Blogroll
If the world has woken up to M.I.A., so have her musical peers. Hip-hop artist T.I. teamed up with rap elites Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne, sampling a portion of “Paper Planes” into his own track, “Swagga Like Us.” M.I.A.’s magic mojo appears to have rubbed off, as T.I.’s new album Paper Trail recently debuted at #1. Reenergized, re-recognized, and reverberating worldwide, M.I.A. will release the How Many Votes Fix Mix on iTunes October 28th (and everywhere else November 4th.) The Digital EP will feature a remix Boyz featuring Jay-Z as well as two unreleased tracks: “Shells” and “Far Far.”
And as the world takes to Kala, M.I.A. takes on the world—literally. This past August, Maya Arulpragasam (aka, M.I.A.) partnered with non-profit organization Youth Action International to begn building the Becky Primary School in Liberia. New additions include more classrooms, a library, computer labs, and a new playground. Plus, free tuition for its 625 students. She also launched her own clothing line, featuring T-shirts, jackets, and hoodies of her own design.
November 27, 2008
The President of Liberia Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally launched YAI’s Center for Women’s Empowerment in Monrovia. The program which was held on November 17th brought together heads of international organizations, government officials and a host of other guests. Youth Action International proposes to tackle the problems facing the women in Liberia using a multi-prolonged approach through the creation of a Center for Women Empowerment in Monrovia, Liberia. The Center for Women’s Empowerment will use basic education, alternative counseling, vocational training, and micro-credit loans to alleviate the negative impact the civil war has had on women in Liberia. The center promotes the vital role women can play in sustainable development. It is an integral part of a long-term local capacity-building program for young women.
The keynote speaker for the event, twenty-four year-old Remma Bull commended Youth Action International for its efforts to prioritize women by opening the new Center for Women. She said more organizations needed to emulate the organizations gesture. She noted that “Youth Action International has set itself apart from other organizations by standing at the fore front of efforts to strengthen the capacity of young women.” The target beneficiaries of this project include women and girls below thirty five years old who live in the poorest communities in Monrovia. Youth Action International will partner with a number of governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations to ensure the full implementation of this program. Continue reading 
November 26, 2008
Every year, Kimmie Weeks embarks on a nationwide speaking tour to motivate young people to become pioneers of change. To date, thousands of students have heard his message and many of them have gone on to start their own humanitarian organizations or have joined other change-making programs.
Contact Natsumi Ajiki: natsumi @ peaceforkids.org
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October 6, 2008
“What have I gotten myself into?”
This is a question that has come up many times on my journey to Africa.
I suppose to clarify, and so as not to sound like a cynic, I should explain a little bit about myself. I’ve been a photographer for two and a half years now. When I first picked up a camera the only thought that went through my head was “Awesome, now I have a big chunk of metal, plastic and glass that will allow me to take clearer photos and I’ll soon be rich and famous as a result of having this camera!”
This was not the case as I am neither rich, nor famous (side from my own delusions of grandeur.) Anyways all of that is beside the point. If someone had told me the day that I picked up that camera that it would eventually lead me to post war West Africa, I would have laughed in their faces. Not because traveling to West Africa is a crazy idea, but simply because I did not see myself ever getting past the stage of “hobbyist” photography.
And yet, here I sit, in Sierra Leone, thousands of miles from home (6168 miles approximately) volunteering as the photographer for Youth Action International.
Now in regards to Africa, particularly Sierra Leone and Liberia, I don’t think that anything could have really prepared me for what I would experience here. This is including Kimmie’s ‘worst case scenario’ description of Liberia.
Continue reading
October 4, 2008
Monrovia, Liberia-9-15-08: Youth Action International in collaboration with the Photographers Union of Liberia has held a one day training workshop for Liberian photographers and photo journalists. The one day workshop was held at YAI’s offices on Benson street on September 12th and brought together 20 Liberian photographers.
Speaking at the start of the start of workshop, the Executive Director of (YAI), Mr.Kimmie Weeks said that his organization had taken the initiative to carry out the workshop as the first in a series of steps aimed at strengthening business fields young people usually engage in. “We want to see more young people developing the skills to compete anywhere. We want Liberia to one day boost of having the best young photographers.”
