Youth–led organization for Research and Development Africa (YODRA).
About YODRA:
The Youth-led Organization for Research and Development in Africa (YODRA) is a dynamic non-profit community-based organization operating in the post-war Northern Uganda. YODRA is driven by a mission to develop and implement evidence-based solutions to the most pressing issues of local, national, and global concerns. As a youth-led organization, YODRA views young people as vital solution providers, harnessing their potential to develop, evaluate and implement highly impactful and scalable innovations.
YODRA was founded by a Ugandan Youth Researcher, Mathew Ocan. Under the leadership of Mr. Ocan Mathew, YODRA started in 2017 from Palabek Refugee Settlement as a group of youth volunteers who came together to offer emergency support assistance to unaccompanied minors and separated children and youth fleeing armed conflicts from South Sudan. These services included; erecting temporary shelter, basic psychological first aid, emergency family tracing, and referrals for other services. Mathew continued with his work for children and youth in the refugee Settlement, developing strong passion for supporting young people. Later, he took the initiative to register YODRA with the specific interest of empowering young people to lead in the socio-economic transformation of their own communities.
Strategic Program Focus Areas:
- Youth Skilling in IT-based solutions.
- Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Education including Youth-led HIV Prevention activities.
- Community Engagement Research, Innovations and Advocacy.
Mission and Vision
MissionTo develop and implement effective, scalable, sustainable and evidenced-based solutions to most pressings’ developmental issues of local, national and global concerns for a more transformed communities through empowerment, advocacy and active participation of young people.
VisionYoung people driving creative solutions for a more resilient and sustainable African communities.
Core Values
- Integrity
- Solidarity and Inclusion
- Excellence
- Confidentiality
- Respect for others
