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Who we are

BetterLife International was founded in 2021 by a group of young leaders and refugees who shared a vision: a world where every person, regardless of their background can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope. Born out of lived experiences of displacement, marginalization, and resilience, our organization is youth-led and refugee-inspired, driven by the belief that those who have faced adversity have the greatest insights and solutions for creating lasting change.

We work hand-in-hand with children, youth, refugees, and internally displaced persons across Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, designing programs that empower communities, build livelihoods, and strengthen resilience. Our interventions focus on sustainable agriculture, green skills, climate education, renewable energy, community health, and social cohesion, ensuring that those most vulnerable have the tools to thrive.

At BetterLife International, our approach is rooted in the voices of the communities we serve. Every program is shaped by local needs, co-created with young people, and strengthened by the resilience, courage, and creativity of those who refuse to give up despite life’s challenges. We believe that hope is not given, it is built, and that together, communities can transform adversity into opportunity, creating self-reliant, empowered, and thriving societies across Africa.

Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.

Our Journey

2021
Founded in Uganda
2022
Expanded to South Sudan and Tanzania
2023
Launched Soillla app, expanded to Ghana and DRCongo
2024
Reached 1M trees planted, 90,000 people
OUR MISSION

To create a better life for everyone by promoting sustainable practices, empowering young people, supporting vulnerable groups, and fostering peace and equality in communities.

OUR VISION

We envision a world where every person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and sustainable life.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide everything we do
SUSTAINABILITY

We focus on long-term solutions that protect the environment and can be maintained by communities themselves.

EMPOWERMENT

We believe in building local capacity and leadership, especially among young people and women.

INNOVATION

We embrace technology and creative solutions to address complex environmental and social challenges.

INCLUSIVITY

We work with all community members regardless of background, ensuring no one is left behind.

Meet Our Team

Our leadership team combines local expertise with international experience.

Ayebare Denise

Executive Director & Founder

Ahabwe Samuel

Head of Finance

Kaitesi Shallon

Administrator

Kembabazi Charity

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Douglas Drake Onen

Chief Operations Officer

Comboni Daniel Mutabaazi

Country Manager Tanzania

Alec Becky

Country Manager South Sudan

Victoria Kinobe

Country Manager DR.Congo

Agaba Ian

Programs Coordinaator

Desmond Dorvlo

Country Manager Ghana

Nkajja Janice

Head of Communications & Advocacy

Ainembabazi Desire

Outreach Coordinator

Our Volunteers

Apili Cynthia Esther

Odong Vincent

Ashaba Donald

Ninsiima Alison

Duncan K

Akello Melisa

Akun Tracy

A. Ahebwa. D

Josephine A

Dorcus Nanjura

Meet The Board of Directors

We're an award-winning multidisciplinary team based in Philadelphia with a passion for creating innovative architecture. We work with businesses and people to create a more beautiful world.

“BetterLife International is changing lives at every level, empowering youth, building resilient communities, and inspiring hope where it’s needed most.”

Hillary ClintonBoard Director
Director, Board

Hillary Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton is an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, and author. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001 during Bill Clinton’s presidency, where she championed healthcare reform and children’s initiatives. Clinton represented New York as a U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2009, focusing on national security, healthcare, and economic development. She then served as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013 under President Barack Obama, overseeing U.S. foreign policy, promoting women’s rights, and advancing global diplomacy.

Hillary Rodham Clinton is an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, and author. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001 during Bill Clinton’s presidency, where she championed healthcare reform and children’s initiatives. Clinton represented New York as a U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2009, focusing on national security, healthcare, and economic development. She then served as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013 under President Barack Obama, overseeing U.S. foreign policy, promoting women’s rights, and advancing global diplomacy.

Board Member

Felicia Davis

With over two decades of experience, Felicia Davis has been at the forefront of integrating sustainability into educational institutions. She began her environmental career with Ozone Action and Greenpeace, focusing on air quality and climate justice. Her leadership roles include serving as the Georgia Airkeeper director and the first director of Mothers & Others for Clean Air. At Clark Atlanta University, she coordinated sustainability initiatives, advancing green building and energy efficiency projects.

In 2016, Davis co-founded the HBCU Green Fund, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to financing sustainable building projects at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The fund aims to bridge the gap between HBCUs and the global sustainability movement, empowering Black institutions and communities to lead in climate action.

With over two decades of experience, Felicia Davis has been at the forefront of integrating sustainability into educational institutions. She began her environmental career with Ozone Action and Greenpeace, focusing on air quality and climate justice. Her leadership roles include serving as the Georgia Airkeeper director and the first director of Mothers & Others for Clean Air. At Clark Atlanta University, she coordinated sustainability initiatives, advancing green building and energy efficiency projects.

In 2016, Davis co-founded the HBCU Green Fund, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to financing sustainable building projects at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The fund aims to bridge the gap between HBCUs and the global sustainability movement, empowering Black institutions and communities to lead in climate action.

Board Member

Mohamed Nasheed

In 2008, Nasheed made history by becoming the first democratically elected president of the Maldives, defeating the long-standing autocrat Gayoom. His administration focused on democratic reforms, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Notably, Nasheed garnered international acclaim in 2009 when he organized the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to highlight the existential threat of climate change to low-lying island nations

In 2008, Nasheed made history by becoming the first democratically elected president of the Maldives, defeating the long-standing autocrat Gayoom. His administration focused on democratic reforms, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Notably, Nasheed garnered international acclaim in 2009 when he organized the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to highlight the existential threat of climate change to low-lying island nations

Board Member

Alyse Nelson

Alyse Nelson’s journey into global women’s leadership began at the age of 21, when she attended the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. This transformative experience ignited her passion for empowering women and girls worldwide. In 1999, she co-founded Vital Voices Global Partnership alongside former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and other visionary leaders. The organization was born out of the U.S. government's Vital Voices Democracy Initiative, established to promote the advancement of women as a U.S. foreign policy goal.

Alyse Nelson’s journey into global women’s leadership began at the age of 21, when she attended the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. This transformative experience ignited her passion for empowering women and girls worldwide. In 1999, she co-founded Vital Voices Global Partnership alongside former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and other visionary leaders. The organization was born out of the U.S. government’s Vital Voices Democracy Initiative, established to promote the advancement of women as a U.S. foreign policy goal.

Board Member

Bob Natifu

As the Commissioner for Climate Change in Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment, Bob Natifu plays a pivotal role in coordinating national climate response strategies. He is responsible for overseeing the implementation of climate policies and ensuring that Uganda's climate actions align with international agreements and commitments.

Beyond his governmental duties, Bob Natifu has been actively involved in climate education and capacity building. He serves as a UN CC:Learn Ambassador, representing Uganda in global discussions on climate change learning. In this capacity, he has shared Uganda's experiences and strategies with other nations, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

As the  Commissioner for Climate Change in Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, Bob Natifu plays a pivotal role in coordinating national climate response strategies. He is responsible for overseeing the implementation of climate policies and ensuring that Uganda’s climate actions align with international agreements and commitments.

Beyond his governmental duties, Bob Natifu has been actively involved in climate education and capacity building. He serves as a UN CC:Learn Ambassador, representing Uganda in global discussions on climate change learning. In this capacity, he has shared Uganda’s experiences and strategies with other nations, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.