At the center of Future Ground are refugee youth who believe their futures can be bigger than the limitations of their current realities.
The first Future Ground flagship location is opening in Rwanda’s Mahama Refugee Camp in Spring 2027, with groundbreaking in August 2026.
Like all young people, refugee youth are meant to move from dependence to independence – but in refugee camps, that transition stalls and formative years can be lost.
Refugee camps were never meant to last decades. While basic needs might be met, many young people grow up in them without a clear pathway to long-term independence and stability.
Future Ground is Alight's response to that challenge – a launchpad for refugee youth to build future-ready skills, unlock good jobs, and step into inspired futures.
Future Ground builds on something already proven. Since2019, Alight's Coding Schools in Rwanda's Nyabiheke and Mahama refugee camps have helped young people access digital skills, internet connectivity, mentorship, and employment. In 2025, six graduates even secured remote positions with MPost Africa, a leading tech company within the country.
Through co-creation with current and former Coding School students, the Government of Rwanda, local and regional employers, industry experts, educators, and innovators, Future Ground is being designed to meet the needs of today's job market while preparing students for the future economy.
Future Ground rests on five pillars of opportunity:
1. Job placements – Providing direct bridges to internships and jobs in the formal economy
2. Job readiness – Equipping with in-demand digital, financial and resilience skills
3. Co-working – A café space for freelancers and youth to thrive and access resources
4. Exploration – Inspiration through film, workshops, digital storytelling and discovery
5. Soft Landings – Transitional support, mentorship, and connection for youth stepping into city jobs
Impact
Future Ground’s primary measure of success is the number of students graduating into living wage jobs. Specific measures include:
· Earning and income levels
· Number and percentage of young people securing jobs in the formal economy
· Number and percentage entering digital,technology, or other 21st century professional careers
· Employment retention and stability over time
The secondary measure is the number of Future Ground members who have increased their belief in themselves and their future.
· Confidence navigating professional environments
· Confidence using technology and digital tools
· Increased self-belief and agency
The students who came through the Coding Schools show what becomes possible when the door is opened. Yvette, from Nyabiheke, arrived with no experience and step by step grew into a confident student exploring website development. "I started with an introduction to computers, and now I'm learning how to build websites and use different coding programs," she says. "It really helped me grow creatively, and I'm excited to keep learning to build a career in the tech industry."
We invite you to join us in building Future Ground. There are several ways to engage:
Curriculum Research (July 2026 – September 2026)
We’re looking to interview employers and market experts, tech and education experts, students and prospective funders to design the best curriculum and experiences that will prepare youth for the digital job market of the future.
Capital Partners (July 2026 onwards)
Alight will be meeting with prospective donors and partners who are looking to support the launch and ongoing operations of Future Ground.
Grand Opening (Spring 2027)
While the groundbreaking will be taking place in August 2026, we are excited for donors and partners to join us in Mahama Refugee Camp in Spring 2027 to officially open the doors to Future Ground. Email us at partnerships@wearealight.org to learn more.
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