- Mission
- Help refugees speak, read and write English so they can study, work and take part in community life.
- Vision
- Every learner able to speak for themselves in English.
Uganda is home to refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Burundi, Somalia, Ethiopia, Rwanda and other countries. Many arrive speaking French, Arabic, Tigrinya, Kirundi, Swahili or their own home language, but not English. In Uganda, English is the language of school, hospitals, government offices and most jobs. Without it, simple tasks like seeing a doctor, filling in a form or talking to a child's teacher become hard.
YAREN has taught English since 2018. It was one of the first programmes we started in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
Who learns with us
Our classrooms bring together people from many countries. A Congolese mother may sit beside a young man from South Sudan, an Eritrean student and a Burundian farmer. For many, English becomes the first language they share. Learning together also helps neighbours from different communities get to know and trust each other.
What you will learn
- Everyday speaking and listening, such as greetings, shopping and asking for directions
- Reading and writing short texts, forms and messages
- Words you need at the clinic, the bank, the police station and the school
- English for work, including interviews, CVs and talking with customers
- Confidence to speak up at school, at the clinic and in community meetings
How classes run
Learners are placed in groups by level, from complete beginners who cannot yet read the alphabet to those who want to improve their speaking for work or study. Trainers use real situations from daily life, like buying food at the market or explaining an illness to a nurse, so learners can use new words straight away.
Classes are small and friendly. Learners practise in pairs and groups, so everyone gets time to speak, and beginners get extra help from trainers until they feel ready.
Why it matters
Speaking English opens doors. Young people can join or return to school. Adults can find work, start a business and speak for themselves without waiting for an interpreter. Parents can help their children with homework. English also makes it easier to take part in other YAREN programmes, such as computer literacy and business training.
Who can join
Adults and young people from refugee and host communities. No English is needed to start. Whether you come from Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea or anywhere else, you are welcome.
