HODARI Foundation’s story is closely tied to the life of our founder, Janvier Hafasha. Currently living with refugee status in Uganda, Janvier fled the Democratic Republic of Congo at age 15, after a militia group invaded his home village, brutally murdering his mother in his presence. 

To date, like many forced to flee their homes, Janvier is unaware of the whereabouts of his family members, and settling in a new life while healing from extreme traumas.

In a bid to share his experiences and seek solutions to the challenges affecting his fellow refugees, Janvier approached the multiple stakeholders needed to address such complex issues. 

By working closely with local leaders, humanitarian organisations and the host community surrounding Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, as well as learning from the opportunity to work as a Community Based Facilitator with Humanity & Inclusion (formerly Handicap International), Janvier felt a strong desire to help fellow refugees, especially women and children, who are facing the same hardships he experienced on his way to Uganda, such as going without food for days and drinking contaminated water to survive. 2020  was  the birth of HODARI  Foundation – now a thriving and impactful refugee-led organisation.