The Integrated Youth Development Program (IYDP) is a comprehensive youth discipleship and empowerment initiative spearheaded by Here Is Life Uganda in partnership with Co-Workers from Germany, Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church (North Carolina, USA), and First Fruits (USA).
Designed to address youth disenfranchisement, idleness, and spiritual aimlessness in rural and refugee-hosting communities of West Nile, the project nurtures young men and women in four foundational spiritual dimensions: knowing God, loving God, trusting God, and serving God.
Holistic Support: Sports, Books & Technology
Generous support from our global mission partners has made practical, on-ground investments possible:
The 4-Book Discipleship Curriculum: Authoring, printing, and distributing a localized four-volume Bible study guide centered on Knowing God, Loving God, Trusting God, and Serving God.Sports Ministry Equipment: Providing footballs, netballs, team jerseys, and coaching equipment to draw hundreds of energetic youth together in positive community spaces.Digital Literacy & Computer Lab: Constructing a dedicated computer laboratory and procuring modern desktop computers to equip out-of-school young people with marketable technical and digital skills.
“When you combine dynamic sports with intentional discipleship and market-ready computer skills, young people find purpose, hope, and an unshakable moral compass.”
Combining Scripture with Sports
The strategic pairing of competitive sports with small-group Bible studies has proven remarkably effective. Games and athletic tournaments attract young individuals who were previously disengaged from church and community life, breaking down social resistance. Notably, this innovative approach has also re-ignited the faith of mature young adults who had grown lukewarm or withdrawn from church fellowship.
Reaching Muslim Youth with the Gospel
In West Nile, where Christian and Muslim communities live side-by-side, IYDP embraces an inclusive, Christ-like posture of love and hospitality. Muslim youth are warmly welcomed to join community sports leagues and peer discussions.
Through genuine relationships and respectful dialogue, several Muslim youth have eagerly joined the Bible study circles, with some making personal commitments to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This bridge-building outreach has catalyzed the establishment of 30 active peer Bible study groups, laying the groundwork for sustainable discipleship and church planting.
Looking to the Future
As IYDP expands its reach across Yumbe and neighboring districts, Here Is Life remains steadfast in its dedication: raising up a Christ-centered generation of young leaders equipped to spread faith, love, and vocational service across their homes, churches, and nation.
