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.
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