YARID Graduates over 1150 Refugees with a Call for Government to Avail Refugees with Work Permits
Drake Nyamugabwa
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The Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID) has at least graduated a total number of 1150 people, both refugees and community locals on its 10th graduation ceremony since inception, appealing to government of Uganda push further for its accessibility of work permits to refugees as a way of easing their employment status in the country.
Understanding refugee challenges like acquiring a work permit, that some times seem impossible, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Office of the Prime Minister have been implored to strengthen coordination especially towards refugee welfare in Uganda, a call to action made by YARID.
Every year, the organization holds two graduation phases, every after six months, empowering graduate refugees in services that are most needed around with skills both in vocational such as tailoring, hair dressing, handcraft making and ICT (computer training), English classes, plus job readiness trainings. These include refugees from different countries like Congo, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi and Ugandans who are the community locals since the law guarantees that such NGOs should avail locals a gap of 30% and the remaining 70% being the refugees.
Last week in Kampala, Robert Hakiza the Founder of the organization said that the other reason why they bring together local people and refugees is because they share similar challenges in the communities they live. This year alone, numbers between 8000 -10.000 people have been empowered through the program in the various YARID projects not only in Kampala but across Uganda where they operate, that is northern and areas like Isingiro district in Nakivale refugee settlement , Kyaka refugee settlement, in Kyegewa district and others.
Looking at the impact of the projects done by YARID in the community, it is atleast 80%, mentioned Mr. Hakiza while commenting on the success stories. Due to some challenges, he noted that some refugees are trained but decide to do some different staff which they consider better while others choose the path and start up small businesses, but the focus of the organization is to see results in all they do by making a follow up and giving support accordingly.
He, however, added that Uganda, being one of the countries that has the best progressive refugee policies in the region and world, such as the freedom to movement and the right to work has enabled many refugees in Uganda take the opportunity to learn the skills to either get employed or start up their own businesses to earn a living through self employment.
“Free tailoring machines and a start up capital is also given to the graduates especially in the field of tailoring where they apply for it inform of cash through presenting their business plan,” described Mr. Hakiza
About YARID
The Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID) is a community-based organization formed by refugees in Uganda that operates a number of programs that provide informal language instruction, Internet access, and vocational training to refugees in urban Kampala. The organization was founded in 2007 by Robert Hakiza a Congolese refugee living in Uganda.
YARID aims to empower refugees, orphans, and other displaced persons by offering comprehensive educational programs, accessible health care facilities, and skills training opportunities. Through their approach, they equip individuals who have faced tremendous adversity with the necessary tools and knowledge.
YARID has three field offices in Kampala, Kyaka ii, and Palabek refugee settlements. In 2022, the organization directly served over 8,000 refugees across these three field offices, addressing access to education, sustainable livelihoods, and refugee protection, and continually advocating for the rights and opportunities for refugees.
YARID is a registered NGO serving refugees in Uganda. The organization's work remains centered on community-driven solutions to build up fellow refugees on a resilient path, thrive and ultimately become valuable, productive members of society.
