OUR STORY
It all started with One Football
In 2007, in the heart of Kampala, three Congolese refugees saw an urgent need among young refugees who had no work and who often turned to crime or drugs and prostitution. With a shared vision for unity and hope, they bought a football and created a space where these young people from different backgrounds could come together, play, and form connections.
The football field soon became more than just a place for games. It was a safe haven and meeting ground for sharing experiences, dreams, and challenges.
"Bringing people together made us see gaps in the refugee response"
It soon became clear that many of the refugees needed more than just unity — they needed resources, opportunities, and to learn - English. Inspired by this realization, the founders began offering English classes and expanded their efforts, laying the foundation for what would become YARID.
Filling the Gap
As classes expanded and more learners accessed the services, additional gaps were identified among refugee youth, women, and other vulnerable individuals in both refugee and host communities in Kampala. To address these gaps, vocational skill training was provided to women, enabling them to acquire new skills and start businesses. Support was also given to meet the urgent and basic protection needs of refugee families, prepare individuals for job applications, teach English, and equip the next generation with digital skills through ICT training. Additionally, efforts were made to help refugee children gain valuable educational opportunities in Kyaka Il, and Palabek Refugee Settlement
YARID TODAY
Now, 17 years later, that one soccer ball and our refugee-led initiatives has empowered tens of thousands of refugees in Uganda.
YARID is now one of the best-known refugee-led organizations in Uganda,.
