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Young African Refugees for Integral Development Center (YARID)
Founded in 2007 by a trio of young Congolese refugees living in Uganda, the Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID) in Kampala is a registered NGO that seeks to aid refugees, asylum seekers, and people who have been displaced by conflict. Each year, YARID serves over 4,000 individuals who primarily are from Africa’s Great Lakes region (Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi) but also come from other East African countries, including Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Kabega Road, Kampala, Uganda
The basics
A testament to the resilience of the refugee community, YARID works to help people become self-sufficient via a range of projects. It supports women in learning vocational skills and developing businesses, aids job-seekers in locating and training for new work opportunities, teaches English to children and adults, runs courses in digital technology skills, and addresses social issues like ethnic conflict and public health.
Most people visit the YARID center as volunteers. Placements can last for as long as several months or as little as a single day—either way, it’s a great way to get to know the local communities and learn about the center. The most common activities that volunteers get involved with are English language classes, visiting local families, and YARID’s soccer program.
Things to know before you go
If you have any special skills, be sure to let the center know in advance if you plan on volunteering so they can match you with the best project.
YARID’s busiest season is in November and December; volunteers are most needed at this time of year.
If you’re unable to visit Kampala but still want to learn about YARID’s work, follow the center’s social media accounts to learn about the Ugandan capital’s thriving refugee community and attend special talks and events remotely.
How to get there
YARID’s headquarters are conveniently located in central Kampala along Kabega Road. It’s in a section of the Ugandan capital where you’ll find many NGOs and government organizations, including the Embassy of the United States—just a 5-minute drive away. Most people come by taxi or through a ride-hailing app.
When to get there
The YARID center keeps regular business hours, but be sure to notify them in advance if you’re interested in paying a visit or signing up as a short-term or long-term volunteer. YARID also holds special events for World Refugee Day—observed annually on June 20—so keep a look out if you plan on visiting Kampala in the summer.
Support Kampala’s refugee communities through crafts
Uganda hosts more refugees than any other country in Africa, with Kampala’s refugee community represented by more than 25 different nationalities. You can support them by visiting the Antonio Guterres Urban Refugee Community Centre and buying a hand-crafted souvenir made by a refugee. The center organizes regular sales, including a seasonal Christmas market.
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