Who We Are: Yoga for Protection Program
UNCC’s Yoga for Protection Program is a safe, supportive, and empowering space for refugee girls across Rhino Camp, Eden, Arua, Terego District, and Kampala. This unique program uses yoga, mindfulness, and group dialogue to help girls share their experiences, express their emotions, and learn how to recognize and respond to red flags of sexual exploitation and abuse.

This movement was inspired by a breaking‑news investigation from Radio Pacis, which exposed the rising risks faced by girls in vulnerable communities. In response, UNCC launched this initiative to prevent harm before it occurs—by strengthening girls’ awareness, confidence, dignity, and self‑protection.​

Our Purpose
The Yoga for Protection Program is designed to safeguard girls who face high risks, including:
• Girls who have dropped out of school
• Girls whose parents cannot advise or support them
• Girls who have run away from home
• Girls living in unstable or high‑risk environments
• Girls who carry shame or trauma with no safe place to talk

UNCC believes every girl deserves a voice, dignity, safety, and a future filled with opportunity.

How the Program Works
• A safe, female‑only yoga session held every two weeks
• Two-hour sessions led by trained UNCC senior women, volunteers, and youth mentors
• Gentle yoga and breathing exercises to help girls relax and feel secure
• Group sharing circles where girls speak openly about challenges, fears, and personal experiences
• Training on recognizing signs of sexual exploitation and abuse
• Guidance on where to seek help, including trusted adults and UNCC staff
• Confidence-building messages that help girls understand their value and potential

A key message of the program is honesty and openness. Girls are encouraged to speak the truth about any influence, pressure, or suspicious behavior they experience. Silence places them at risk—truth protects them.

What Girls Learn
UNCC centers the following values throughout the program:

• Education comes first—your long-term future matters
• Hard work leads to opportunity, independence, and dignity
• Respecting senior women and mentors builds strong community support
• Do not fear your current situation; it is too early in life to give up
• Your dreams are long‑term and worth fighting for
• Share personal challenges with a trusted person rather than carrying them alone
• Speak up early when you feel unsafe—UNCC is here to listen and protect

These teachings help girls build resilience, self-worth, and the courage to stand against exploitation.

What Girls Receive
To support dignity and wellbeing, every participant receives:
• Free sanitary pads
• Soap and hygiene items
• Body lotion
• Sugar and essential comfort supplies

These items help girls attend confidently and maintain personal care with dignity.

Why It Matters
Refugee girls often face isolation, limited guidance, and heightened exposure to exploitation. Many do not have trusted adults to share their struggles with. The Yoga for Protection Program creates a healing community led by UNCC senior women and dedicated volunteers, ensuring that every girl is protected, supported, and heard.

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Through yoga and open dialogue, girls learn:
• Self-awareness
• Boundaries and body protection
• Stress reduction
• Warning signs of danger
• How to seek help early
• How to support peers

This program is both prevention and empowerment—creating strength before harm can occur.

Our Commitment
UNCC is deeply committed to ending all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.
We stand with every girl, guiding her toward safety, confidence, education, and a hopeful future.

Partner With Us
The Yoga for Protection Program is ready for partnership and expansion.
Your support can help us:
• Reach more refugee settlements
• Train more senior women and youth mentors
• Provide additional hygiene kits
• Strengthen community protection systems

Together, we can protect girls, empower futures, and prevent exploitation before it begins.