JOYCE KIZA'S STORY
From Displacement to Empowerment
In 2017, Joyce Kiza fled the Democratic Republic of Congo with nothing but the recipes her grandmother taught her — recipes passed down through generations of women who knew that food is more than nourishment. It's culture. It's connection. It's survival.
At Nakivale Refugee Camp in Uganda, Joyce met hundreds of women like herself — women who had lost everything, women who didn't know how to start over. But she realized something powerful: they all carried value. Their cultures. Their traditions. Their resilience.
The Journey: Building Through Resilience
2018: The Roots is Born
Joyce founded The Roots — teaching refugee women to turn their spice recipes into businesses. The first cultural festival brought together diverse communities.
2019-2024: Growth & Impact
50+ women trained in spice businesses. Annual festivals reaching 2,000+ participants. She Boss entrepreneurship classes launched. Training center built.
November 2025: The Setback
Heavy rains swept through Kampala. The two main training buildings collapsed. Joyce's life savings — invested in construction materials — washed away.
Today: Rising From The Rain
With $310 already re-secured (doors + iron sheets), we're rebuilding with improved foundation design to withstand future weather. Just $1,275 more will complete the hall — stronger than before.