Live in Green is an enterprise set in Kyaka II refugee settlement. It was founded by Congolese refugee Solomon Bhaghabhonerano, who arrived at Kyaka II 25 years ago aged six. The team began a tree nursery in 2016 but found that planting alone did not stop tree cutting because firewood remained the main fuel.
In 2021 the project shifted to producing briquettes from maize cobs, banana peels and sawdust. The team improved the briquette design so they light more easily and burn longer, and the enterprise also makes cookstoves. Refugees collect organic waste and many find work in collection and processing.
Users report savings and convenience. A refugee named Amina says the briquettes are clean, burn longer and help when monthly stipends are reduced. An international charity awarded a grant to help Live in Green scale up and refine stove designs.
Difficult words
- enterprise — small business or organized project
- settlement — place where people live, often temporaryrefugee settlement
- nursery — place where young trees are grown and cared fortree nursery
- briquette — small block of compressed organic material used for fuelbriquettes
- sawdust — small wood particles made when wood is cut
- cookstove — portable or fixed stove used for cooking foodcookstoves
- stipend — regular small payment to help with living costsstipends
- grant — money given by an organization for a specific purpose
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think briquettes are a good alternative to firewood in refugee settlements? Why or why not?
- How could a project like Live in Green create more jobs for people in the settlement? Give one or two ideas.
- If your monthly stipend was reduced, would you choose a fuel that saves money even if it needs a special stove? Explain your choice.
Related articles
Father’s microplastic exposure affects offspring health
A mouse study found that when fathers were exposed to microplastics, their offspring developed metabolic problems. Female offspring showed diabetic signs and researchers linked the effect to changes in sperm small RNAs; the work was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
Jamaica seeks cheaper energy after high electricity bills
After Hurricane Beryl many Jamaicans said their electricity bills rose sharply. Regulators recommended lower payments for some customers, and the government is studying solar and ocean renewables, though experts warn projects need large funding and protection from storms.
Air pollution linked to higher post-surgery risks in Utah
A study of 49,615 non-emergency surgeries on Utah’s Wasatch Front found that higher PM2.5 in the week before surgery was associated with more post-surgical complications. The research appears in Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica.
2025 aid cuts threaten health and humanitarian services
Large reductions in international aid in 2025 disrupted health and humanitarian services in many low- and middle-income countries. The cuts began with a US suspension of aid and led to the closure of USAID and wider global impacts.