Global Youth Conference Academy

Motivate. Inspire. Transform.

Equipping Ugandan youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build meaningful futures. By nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills, we help young people transform their talents into opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Support Our Mission Meet Our Founder
Louise Deininger
Founder & President Message

Louise Deininger

"We are talking about a conflict of 20 years with the LRA... Young people grew up in an environment overshadowed by violence, high rates of domestic violence, and substance abuse. It was more of a calling to take part in intervention for me."

Vienna-based conceptual artist Louise created the idea for GYCO Academy after filming DNA of War. Since then, she has worked tirelessly alongside local development experts to realize her vision: transforming the mindset of young people and breaking the vicious cycle of economic dependency and cultural decline.

Building an empowered youth for a more sustainable, positive and peaceful society.

Measurable Regional Impact

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Core Programs

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Team & Volunteers

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Communities Reached

Empower a Leader. Transform Gulu.

Your donation directly fuels localized youth mindset coaching and sustainable livelihood creation in Northern Uganda.

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GYCO Logo

Cohesion & Peace

Symbolized by the elephant in our logo-leading the way toward community restoration.

Our Core Framework

Vision & Mission

The Vision

A future where young people in post-conflict communities are free to realize their potential, shape their own destinies, and build resilient, prosperous, and culturally vibrant societies.

The Mission

To break cycles of dependency by equipping young people with the mindset, skills, and opportunities to create their own future. Through education, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and the arts, we empower youth to build resilient livelihoods, restore cultural identity, and drive lasting social and economic transformation in Northern Uganda.

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What We Build

Our Impact Pillars

Explore our five core areas of active development managed on the ground in Northern Uganda.

Central Hub

Art & Education Center

A collaborative anchor point bringing together young minds, local artisans, and mentors to share knowledge, cultivate life skills, and inspire community-wide economic development.

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Creative Rug Production

Empowering girls and young women with hands-on punch-needle techniques, structural teamwork metrics, and sustainable micro-enterprise business loops.

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Agriculture & Environment

Transforming traditional farming through climate-smart strategies, resource protection training, and green economic models.

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Health & Psychosocial support

Providing reproductive education, foundational mental health support, and critical malaria prevention initiatives for post-conflict youth stability.

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Ethical Leadership

Nurturing responsible youth leaders and grassroots changemakers with intensive civic education and governance benchmarks.

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Real Impact Evidence

Success Stories

A look at how personal transformation training and strategic coaching lines empower extraordinary futures.

Sharon Anena Ajura Gulu, Uganda
From Entrepreneur to Job Creator

Sharon Anena Ajura

What began as a passion for fashion has grown into a successful business. Sharon worked as Administrative Director for GYCO and was one of the participants in the Erickson coaching training.

Through GYCO's personal development and coaching programs, Sharon transformed her creative talent into a thriving fashion brand and business utilizing custom eco-print fabrics. Today, she runs her own fashion enterprise, Ajura Clothes, employs local staff, and mentors aspiring designers.

Follow @ajura_clothes
Thomas Vava Vienna, Austria
From Trauma to International Recognition

Thomas Vava

Growing up during Northern Uganda's conflict, Thomas experienced deep trauma as a child and was unable to speak until adulthood. Art became the vital medium for him to express himself, rebuild his core confidence, and reconnect with the world.

Through GYCO's structural support, coaching, and mentorship, Thomas transformed his raw talents into a professional art career. Today, he studies at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and has successfully launched his first exhibitions.

Explore @thomas.vava_artist
Our Supporters

Investing in Shared Potential

The impact of GYCO would not be possible without the generosity, trust, and commitment of our supporters. We are deeply grateful to the individuals, organizations, foundations, and partners who share our vision and invest in the potential of young people in Northern Uganda. Together, we are creating opportunities, transforming lives, and building a brighter future.
A warm thank you to:

And lots of deeply appreciated individual donors making direct grass-roots operations possible.