On 17th July 2025, Kiira Innovation Academy, in partnership with Pendeza Shelters,successfully constructed a modern eco-working and training space at Kiira ground in Jinja. As one of the newest additions to the SINA (Social Innovation Academy) community, Kiira Innovation Academy is committed to creating a self-organized, responsible, and innovative learning environment that empowers youth to unlock their full potential and develop social enterprises addressing pressing societal challenges. To inspire innovation and critical thinking among scholars, the Academy chose to establish an eco-training facility built from recycled plastic bottles. This space serves as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and practical learning, cultivating a mindset where “everything ispossible.” The project was highly inclusive, involving over 130 people, including scholars, trainers, and local community members, in various phases of the construction process. It utilized 22,000 plastic bottles, effectively diverting plastic waste that would otherwise have polluted the environment.  The initiative also provided temporary employment and skills training, empowering participants with eco-construction knowledge and practical building techniques. Since its completion, the eco-working space has attracted 15–20 community visitors daily,curious to learn about this innovative and sustainable construction technology. Beyond serving as a functional training and collaboration center, the structure is now a living example of environmental conservation, creating awareness about plastic waste management and the potential of eco-friendly building technologies. Looking ahead, this partnership aims to replicate similar eco-structures in other communities,scaling the impact by reducing plastic pollution, creating green jobs, and fostering innovation among youth.

The partnership between Pendeza Shelters and Gejja Women Foundation has grown stronger through a series of impactful collaborative projects. Gejja Women Foundation hosts several structures constructed from various materials, serving both as residential and working spaces. Among these, Pendeza Shelters has made a remarkable contribution by constructing a unique residential facility. The latest project marks a significant milestone: the construction of the first eco-cottage designed for hiring and guest accommodation. This residential structure will host visitors from different regions, promoting eco-tourism and sustainable living practices. The cottage measures 9 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height, featuring an open kitchen, a bedroom, a toilet, and a spacious open area to enhance comfort and usability. Sustainability was at the heart of this project. It utilized over 28,000 recycled plastic bottlesas core construction materials, preventing plastic waste from polluting the environment. The project also created a significant social impact by employing 134 individuals, including collectors, sorters, compactors, and builders. Beyond builders, the project involved welders, roofers, and painters, each contributing their expertise to ensure a high-quality finish. Through a strategic partnership with Brick-by-Brick Company, we provided hands-on training to 4 builders on bottle construction technology. This initiative not only empowered the workforce with new green-building skills but also laid a foundation for a multi-skilled labor force capable of driving future sustainable housing projects. This eco-cottage stands as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, offering both a practical housing solution and an opportunity to generate income through rentals.

In June 2025, Pendeza Shelters, in collaboration with Kyempapu, successfully constructed a community library in Kirindi, Bukomansimbi District. This innovative project was built using 22,000 recycled plastic bottles, turning waste into a valuable resource for education and community development. The initiative provided employment to 123 individuals, including plastic waste pickers, sorters, compacters (who filled bottles with soil), and builders. Additionally, we trained three youth in eco-construction skills, particularly in bottle-laying techniques from the slab to the wall plate, empowering them with practical knowledge for future opportunities. The library features an interior space of 50 m², accommodating up to 40 people at a time in a comfortable and conducive learning environment. The structure maintains a cool temperature during the day and stays warm in the evening, ensuring year-round comfort while reading. To enhance its appearance, we used both uniform and varied bottle types, creating an eye-catching exterior design. This project drew the attention of over 150 visitors, sparking curiosity and raising awareness about eco-friendly construction technologies. Through this initiative, Pendeza Shelters not only conserved the environment by repurposing plastic waste but also strengthened community engagement and promoted sustainable building practices. We partnered with local builders for the foundation, while our team completed the superstructure, roofing, and finishing touches.

This is a papyrus roofed bottle residence designed for youth engaged in the acceleration program. This house has an alternative temperature control by default. It hosts both local and international guests who came for one week intensive boot camp to restructure their business ideas.

This house consumed 18,000 plastic bottles collected by Gejja women from the community. The women were involved in collection, sorting, compaction, and construction processes.

This is a gathering place for community bonding through sharing stories and experiences, serving as a learning and stress-relieving environment for all. Its also used as an entertainment ground where talents, skills and passions are expressed to the community.

The structure was built to be a training center for the empowerment of girl child to learn the skill of producing reusable sanitary pads. The building is located in Bulyasi, Mpigi district ,Uganda.

This structure was built with 65000 bottles employing over 120 members as bottle pickers, compactors, sorters and builders. The structure was built as accommodation place for visitors who happen to tour at Jangu International.

Pendeza Shelters successfully conducted three training programs and constructed three eco-friendly structures in partnership with Unleashed and Opportunigee, both located within the Nakivale refugee settlement in Isingiro District. This initiative was strategically designed to address the pressing issue of plastic waste, while simultaneously creating meaningful employment opportunities for unemployed youth in the community. By introducing innovative and cost-effective construction techniques, the project empowered participants with practical skills to build sustainable housing solutions. The ultimate goal of this program was to promote environmental conservation, foster economic empowerment, and support the construction of affordable homes to ensure adequate shelter for all community members. Empowering Marginalized Youth through Skills Development and Sustainable Practices in Nakivale Refugee Settlement Opportunigee is a dedicated youth learning center based in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, located in Isingiro District, Uganda. Established as a hub for skill development, the center serves as a platform for empowering marginalized youth by equipping them with practical skills that foster self-employment and long-term sustainability. As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Pendeza Shelters in collaboration with Opportunigee pioneered the use of recycled materials, constructing buildings using plastic bottles and glass. These eco-friendly structures serve multiple purposes, including community spaces and skill-building workshops. Unleash Community-Based Organization (CBO) – Empowering Refugees and Local Communities in Nakivale Refugee Camp Unleash is a prominent community-based organization (CBO) operating within Nakivale Refugee Settlement, located in Isingiro District, Uganda. There mission is to empower marginalized individuals, particularly women and youth, by providing meaningful employment opportunities and fostering sustainable development within the camp.Pendeza Shelters got a privileged working with unleashed on a project focused on recycling and waste management, specifically through the creation of eco-bricks. The project employed 110 women and youth, who played a key role as bottle compactors transforming discarded plastic bottles into eco-friendly building materials. Participants were compensated based on the number of bottles they processed into eco-bricks, ensuring fair and consistent income generation for their work.