Location: Kyegera, Uganda
Innovation Talent Academy (ITA) is a youth-led nonprofit organization founded in 2020, dedicated to empowering marginalized youth, particularly in refugee communities. ITA focuses on vocational and entrepreneurship skills, education, and livelihood support, targeting young refugees, people with disabilities, single mothers, and others facing adversity. The organization fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment, aiming to build resilient individuals who can overcome challenges and contribute positively to society.
ITA’s flagship initiative, “OPEN MIC (Speak your mind, Find your peace),” addresses post-traumatic stress, stigma, and limited access to mental health services among youth in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. The project organizes regular open mic sessions in community centers, schools, and youth-friendly spaces, allowing young refugees to share experiences, poems, songs, and dramas in a safe environment. Experienced mentors, including mental health professionals and community leaders, provide guidance and support.
Through creative expression and mentorship, ITA empowers youth to speak openly about mental health, reduces stigma, and fosters a supportive, inclusive, and resilient community where young refugees can access the help they need.