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September 23, 2008
World renowned Liberian child rights activist Kimmie Weeks has been invited to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council. The council aims to convene 15 to 30 of the most innovative and relevant minds in fields of critical importance the world as a whole. Other members of the Global Agenda Council include Bertie Ahern – Prime Minister of Ireland, Andrew Crockett – President of JP Morgan Chase, Donald Kaberuka – President of the African Development Bank, UNHCR’s High Commissioner – Antonio Guterres, and UNICEF’s Executive Director Ann Veneman amongst others. As a member of the network of Global Agenda Council, Kimmie Weeks will serve the global community within an interdisciplinary and multistakeholder body of leaders who monitor and prioritize key global challenges, elaborates possible solutions and is available in crisis management situations. The group will convene in Dubai for the Summit on Global Agenda scheduled to take place from November 7th – 9th. Continue reading
September 23, 2008
Monrovia, Liberia- 5-10-08: The American based organization, Youth Action International (YAI), has donated a consignment of assorted medical supplies valued at US$50,000 to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center. The organization has also made separate donations of over 1,000 boxes of books and school supplies to the Project School in Steven Tolbert Estate and the Becky Primary School in Margibi County. Making the donations, Youth Action International Executive Director Kimmie Weeks noted that his organization was making the gesture in furtherance of its efforts to strengthen Liberia’s education and health sector. Kimmie Weeks who served as National Orator for programs marking Liberia’s 161st Independence Day last year said that the donations were intended to buttress is call for greatest priority to be placed on education and health. Weeks noted: “During my speech last year, I emphasized the need for government to prioritize these two important sectors. I also called for all Liberians to support the process. I’m here today to talk the talk and walk the walk by making my own contribution to the enhancement of Liberia’s health and education sector. Continue reading
September 23, 2008
A new reality series featuring world renowned Liberian activist Kimmie Weeks is set to debut in the United States after airing globally in 133 countries and 35 languages around the world. The series will broadcast in the US on the CW Network. The new series called “4Real” profiles celebrity adventures around the world to connect with young leaders who, under extreme circumstances, are affecting real change on some of the most pressing issues of our time.Celebrity guests for Season One are Cameron Diaz, Mos Def, Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Casey Affleck, K’NAAN, M.I.A. and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Earlier this year, MTV Canada and Discovery Channel International teamed up to air the reality series in millions of homes around the world. More than 1.5 million people in Canada tuned in for the shows debut in Canada and millions of others watched on Discovery Channel International. Continue reading
September 23, 2008
Non-profit organization, Youth Action International (YAI), along with British music producer, songwriter, and vocalist, Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam (MIA), will be opening the Becky Primary School this August. Following YAI’s commitment to education, the new school seeks to create a favorable learning environment for its students intended on inspiring the children to learn.
MIA was introduced to YAI’s founder and Executive Officer, Kimmie Weeks, when they appeared together in the MTV television program entitled “4Real”. The program featured YAI’s programs in Liberia and specifically their efforts with the Becky Primary School. After seeing YAI’s impact on the students of the Becky Primary School, MIA teamed up with YAI to help fund the rebuilding and renovation of the school.
The Becky Primary School is located in Johnsonville Dolo Town, Margibi County and enrolls 625 students per year. The new school will include new classrooms, a library, computer labs, and a new playground. In addition to building renovations, YAI proposes to provide the teachers with salary and will give its students free tuition for a year. YAI will also be partnering with non-profit organization Litworld to provide training for the teachers.
August 22, 2008
Forbes, 8.14.08: Today marks the official launch of The Greener Diamond Foundation, whose mission is to raise awareness about the continued trade of conflict diamonds and to fund restoration efforts for communities in Africa that are continuing to suffer from the connection between the diamond trade and warfare. Youth Action International is one of three organizations to benefit from The Greener Diamon Foundation.
The Greener Diamond aims to inspire a new generation free of restraints proliferated by conflict diamonds and to educate consumers on the true cost of earth-mined diamonds; financially, environmentally and socially. MiaDonna & Co LLC is the sole sponsor of The Greener Diamond. The two entities work together to bring the beauty of love back to diamonds.
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August 22, 2008
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Posted by Kimmie, 6/11/10
On June 15th, the Chase Community Giving will begin. Voters will be able to use their facebook accounts to determine which organizations will win one of the many cash prizes.
Our ability to win this money to help us continue our work in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Uganda depends on your vote. So please take a moment to click the VOTE NOW link, login to your facebook account and vote for us.
VOTE NOW
Posted by Kimmie, 10/6/09
I’ve been thinking about what to write since I came back from Liberia. I am from Spain and English is my fourth language – I also speak Spanish, Italian, and Catalan. So as you can imagine, it took me forever to put all my thoughts in order in English.
My name is Esther Rodriguez-Brown. My husband, Michael, and I are the founders of The Embracing Project, a non profit organization we created to educate inner city youth about the similarities between genocide and gang activity. One purpose of this journey is to expose inner city youth to the experiences of children soldiers in different parts of the world and then to create a pen-pal relationship between both groups.
