richard aims to acquire more skills in local leadership and how to manage different projects. In addition, he would like to learn more about fish farming, piggery, and poultry farming.

Sending Organization          

The mission of St. Patrick’s Center for Integral Development (SPACID) is to nurture and train refugees in organic farming skills. In their Kyangwali Resettlement Kikuube District, where Richard works, they host over 125,000 refugees across 40 acres. 

SPACID hopes that, after ARI, Richard can work with resettled refugees to build their self-confidence and create sustainable ways of living.

Men's Dormitory & Guest House

Participants and volunteers live in separate dormitories for men and women. The dormitory includes shared lounges, kitchens, showers, and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is not available.

Poultry House

The poultry facilities include free-range chicken coops and a brooding house. More than 400 chickens are raised, producing over 80,000 eggs and approximately one ton of chicken meat each year.

Pig Pen

Participants learn a variety of pig farming techniques through hands-on practice. Both deep-litter and concrete-floor systems are used, and manure is recycled into biogas and fertilizer.

Goat House

Goat milk (over 200 liters annually) and meat are used for food, while manure is used as fertilizer. During the day, the goats roam freely in the pasture.

Forest

The forests surrounding the campus are managed through selective thinning for firewood and charcoal production. Leaves and other organic materials are collected for use in agriculture.

Fields

On 2.5 hectares of farmland, approximately 100 varieties of vegetables and crops are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The entire community helps manage the fields as part of its commitment to learning and self-sufficiency.

Rice Paddies

Rice is cultivated in paddies both on and off campus. Various organic rice-growing methods are studied and practiced, including weed control and fertilization using ducks.

Workshop

The workshop is a space for repair and recycling activities. It contains machinery, welding equipment, woodworking tools, and a variety of materials.

Feed Mixing Room

Livestock feed is produced here using both manual and mechanical methods. Continuous efforts are made to improve feed quality and sustainability.

Administration Building

The first floor houses the reception area and administrative offices, while the second floor contains staff offices and the Director’s office. The Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room) is located adjacent to the building.

ARI Shop

The shop offers ARI-grown produce, processed foods, books, and handicrafts from the home countries of ARI graduates.

Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room)

The facility serves as the hub of agricultural activities at ARI. It includes classrooms, storage for tools and farming materials, and facilities for drying and storing crops.

Oikos Chapel

Originally a 100-year-old traditional farmhouse, the chapel has been renovated into a place of worship. Daily morning gatherings are held here, along with meditation, dialogue sessions, gospel choir practice, and other community activities. Oikos is a Greek word meaning “home.”

Manna House (Food Processing Room)

This facility is used for producing and storing processed foods such as cookies and jam. The ground floor also contains a poultry processing facility.

Fish Ponds

Fish are raised for both food and agricultural purposes.

クリスマス・ウィンターキャンペーン 2025
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