1150 Refugees Graduate from YARID Programs, Organization Calls for Easier Access to Work Permits

The Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID) has celebrated a milestone, graduating 1150 refugees and community locals in its 10th graduation ceremony since its inception. The organization is now urging the Ugandan government to simplify the process of obtaining work permits for refugees, facilitating their employment and integration into the community.

YARID has been working tirelessly to empower refugees with essential skills, including vocational training in tailoring, hairdressing, and handicraft making, as well as ICT and English classes. The organization holds two graduation phases annually, each after six months of training. This approach enables refugees to acquire skills that are in high demand, enhancing their employability and self-sufficiency.

The organization’s founder, Robert Hakiza, emphasized the importance of providing refugees with opportunities for economic empowerment. He noted that refugees face significant challenges in accessing work permits, which can hinder their ability to secure employment. Hakiza appealed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister to strengthen coordination and support for refugee welfare in Uganda.

YARID’s programs are designed to benefit both refugees and community locals. The organization ensures that 30% of its beneficiaries are local Ugandans, while 70% are refugees from various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Rwanda, and Burundi.

In 2023, YARID empowered between 8,000 to 10,000 individuals through its various projects across Uganda, including Kampala, northern Uganda, and refugee settlements in Isingiro, Kyaka, and Kyegewa districts. According to Hakiza, the organization’s projects have had a significant impact on the community, with a success rate of at least 80%.

YARID provides ongoing support to its graduates, including start-up capital and equipment, such as tailoring machines, to help them establish their own businesses. The organization’s focus is on ensuring that its beneficiaries achieve tangible results and become self-sufficient.

Uganda’s progressive refugee policies, which include the freedom of movement and the right to work, have created an enabling environment for refugees to access skills training and economic opportunities. YARID is committed to continuing its work in empowering refugees and promoting their integration into Ugandan society.

About YARID

The Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID) is a community-based organization founded by refugees in Uganda. Established in 2007 by Robert Hakiza, a Congolese refugee, YARID operates programs that provide informal language instruction, Internet access, and vocational training to refugees in urban Kampala.

YARID’s mission is to empower refugees, orphans, and other displaced persons by offering comprehensive educational programs, accessible healthcare facilities, and skills training opportunities. The organization has three field offices in Kampala, Kyaka II, and Palabek refugee settlements. In 2022, YARID directly served over 8,000 refugees, addressing access to education, sustainable livelihoods, and refugee protection, while advocating for the rights and opportunities of refugees.