In this powerful episode of "UnMasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan" on the World's Mayor Experience platform, we delve into the extraordinary story of Jonathan Ngangura and his transformative initiative, Gosoapy, in Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp.

A Journey of Resilience

Jonathan Ngangura's story is one of incredible resilience and hope. In 2012, at just 13 years old, Jonathan fled his home in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to political conflict that claimed the lives of his entire family. Alone and scared, he found refuge in Uganda's Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp, home to over 144,000 refugees from seven different backgrounds.

Life in Nakivale was far from easy. With limited access to job opportunities, education, health services, and food, refugees face immense challenges. The UNHCR provides a mere 4 USD per month per refugee for food, medication, and transport, leading to severe social and economic problems. Jonathan himself experienced this hardship firsthand, tragically losing his wife and baby in 2024 due to poor medical treatment.

The Birth of Gosoapy

Despite these overwhelming obstacles, Jonathan refused to give up. He discovered his passion for art and social entrepreneurship, using these skills to become a community artivist. In 2020, Jonathan founded Gosoapy, a social enterprise built inside the refugee camp by refugees themselves.

Gosoapy's Origin Story

If Gosoapy were a superhero, its origin story would be one of transformation and empowerment. Jonathan paints a vivid picture of Akello, a refugee who discovers a glowing soapstone that grants her extraordinary powers. With the ability to manipulate resources, deliver education blasts, and heal with a touch, Akello becomes Gosoapy, a beacon of hope in the fight against refugee challenges.

From Struggle to Success: A Before and After Story

The impact of Gosoapy is nothing short of remarkable. Before its intervention, Nakivale Camp struggled with limited access to education, healthcare, and resources. Today, the camp boasts a thriving school, healthcare center, and resource hub, empowering over 500 refugees and demonstrating the incredible potential of community-driven solutions.

Soap: A Secret Weapon for Empowerment

Gosoapy's ingenious approach turns soap-making into a powerful tool for refugee empowerment. By providing women with a sustainable income source, the initiative promotes economic independence, fosters community bonds, and helps refugees rebuild their lives with dignity.

Unexpected Skills and Innovations

The camp is a hotbed of untapped potential and surprising skills. Jonathan reveals that many refugees possess remarkable coding and app development talents, which could revolutionize their future in the global digital economy. He shares an inspiring anecdote about Grace, a refugee who created a solar-powered water purification system using locally sourced materials, showcasing the ingenuity present within the community.

Gosoapy's Growth and Vision

In 2023, Gosoapy registered as a group of companies, including Gosoapy Academy, which aims to skill and educate refugees through tailoring, craft, soap making, agriculture, financial literacy, and basketry. The initiative has supported 1,000 orphans to go to school at the camp, with a vision to establish a dedicated school for these children.

Looking to the Future

Jonathan envisions a bright future for Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp. In ten years, he sees it transformed into a thriving, self-sustaining community where refugees have become entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders. Gosoapy's mission will have empowered refugees to drive their own development, creating a model of resilience and hope that inspires replication worldwide.

How You Can Help

Jonathan's work through Gosoapy is making a significant impact, but there's still much to be done. Here are ways you can support Jonathan Ngangura and Gosoapy:

• Donate through international bank transfer (details provided)

Bank Name: CENTENARY BANK , Country : Uganda

Bank Address: MAPERA HOUSE KAMPALA -ROAD, P.O BOX :1892 KAMPALA

SWIFT Code: CERBUGKA, Account No.: 3203552541

Account holder: JONAS NGANGURA, Phon number : +256774467870

• Contribute via PayPal  Mpetrakis81@gmail.com
• Send support through Western Union
• Use WorldRemit for mobile money transfer Names ( JONAS NGANGURA ) , Country ( UGANDA) city ( Kampala, NUMBER PHONE 00256774467870 MTN UGANDA , OPTION TO SEND * MOBILE MONEY MTN UGANDA

Your donations will help expand agricultural projects, establish a soap-making factory, build a community center, and support women and youth empowerment programs.

Conclusion

Jonathan Ngangura's journey from a young refugee to a visionary social entrepreneur is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and thrive. Through Gosoapy, he's not only transforming lives but also challenging perceptions about refugee camps and their inhabitants. As we unmask the humanity in these stories, we're reminded of the incredible impact that can be achieved when we empower those who have been displaced to become the architects of their own futures.

To learn more or get in touch with Jonathan, visit his LinkedIn profile or contact him directly at ngangurajonathan32@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at +256774467870.

Join us in supporting Jonathan's vision and help empower refugees at Nakivale Camp. Together, we can turn soap into hope and create lasting change.

Other articles:

RESPONSE TO HELP JONATHAN NGANGURA AT NAKIVALE REFUGEE SETTLEMENT CAMP

GoSoapy — A social enterprise built by refugees, for refugees.