Founder Jerry Lukeka

Our Founding Story

2020: Humble Beginnings
VRC was born during the COVID-19 pandemic as a small gathering of five young people seeking support at Jerry Lukeka's home. What began as a simple meeting of hearts quickly grew into a movement of hope and empowerment.

Jerry's Journey
Founder Jerry Lukeka fled the Democratic Republic of Congo as a teenager and began teaching English to fellow refugee youth. His personal experiences of displacement and resilience shaped his deep passion to empower other young people facing adversity.

Growth & Impact
Today, VRC impacts over 2,000 youth annually across Uganda, helping them discover their purpose, cultivate leadership, and transform their communities. From that small living room gathering has emerged a powerful force for positive change.

About Us

Who We Are and What We Stand For

Youth leadership

Our Mission

To empower the next generation of transformational leaders in their communities by developing meaningful relationships, discovering purpose, and serving others through Christ.

Diverse community

Our Vision

A world where every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to lead a purposeful life, guided by integrity, compassion, and community impact.

Our Core Values


Purpose
Purpose-Driven Living

We lead with integrity, character, and a strong sense of purpose, committed to making a positive impact.

Empowerment
Youth Empowerment

We equip young people with tools, mentorship, and values to grow as confident leaders and changemakers.

Community
Community & Connection

We believe in authentic relationships that foster belonging and bridge cultural divides.


Resilience
Resilience & Growth

We help youth develop inner strength to overcome life's challenges through personal, emotional, and spiritual growth.


Faith
Faith & Worship

We inspire hope and perseverance through Christ-centered worship and spiritual development.

Our Programs

Holistic initiatives empowering youth through skill-building, leadership, and community engagement

120 girls served annually • 85% business start rate
Girls Mentorship Program
Girls Mentorship Program
  • 3-month personal mentorship pairing
  • Empowerment to become peer mentors
  • Faith-based guidance & values
  • Purpose discovery & self-leadership
  • Emotional healing & confidence building

Vocational Training
Vocational Training (12 months)
  • Tailoring & Fashion Design
  • Hairdressing & Beauty
  • Craft Making & Handmade Goods
  • Entrepreneurship training
  • Business planning & financial management

Impact Snapshot
Impact Snapshot
  • 120 girls served annually
  • 85% of graduates start a business or gain employment
  • 100% youth-led program design and implementation
  • Tailored for refugee and conflict-affected communities

Voice of Revival
Program Components
  • Weekly group fellowships and small group mentorship
  • Talent discovery and creative workshops (music, drama, poetry)
  • Youth-led community service and volunteer projects
  • Leadership and public engagement sessions
VOR Impact
Impact

The VOR Hub engages 150+ youth annually, offering a nurturing space for discovering voice, faith, and purpose.

Community Engagement

Nakivale Community Outreach

This 3-day annual signature project serving youth and families in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement.

Activities
  • Psychosocial support and trauma healing
  • Youth empowerment seminars
  • Large civic engagement events
  • Opportunities for youth to exercise skills and lead community change
Community Impact
Impact Snapshot
  • 500+ individuals receive mental health support
  • 300+ attend youth development seminars
  • 900+ join annual civic engagement activity

School Youth Fellowship Program

Bringing purpose, leadership, and faith into secondary schools across Kampala.

School Program
Program Features
  • Conducted once per school term (2-3 hours/session)
  • Interactive format with talks, group activities, reflection
  • Onsite delivery in partnership with school leadership
  • Aligned with youth development & school values
School Impact
Impact

This program currently reaches over 1,500 - 1,700 students per year.

Music Hub

Vijana Music Hub

A youth-run platform that bridges worship, music production, and career development.

  • Digital tools and professional audio equipment
  • Training in music production, songwriting, and sound engineering
  • Linkages to churches, studios, and creative gigs
30 youth trained annually
Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy

Empowering Purpose-Driven Leaders Rooted in Empathy, Service & Impact.

  • 10-week leadership development program
  • Weekly interactive leadership sessions
  • Hands-on personal and community-based projects
  • Peer reflection and mentorship opportunities
  • Integration of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
70+ youth graduate annually

USA Program: Massachusetts - Launching in 2026

Bringing our youth empowerment model to communities in the United States

Soccer Program

Soccer & Mentorship Sessions

In partnership with local organizations in Greater Boston and Worcester:

  • Inclusive soccer games that build confidence and community
  • Group mentorship sessions with caring role models
  • Cultural bridging and social emotional support
Summer Camp

Summer Arts & Soccer Camps

Planning to host summer art and sports ministry camp for youth in Greater Boston during school holidays in neighborhoods like Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury:

  • Academic tutoring and one-on-one mentorship
  • Life skills, trauma-informed care, and team-building
  • Recreational wellness, nutrition education, and spiritual wellbeing
100+ youth to be served annually
USA Vision

Our Vision for the USA

We will serve over 100 youth through our Massachusetts-based programs, using arts and sport as powerful tools for healing, connection, and growth.

Get Involved

Our Team

Meet the passionate youth leaders and change-makers behind Vijana Revival Catalysts

At Vijana Revival Catalysts (VRC), we believe in the power of youth-led leadership, faith-driven service, and community-rooted transformation. Our team is made up of passionate young leaders, mentors, and change-makers, many of whom are refugees or come from under-resourced communities themselves.

Jerry Lukeka

Jerry Lukeka

Founder & Executive Director

Visionary leader with 16+ years in international development and nonprofit leadership, transforming personal experiences of displacement into a mission to uplift others.

Erica Telisnor

Erica Telisnor

Voluntary Managing Director, Voluntary Development & Partnerships

Dedicated youth advocate guiding students toward college and meaningful careers, with a deep commitment to fostering purpose, education, and opportunity.

Sifa Lukeka

Sifa Lukeka

Uganda Director

Seasoned social worker and community mobilizer bringing wealth of experience in public health outreach, community development, and small business leadership.

Beatrice Ayero

Beatrice Ayero

Director, Msika Kipaji Program

Passionate mentor and creative artisan dedicated to equipping young women with practical skills, confidence, and purpose through vocational training.

Want to meet the rest of our amazing team and learn about how you can join our movement?

Read More About Our Team

Other Ways to Support

Multiple pathways to contribute to our mission

Mail a Check

Send your donation to:

647 Warren St
Dorchester, MA 02121

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Our Valued Partners

Building impactful relationships to empower youth and transform communities

Tropical High School
Tropical High School

Education Partner

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St. Mbuga Vocational
St. Mbuga Vocational

Skills Development

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CELPA UGANDA
CELPA UGANDA

Community Development

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BEERI MINISTRIES
BEERI MINISTRIES

Faith Partnership

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FREEWORSHIPPER
FREEWORSHIPPER

Creative Ministry

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Partnership Opportunity

Join Our Network of Changemakers

We're building strategic partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our vision for youth empowerment and community transformation.

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