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Posted by Lauren, 10/6/08
Every year, Kimmie Weeks embarks on a nationwide speaking tour to motivate young people to become pioneers of change. To date, thousands of students have heard his message and many of them have gone on to start their own humanitarian organizations or have joined other change-making programs.
Contact Natsumi Ajiki: natsumi @ peaceforkids.org
Continue reading
Posted by Cody, 10/4/08
“What have I gotten myself into?”
This is a question that has come up many times on my journey to Africa.
I suppose to clarify, and so as not to sound like a cynic, I should explain a little bit about myself. I’ve been a photographer for two and a half years now. When I first picked up a camera the only thought that went through my head was “Awesome, now I have a big chunk of metal, plastic and glass that will allow me to take clearer photos and I’ll soon be rich and famous as a result of having this camera!”
This was not the case as I am neither rich, nor famous (side from my own delusions of grandeur.) Anyways all of that is beside the point. If someone had told me the day that I picked up that camera that it would eventually lead me to post war West Africa, I would have laughed in their faces. Not because traveling to West Africa is a crazy idea, but simply because I did not see myself ever getting past the stage of “hobbyist” photography.
And yet, here I sit, in Sierra Leone, thousands of miles from home (6168 miles approximately) volunteering as the photographer for Youth Action International.
Now in regards to Africa, particularly Sierra Leone and Liberia, I don’t think that anything could have really prepared me for what I would experience here. This is including Kimmie’s ‘worst case scenario’ description of Liberia.
Continue reading
Posted by Lauren, 9/23/08
I wish I had been more diligent about documenting my experiences and reactions in Liberia, but I seemed to always put off the act of writing. I always told myself I was too tired or busy, but the truth is that I had a very difficult time reflecting on the barrage of experiences at the time. Throughout my time in Africa, I realized that I did not once shed a tear. It was only once I was on the plane from Accra to New York, on my way back to my privileged and comfortable life, that I was able to absorb the memories and the pictures that I was taking with me. As I looked through the pictures I had taken on my camera, I cried for a half an hour straight. I cried thinking about the hopeful faces on the small children at Temas Orphanage that I was leaving. I cried for young people of Grand Bassa County who do not have the opportunity to go to school. I cried because I realized that my life would be changed forever and I cried because I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
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Posted by memory, 5/9/08
A cross-section of observers, traditional and religious leaders, local and international media stormed Ri-Kwangba last week to witness the historical moment were Joseph Kony, the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) leader was supposed to sign the final peace agreement. The rest of the world held its breath to witness the day that northern Uganda would finally get to normalcy after 20 years of conflict between the Government of Uganda and the LRA rebels.
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Posted by memory, 4/29/08
“Aren’t you nervous?” my dear friend carefully asked me when I told her that I’d be visiting Uganda. That’s how my parents reacted at first. I told myself it is not because Uganda is part of Africa that they are worried for my travel. Traveling to new places is always uncertain to some extent. However, I couldn’t deny that part of me was more worried than usual. What would I see? How would I feel? What should I expect? Am I mature enough? Above all, the question was ‘why would I want to go visit Africa’? I cannot tell Uganda story leaving out the influence of Kimmie and Youth Action International. I actually met Kimmie at Northfield Mount Hermon High School where Kimmie graduated from.
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Posted by memory, 4/19/08
The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), an Acholi-based opposition group led by Joseph Kony has been fighting first against president Museveni’s government, and currently against other Acholi peoples. The Acholi are an ethnic group who live in Northern Uganda. Though Kony, leader of the LRA reportedly believes he has been chosen by God to overthrow president Museveni and establish a government based on the Ten Commandments, and a purified Acholi race, the LRA has yet to explain its goals or put forth any sort of political agenda.
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Posted by Abigail, 9/3/07
I wasn’t promised an African sunset. When Kimmie Weeks invited me on a humanitarian mission through post-conflict countries, what came to mind were the stunning landscape pictures my friends had brought back from the ranch in Kenya. It was how I had envisioned this beautiful continent. Streaks of red and orange, firing up the night sky of deep blue and purple: a kaleidoscope of color. Instead, I found another kind of sunset. I found the African people wasting away, dying brutal, horrific deaths at the hands of war, disease, and poverty. I found the sun setting on their lives. Not fading into the night with brilliant lights, but being shredded into a nonexistence wracked with pain and suffering. Continue reading
Posted by Nina, 9/3/07
I traveled to Liberia and Sierra Leone with Kimmie Weeks during the summer of 2006 to assist him and carry out research for YAI. I am originally from Tanzania and was excited to visit west Africa. I was confident I would adjust to Sierra Leone pretty quickly, because hey, it was still Africa wasn’t it? And I’m half African. Continue reading
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