Introduction

I have decided to create this Blog to journal during my time spent in Zambia as International Communications Manager with FORGE for my friends and family who may be interested in knowing what I am doing and seeing along the way. This journal will not only detail daily events but will also contain thoughts and ideas inspired by my day-to-day work and experiences.

Feel free to post any comments or questions that you may have!



Background on FORGE

FORGE ("Facilitating Opportunities for Refugee Growth and Empowerment") is a non-profit organization based in the US and an operating partner of the UN refugee agency which works with displaced communities in Africa. More specifically, FORGE works with refugees in Zambia and Botswana by investing in education through scholarships, economic self-sufficiency through microloans, and capacity building through community development projects. With these resources, refugees are able to rebuild their countries in a peaceful, sustainable way once they return.

Our organization believes that refugees are extremely capable, committed, and intelligent human beings who unfortunately lack access to resources that would otherwise enable them to reach their potential.

Whereas most non-profits have average overhead costs (costs related to operations) of 39%, FORGE’s overhead costs are under 4%. In addition, about 90% of FORGE’s 160 field staff are refugees themselves, which empowers the community to develop their own solutions, rather than impose answers upon them from the outside.

In the past four years, FORGE has developed and implemented a variety of projects including the FORGE Microfinance Institute, educational scholarships, health education programs, repatriation centers, computer training centers, preschool facilities, women’s centers, arts & music programs, and refugee advocacy programs. Built by FORGE, the Meheba Friendly Library in the Meheba Refugee Settlement is considered the largest library in any refugee camp in the world.

FORGE is currently entering its fifth full year in operation and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in the state of California. FORGE's budget, funded almost entirely through private sector donations, rose from a budget of $77,000 in 2004 to a budget of $402,000 in 2007.

FORGE Programs

• FORGE Solutions Fund: The FORGE Solutions Fund facilitates local development solutions by allowing change and development to arise from within the community. We select refugee leaders and empower them to design, develop, and implement community development projects that address specific, identified needs.
• FORGE Microfinance Institute: The FORGE Microfinance Institute enables economic self-sufficiency by providing small loans to refugees along with intensive training in business and entrepreneurship. Program staff works closely with all loanees to ensure they meet business and repayment targets.
• FORGE Education Fund: The FORGE Education Fund increases educational attainment through offering scholarships for secondary and tertiary education and through providing tutoring and other educational support services.

Where does FORGE work?

FORGE has worked in the following camps:

Zambia

• Meheba Settlement
• Mwange Camp
• Kala Camp

Botswana

• Dukwi Camp

Where are the refugees from?

FORGE works with refugees from:

• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Angola
• Rwanda
• Sudan

Why refugees?

FORGE focuses on African refugee populations for one reason: that's where we believe our resources can go the furthest and have the greatest long-term impact. Refugees have staggering desire, drive, and capacity, as well as local knowledge that Westerners do not. With little to do but wait until their home countries are peaceful again, FORGE provides resources to refugees that allow them to gain the skills and experiences they need to rebuild their communities when they return home. By working hand-in-hand with emerging refugee leaders who will eventually rebuild their nations, FORGE prepares tomorrow's leaders to guide their countries to peaceful and prosperous futures.

History + Future Plans

FORGE was founded in 2003 by then-Stanford University student, Kjerstin Erickson. Since then, FORGE has grown from a student-run initiative to an established, highly-respected international NGO. A partner of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, FORGE is consistently asked to bring its unique programs and services to new parts of the world. Currently, FORGE is focusing on preparing the refugees it works with to return to their home countries and start laying the foundation for peace and prosperity. FORGE soon plans to expand its operations to new conflict-affected areas in Africa, beginning with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

My Position with FORGE

I was recently hired by FORGE full-time for a 12 month position as International Communications Manager. I will be working in the Kala and Mwange refugee camps, documenting the stories of refugees and FORGE activities through photos, video, and written stories. I will also work closely with FORGE Project Facilitators and FORGE refugee staff, as well as maintain communication with the UNHCR, the IPs (Implementing Partners), and FORGE management.

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If you would like to view the CNN interview regarding FORGE, you may do so here.

FORGE's website is: http://www.forgenow.org/

Thank you for visiting my blog! I will update more information soon!

Heather