The first hub in Ziranumbu
YAREN's first home in Ziranumbu, Makindye Ssabagabo, where refugee and host community members came to learn, train and meet. That work now continues at our hub in Ndejje Kanaaba.
Founding Supporter & Senior Advisor
Joe Bullock
The first person to put real resources behind YAREN's vision. His personal gift helped build YAREN's first hub in Ziranumbu and laid the ground on which YAREN's learning, livelihoods and wellbeing programmes now stand.
Joe Bullock
Senior Advisor, Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
A founding act of belief
The proof that belief works.
When YAREN Organisation was still a vision a conviction carried by a man who had fled conflict and chosen to build rather than be broken Mr. Joe Bullock stepped forward and believed.
His personal donation gave YAREN its first real foundation. It helped establish YAREN's first hub in Ziranumbu, provide the workspace and initial equipment, and build the structures that made the work possible.
Every English class, business training session, JENGA JAMAA entrepreneur and MHALI mental-health session stands on part of the foundation he helped lay.
Mr. Bullock did not just give money. He gave YAREN the dignity of being believed in.
What his gift built
A foundation, not just a donation.
Early support decides whether an idea becomes an organisation. Mr. Bullock's contribution went into the things a young organisation cannot do without.
Workspace & first equipment
The space and initial equipment that turned plans into classes, so learning could begin with the tools people actually need.
Structures that last
The organisational foundations that allowed YAREN to grow from a conviction into programmes run consistently, week after week.
The work it made possible
Every session stands on that first act of belief.
The programmes running at our Ndejje Kanaaba hub today trace part of their beginning to the foundation he helped lay.
English classes
Communication skills that open doors to education, work and community life.
Business training
Practical sessions that help participants plan, start and grow their livelihoods.
JENGA JAMAA entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs building enterprises that support their families and neighbours.
MHALI mental-health sessions
Spaces for wellbeing, psychological first aid and healing within the community.
His role today
From first supporter to Senior Advisor.
Mr. Bullock's commitment to YAREN did not end with that first gift. He continues to walk alongside the organisation as Senior Advisor for Philanthropy, Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation.
In this role he helps YAREN think about how to grow responsibly: building relationships with partners who share its values, mobilising the resources its programmes need, and making sure that support reaches refugee and host communities in ways that last.
His journey with YAREN shows what one person's belief can set in motion and invites others to do the same.
Believe in the work, the way he did.
Your support helps keep the Ndejje Kanaaba hub open and its programmes growing.