Youth Action International’s (YAI) mission is to increase digital literacy and computer proficiency for young people in post war African countries. YAI was established in 2006 by Liberian civil war survivor Mr. Kimmie Weeks. The organization's early projects were centered around education, health care and economic empowerment.
Since its establishment, YAI’s programs have benefited more than 500,000 people in Burundi, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Uganda. Past successful programs have included establishing computer training centers, vocational training centers and building high schools. The organization has also run several initiatives including an early childhood education initiative and providing access to clean water for communities. YAI also undertook a number of interventions to address the Ebola and Covid 10 epidemics in vulnerable communities in the two countries.
In both Liberia and Sierra Leone, YAI has run various empowerment programs focused on providing young people the training skills and tools to improve their lives and contribute to national development. Successful programs have included a vocational training center for women which trained 500 young women annually in various vocational training skills to help them earn an income. We have also implemented standalone computer training programs, various agricultural projects to train young people to utilize organic farming techniques, and various microloans and microgrant programs which impacted close to 10,000 young people.
Over the years, YAI has run several computer training labs in Liberia and in Sierra Leone. We have run standalone community based computer labs to train high school graduates in basic computer skills. We have also partnered with local organizations to run affordable community based computer training programs which have benefited thousands of young people.
Kimmie Weeks and YAI have been recognized globally and have received numerous awards for YAI’s work against poverty. Notable amongst them includes the World’s Children’s Prize from the Queen of Sweden and Liberia’s highest civilian award as Knight Grand Commander in Humane Order of African Redemption from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Our work has been profiled on major television networks including CNN, BBC TV, CCTV, Discovery Channel, and MTV Canada.
Youth Action International is a registered 501(c)3 organization in the United States and is an accredited non-governmental organization with the governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone.
At the heart of YAI's mission is the drive to increase digital literacy and computer proficiency among the youth in postwar African nations. We recognize the vital role that technology plays in shaping opportunities, and our initiatives are designed to bridge the digital divide, providing access and training to transform lives and futures.
Our vision is to see a continent where access to computer proficiency is not a luxury but a fundamental right for the youth. We believe that by providing the tools and knowledge necessary for success in the digital age, we are sowing the seeds for sustainable development, economic growth, and a future where the immense potential of Africa's youth is fully realized.
We champion inclusivity, working tirelessly to bridge the digital divide. Our dedication to innovation is embedded in our model of creating state of the art, sustainable computer labs at a fraction of the cost. We collaborate with with schools, communities, and stakeholders to amplify our impact. Finally, Education stands as a cornerstone value, driving our efforts to unlock opportunities and empower young minds for a brighter future.