Our History

Our history

Carissa is a genus of a plant that grows wild in bushes in Africa and around the around.  It’s locally called ‘Acuga’ among Luo ethnic group in Uganda. The plant has different species and it is very popular among many different communities in Africa and around the world due to its enormous food and medicinal benefits. The fruits are sweet and are a delicacy to many people as they are eaten as snacks. It’s a source of inspiration for a number of communities in Africa.
Since the plant grows wild in the bush, it represents people from marginalized background who face various kinds of discriminations and marginalization yet useful when they are empowered.
It’s the kind of  people who face discrimination and stigma, with intrinsic stimulus to change the status quo in their communities.
Carissa International is founded IN 2019 on the ground that discriminated and marginalized young people have the potential to regain their dignity and live purposely in their communities.  We believe that marginalized people should be treated with dignity, respect and given equal opportunities in society.
Carissa International offers an ethical and social entrepreneurship training program to those kinds of young people so they become contributors of positive change in their communities. This will result in regained dignity, purpose and sense of belonging.

 

FOUNDER- YASINTO OYAT

Born in war-torn northern Uganda to an impoverished family, Yasinto experienced a childhood filled with emotional trauma which led to low self-esteem. He was bullied by his peers who looked down on him and called him “low-life”. And was told a thousand times that he was good for nothing. Suffering as a result of his circumstances, he decided to take the initiative to build strong relationships with an elder mentor and with a few friends who helped him gain emotional strength and carry on with his passion for young people.

He then began empowering young people since 2009 through his mentorship skills, various community initiatives and trainings. He desires to see marginalized young people live a dignified life and become contributors of positive change in society.