- Mission
- Offer safe, community-led support for mental wellbeing and help neighbours solve conflict peacefully.
- Vision
- Communities that heal together and live together in peace.
Many refugees have lived through war, loss and long journeys. These experiences stay with people. Stress and grief can affect health, family life and the ability to work or learn. YAREN offers support that is close to home and run by people who understand.
Mental health support
- Psychological first aid training for community members
- Safe groups where people can talk and listen
- Referral to health workers when someone needs more help
In April 2026, YAREN held its first MHALI training at the Ziranumbu hub. Twenty-eight people from six countries were trained in psychological first aid by Dr Simon Peter Opinyo. Lessons from the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme now shape the next phase.
Peacebuilding
YAREN's founder started this work in South Kivu in 2014, bringing communities together after conflict. Today we run dialogues between refugees and host communities, train people to handle disagreements calmly, and help neighbours build trust.
Who can join
Community members who want support, and those who want to learn how to support others.
