Our journey · 2014 to today
Follow the people and Community Led work that shaped YAREN, from peace advocacy in Eastern DRC to lasting programmes in Uganda.
Explore the timelineThe story so far
From peace advocacy in South Kivu to Refugee led programmes in Uganda, every chapter has strengthened the next.
Peace advocacy takes shape across Bibokoboko, Baraka and Fizi Territory in South Kivu, connecting local communities with international experts working on conflict and recovery.
Escalating violence in Eastern DRC forces relocation. The work does not stopit moves with the people it serves, continuing alongside refugee youth and women through resilience and social cohesion initiatives.
The first community engagement sessions launch in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, planting the seed of the organisation YAREN would become.
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.
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.
Twenty Sawyer water filters are placed in schools and health centres. Women build liquid soap enterprises while cholera prevention work reaches more households.
WASH work becomes more structured, GBV prevention is integrated into the Ziranumbu Hub, and the Youth Leadership pillar grows through new regional partnerships.
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.
Adult learners in Nakivale become YAREN's first graduates, after seven months of English and entrepreneurship classes run with The MBA Academy through rain, teacher changes and tight budgets.
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.
Through the African Youth Action Network partnership, entrepreneurship training expands across Kampala, Rhino Camp, Kyaka II, Kiryandongo and Kyangwali.
Psychological First Aid training led by Dr Simon Peter Opinyo brings together participants at the Ziranumbu Hubthe first formal MHPSS event under JENGA JAMAA.
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.
