From the Midwest to Kampala: How a Global Exchange Sparked Lasting Impact

Submitted by: Luis Quijano, Deputy Project Director, IREX

For the first time in its history, the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is coming to Iowa—opening the door for local nonprofits to engage with global leaders and build partnerships that create lasting impact both locally and internationally.

Since 2021, the CEE Program, led by IREX, has connected U.S.-based organizations with civil society leaders from around the world through short-term fellowships designed to foster collaboration, shared learning, and long-term change. One powerful example of this impact began in Kansas City and reached all the way to Kampala, Uganda.

When Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC), a U.S. nonprofit focused on engaging youth in service-learning, hosted CEE Fellow Dominic Savio Nkuubi from Uganda, they didn’t just exchange ideas—they transformed a long-held vision into reality. During his fellowship, Dominic supported YVC’s national affiliate network while also collaborating closely with CEO Tracy Hale to explore a bold idea: launching YVC’s first-ever international affiliate in Uganda.

With Dominic’s deep local knowledge, strong community relationships, and shared commitment to youth service, that idea quickly took shape. Upon returning home, Dominic led the development of a formal partnership with YVC, drafted a project plan and budget, completed YVC’s affiliate application and training, and officially registered Alpha Youth Volunteer Corps as a community-based organization in Kampala. He recruited a local board of directors, identified partner organizations, created marketing and recruitment strategies, and set ambitious goals to engage 120 youth in 1,200 service hours.

The results exceeded expectations. In just four months, YVC Uganda mobilized 214 young people to complete 1,184 hours of service across 21 community projects. Through a reciprocal exchange grant, Tracy later traveled to Kampala to support the new affiliate and deepen the partnership.

“This exchange experience was absolutely one of the best things that I, personally, and our international nonprofit have ever done,” Tracy shared. “Because of this exchange, it will likely mean that the impactful program in Uganda is not just a one-time project but an ongoing youth service program that will impact hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.”

As the CEE Program prepares to launch in Des Moines, IREX invites Iowa nonprofits to imagine what might be possible through global collaboration. Hosting a CEE Fellow offers organizations a unique opportunity to advance strategic goals, strengthen capacity, and build relationships that extend far beyond borders.

Interested in hosting a CEE Fellow in 2026? Iowa nonprofits are encouraged to submit their interest through IREX’s form and explore how a global exchange could open new doors for their mission: https://irexorg.formstack.com/forms/cee_host_interest26