YAREN is helping teenage mothers build independent futures through tailoring, practical skills and livelihood training that can turn talent into sustainable income.
YAREN Organisation
Refugee-founded · Community-led
01/04
The story so far
From peace advocacy in South Kivu to refugee-led programmes in Uganda, every chapter has strengthened the next.
2014
Where it began
Peace advocacy takes shape across Bibokoboko, Baraka and Fizi Territory in South Kivu, connecting local communities with international experts working on conflict and recovery.
2015
The work moves
Escalating violence in Eastern DRC forces relocation. The work does not stop—it moves with the people it serves, continuing alongside refugee youth and women through resilience and social-cohesion initiatives.
2017
A new chapter
The first community-engagement sessions launch in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, planting the seed of the organisation YAREN would become.
2018–19
Foundation years
SGBV prevention, youth education and English-language programmes take root. Mental-health training expands, young people identify community needs, and the first peace and conflict-resolution programming begins.
2020
Pandemic response
During COVID-19, YAREN provides hygiene materials, water filters, face shields and mental-health support to teen mothers, people with disabilities, widows and other vulnerable community members.
2021
Scaling impact
Twenty Sawyer water filters are placed in schools and health centres. Women build liquid-soap enterprises while cholera-prevention work reaches more households.
2022
Stronger systems
WASH work becomes more structured, GBV prevention is integrated into the Ziranumbu Hub, and the Youth Leadership pillar grows through new regional partnerships.
2023
Advocacy and growth
A World Water Day dialogue brings together 120 stakeholders and airs on national television. YAREN also strengthens livelihoods and reproductive-health education for adolescent mothers.
2024
Digital transformation
YAREN launches its website, fully designs the USD 1.6 million JENGA JAMAA programme for 2026–2028, develops the AI Lab for Refugees concept and deepens international partnerships.
2025
Consultancy scale-up
Through the African Youth Action Network partnership, entrepreneurship training expands across Kampala, Rhino Camp, Kyaka II, Kiryandongo and Kyangwali.
16 Apr 2026
MHALI Phase 1
Psychological First Aid training led by Dr Simon Peter Opinyo brings together participants at the Ziranumbu Hub—the first formal MHPSS event under JENGA JAMAA.
Apr–May 2026
Africa CDC MHLP, Nairobi
Lessons from the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme are applied directly to MHALI Phase 2 and to the MHPSS architecture being built into JENGA JAMAA.
