In 2019, Youth Action International will focus on five primary projects. These projects touch each of our three focal points of education, health care and economic empowerment. When implemented, the projects will directly impact approximately 500,000 people in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Both countries share a similar history as both have gone through brutal civil wars and both have now seen multiple Presidential elections and are working to build human capacity and raise citizens out of poverty. We are proud to have been a part of this process and are continuing to shift and focus on programs that build human capacity and support citizens to become financially stable.
As we are a small organization, over 80% of our support still comes from individuals like you. We appreciate your support through the years, and hope that you will continue the journey of real impact with us in 2019.
PLEASE SUPPORT ONE OF THESE PROGRAMS:
MOTHER GOOSE TIME (EDUCATION)
Over the last several years, YAI has run the Mother Goose Time Program for pre-primary schools in Liberia. The program supports hundreds of children and teachers annually by providing specialized curriculum and materials for pre-primary schools. Without Mother Goose Time, many schools would simply utilize a chalk board and to teach kids.
Teachers who use the program now have access to a wealth of tools and materials to help their students learn and thrive. Each teacher receives a box kit per month with enough supplies for them and all of their students. Since the program started, more then 400 teachers and 8,000 students have benefited.
In addition to Mother Goose Time in schools, the goal in 2019 is to launch a mobile program that will help us reach to poor communities where children may not be able to attend school at all.
Yes! I would like to make a donation to support the Mother Goose Time
WATER FOR LIBERIA (HEALTH)
YAI in partnership for Waves4Water has provided access to clean drinking water to thousands of Liberians since 2013. Through the program, we distribute portable water filters to community households and train them on how to use and maintain the devices. Each device allows a family to provide clean drinking water for their house hold so that they do not get sick or die from water borne illnesses.
In 2019, we will be working to provide water filters to the entire county of Grand Bassa. The target is 2,224 communities, 51,239 homes and a population of 480,238 (half of them children). Each water filter costs $50.
Yes! I would like to make a donation to support Water for Liberia
COMMUNITY CENTERS FOR WOMEN (ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT)
The Centers for Women have provided vocational training, counseling and microloans for at least 2,000 women. Prior to 2018, YAI ran a single training center which catered to 300-400 women annually in each country. In 2018, we changed our strategy to working and supporting community based women’s training centers which allows us to be decentralized thus eradicating transportation difficulties women faced in the past.
Women receive training in tailoring, bead making, jewelry making, sandals making, cosmetology, catering and upon graduation receive a small micro-loan to start their own business.
In 2019, we will support ten community Centers for Women in Liberia and ten in Sierra Leone. Each Center will enroll to 100 – 150 women during the course of the year.
Yes! I would like to make a donation to support the Women’s Center
THE GIFT OF MUSIC (ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT)
Music plays an important part of the Liberian culture and landscape. The country has been blessed by many young people who have beautiful voices but unfortunately many of these talents are not experienced by a larger national or international audience because the cost of recording is far more expensive than most young musicians can afford.
Liberia is faced with high unemployment and poverty. Most Liberian families live on less than a dollar a day and often families have difficulties paying for basic health services such as healthcare and education. Considering that the cost of producing a single song is $150, it makes it difficult for most young musicians to be able to record their music and as a result their dreams are never achieved.
In 2019, our goal is to build a full modern studio in Monrovia that will allow musicians from across the country to be able to record their music and videos.
Yes! I would like to make a donation to support the Gift of Music
GENERAL SUPPORT
I prefer to make a general donation to support YAI’s work.
