Yaharakari was conceived in 2012 by Mrs. Rejoice Mshelbwala after receiving a national award as the best Woman in Poultry and Feed Mill Production in 2011. The word “YAHARAKARI” means “how can I do it?” — a question that sparked a movement.
The journey began with a tailoring, baking, and bits-making center for 20 women, which grew to 150 trainees. All expenses were covered by Mrs. Mshelbwala, and the community embraced the initiative, even allocating land for expansion.
In 2014, the foundation was officially registered as a CSO. Support came from the wife of the Vice President, Her Excellency Mrs. Dolapo Yemi Osinbajo, and later from the wife of the President, Hajiya Aishatu Buhari, who donated food and clothing for IDPs in Biu LGA.
Between 2019–2021, Yaharakari partnered with GIZ on Community Development Planning (CDP) funded by the European Union and German Cooperation, working in Hawul and Shani LGAs.
To date, we have trained over 600 women and youth in digital skills — including basic literacy, social media marketing, and graphic design — in partnership with GDPH and ZOA INTERNATIONAL (EU-funded).
Currently, we are partnering with OXFAM on a project to improve social cohesion through community development planning in Biu, Kwaya Kusar (Borno), and Guyuk (Adamawa).
Mrs. Rejoice Mshelbwala
Executive Director
"Empowering communities through sustainable development and unwavering commitment."