From a small refugee initiative to transforming thousands of lives
In 2017, YAREN Organisation began as a small initiative led by refugees determined to create change within their own communities. What started with simple community actions in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement has grown into a movement that empowers refugees and vulnerable communities through education, entrepreneurship, health, and humanitarian support.
Even small resources can create powerful transformation when communities are empowered to lead their own development.
Building hope in Nakivale
YAREN's first interventions addressed the most pressing challenges faced by refugees particularly women, youth, children, and vulnerable families.
Through health awareness programmes, more than 200 women and adolescent mothers received training on reproductive health, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and personal wellbeing.
Recognising education as a pathway out of poverty, YAREN provided school materials and mentorship to orphaned and vulnerable children, and ran English classes that opened doors to services and employment. Youth forums and peacebuilding dialogues turned young refugees into active contributors to their own communities.
Advancing health, protection, and human dignity
Training on early marriage, reproductive health, and sexual health education reached more than 120 adolescent mothers, giving them knowledge, confidence, and hope for a better future.
YAREN partnered with other organisations to provide media and storytelling training, so refugee youth could document and share their own experiences and amplify refugee voices.
Understanding the challenge of youth unemployment, YAREN introduced entrepreneurship and employment-readiness initiatives to open real pathways to economic independence.
Responding to crisis during the COVID‑19 pandemic
When COVID‑19 threatened already vulnerable communities, YAREN worked alongside humanitarian partners to distribute hygiene supplies, protective equipment, and menstrual health products to thousands of people across refugee settlements.
- Sanitary pads for adolescent mothers, persons with disabilities, widows, and people living with albinism
- Community‑based mental health and trauma‑healing sessions for youth leaders and vulnerable groups
- Face shields and protective equipment to slow the spread of COVID‑19
Improving water, sanitation, and hygiene
Safe water remains one of the greatest challenges facing refugee populations. YAREN distributed Sawyer water filters to schools, health facilities, and community institutions cutting the risk of waterborne disease.
Community research and surveys on water consumption patterns informed awareness campaigns and community‑led solutions, alongside soap and medical hygiene supplies for vulnerable households, children with disabilities, and orphaned children.
Empowering women through livelihoods and skills
One of YAREN's most successful initiatives centred on liquid soap production, teaching participants both technical and entrepreneurial skills to build their own small businesses.
Building on this, targeted programmes for adolescent mothers aged 13–17 offered training in:
- Tailoring and garment production
- Handicrafts and creative entrepreneurship
- English language skills
- Reproductive health education
- Mental health and psychosocial support
223 adolescent mothers gained valuable skills, improved self-confidence, and a stronger ability to support their families.
Creating opportunity through education and innovation
Through photography, filmmaking, and storytelling training, refugee youth built practical skills while sharing stories that raised awareness of refugee experiences and aspirations.
Community libraries and learning programmes expanded access to education together, these efforts have benefited more than 7,500 people. Water dialogues and advocacy forums have since brought women, youth, local leaders, and policymakers together around lasting solutions.
Strengthening YAREN for greater impact
As programmes expanded, YAREN invested in its own institutional capacity: operational offices within refugee communities, stronger partnerships with national and international organisations, and improved governance and accountability systems all built to sustain impact at scale.
The journey continues, but the vision stays clear.
What began as a small initiative founded by refugees has evolved into a movement empowering thousands through education, health, livelihoods, water and sanitation, and leadership. YAREN's commitment remains unchanged: the knowledge, skills, and resources people need to build dignified, self-reliant futures.