Projects

Future Me is a career exposure and art therapy program designed specifically for teenagers, particularly those who have experienced trauma or are at risk. The program uses creative expression as a tool for healing while exposing participants to various career paths and educational opportunities.

Approach: Through art therapy sessions, career mentorship, and exposure visits to workplaces and educational institutions, participants explore their potential and develop confidence in their future possibilities.

Outcomes: Many participants have gone on to pursue further education, vocational training, or enter the workforce with increased self-awareness and career clarity.

Bag Yange ("My Bag" in Luganda) is a creative social enterprise that produces handcrafted tote bags featuring designs created by Streetlights Uganda participants. Over 1,010 creative tote bags have been produced for international events, conferences, and partnerships.

Production: Each bag is handcrafted by program participants, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design. The production process provides income-generating opportunities while building skills in design, production, and quality control.

Impact: Revenue from Bag Yange supports Streetlights Uganda programs while providing direct income to the artisans who create them. The bags have been featured at international conferences, creating visibility for the organization and its mission.

Mwalimu (meaning "teacher" in Swahili) is a comprehensive youth mentorship program that pairs young people with experienced mentors in various fields. The program focuses on vocational skills development, creative education, and personal growth.

Structure: Mentors work one-on-one and in small groups with mentees, providing guidance in career development, creative skills, and life skills. The program emphasizes building long-term relationships that extend beyond formal program participation.

Results: Many mentees have successfully transitioned into employment, further education, or entrepreneurship, crediting the mentorship program with providing the support and guidance needed to navigate their paths forward.

Operating in community centers across Bwaise, Soweto, and Nsambya, our art therapy programs provide safe spaces for healing and expression. These programs serve children and youth who have experienced trauma, displacement, or other challenges.

Methodology: Using evidence-based art therapy techniques combined with culturally-responsive practices, participants explore their experiences through various artistic mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture, and movement.

Community Impact: Beyond individual healing, these programs strengthen community bonds, create shared spaces for expression, and contribute to the overall well-being of the neighborhoods they serve. The artwork created in these programs has been featured in exhibitions, bringing visibility to participants' voices and experiences.