Our Story (Background)

Generous Designs Africa (GDA) was created with a simple yet transformative vision: to empower refugees and host communities by turning waste into valuable, eco-friendly products. The idea came from the realization that plastic waste, often seen as a burden, could be repurposed into something meaningful, while providing refugees and marginalized groups with the opportunity to improve their livelihoods. The organization was founded in 2020 by Lomoro Emmanuel, a visionary leader driven by a deep passion for social change and environmental sustainability. Lomoro’s personal experience as a refugee leader gave him a unique perspective, and he saw firsthand the challenges faced by displaced populations. His drive to address these issues led to the creation of Generous Designs Africa as a refugee-led social enterprise with a commitment to creating a lasting impact.

Generous Designs Africa is currently implementing a Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) and Community Awareness project rooted in dignity, inclusion, and empowerment. Our journey began modestly under a big tree in Village Four, Zone 2 of Bidibidi Refugee Settlement with a small group of courageous women who chose to speak up when silence had become the norm. It was a space where, despite the challenges, we witnessed many girls and women who were weary of being unheard but carried strong minds, generous hearts, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of women, girls, and youth in their community.

In those early days, we had no funding or materials; we relied on ideas, passion, and an unwavering determination to create change. Our work began door-to-door engaging mothers and adolescent girls in conversations about health, rights, safety, and dignity. While not everyone welcomed us, many listened. From those initial conversations, a movement started to take shape. We gradually grew from a handful of determined individuals to a growing, empowered collective. As trust grew, more women and youth joined our team. We facilitated training sessions under trees, convened meetings in schools, and introduced practical skills such as sewing—starting with just one sewing machine. Over time, the community began to recognize us as a trusted voice for those often left unheard. Through our work, we raised awareness about menstrual health, provided access to essential menstrual products, and educated on gender-based violence, all while empowering individuals to take ownership of their own health and rights.

Today, Generous Designs Africa is more than an organization; it is a family of determined women, girls, and youth working together to build safer, healthier, and more resilient communities. We have expanded our work to include gender-based violence awareness campaigns, livelihood skills training, and support for survivors of violence. We are proud to connect young people to opportunities for growth and leadership, helping them to unlock their potential and create lasting change in their communities.

What began under a mango tree has grown into a recognized grassroots movement one that continues to dream bigger, stand bolder, and move forward with a simple belief: when women and youth are empowered, entire communities rise. Through every challenge faced and every success achieved, Generous Designs Africa continues to champion the rights, health, and dignity of refugees and host communities, believing that when communities come together, they can create a future full of hope and opportunity.