About us
Mission and Vision
Our Mission: Celebrating Arab culture, fostering inclusion by providing cultural education and community engagement opportunities.
Our Vision: Building bridges between cultures, empowering communities to embrace diversity and create a more inclusive society.
The Visionary Journey
Yallaa began as the vision of a woman determined to share her Arab heritage with the wider community of Northern Ireland. Inspired by a deep love for her culture and a desire to foster understanding and connection, she embarked on a journey to create a space where Arab arts and culture could flourish.
The Growing Arab Community
As the Arab community in Northern Ireland continued to grow, so did the need for an organisation that could serve as a hub for cultural exploration and exchange. Yallaa emerged to fulfil this need, evolving into a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to promoting Arab culture in all its facets.
A Cultural Hub Takes Shape
Yallaa quickly became more than an organisation; it became a cultural hub where individuals from all backgrounds could come together to celebrate the diversity of Arab culture. Through a variety of initiatives, including cultural training, cookery workshops, and cultural events, Yallaa established itself as a beacon of inclusivity, engagement, and empowerment.
Awards and Recognition
Yallaa’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The organisation has proudly received accolades, including the Social Enterprise NI Highly Recommended Leader of the Year and Team of the Year awards, as well as the EMEEN Inspirational Entrepreneur Award. These recognitions affirm Yallaa’s dedication to making a positive impact in the community.
What is Yallaa
Embark on a cultural journey with Yallaa, an award-winning social enterprise in Northern Ireland, championing Arab culture, heritage, and arts. Yallaa’s mission is to bridge cultural gaps and foster a diverse, inclusive society.
We offer cultural training, cookery workshops, and vibrant events, celebrating Arab heritage while empowering Arab communities, including refugees and asylum seekers. Our passionate team is dedicated to promoting understanding, appreciation, and creating lasting impacts. Discover more about our vision for cultural harmony and how you can be a part of it.
Awards and Recognitions:
Rym Akhonzada’s leadership and Yallaa’s impactful work have garnered recognition through prestigious awards, including:
• Social Enterprise NI Highly Recommended Leader of the Year: Acknowledging Rym’s exceptional leadership in steering Yallaa toward positive social impact.
• Social Enterprise NI Highly Recommended Team of the Year: Recognising the collective efforts of the Yallaa team under Rym’s guidance.
• EMEEN Inspirational Entrepreneur Award: Celebrating Rym’s entrepreneurial spirit and the inspiration Yallaa brings to the community.
