OUR FOCAL POINTS
YAI’s programs have been carefully developed to focus on the priority needs of the local communities where we work. We work strategically in the program areas that are essential for the growth and development of children and young people in post war countries where infrastructure and opportunities are lacking.
Each of YAI’s programs fall in one of three thematic areas: education, health, and economic empowerment. Education programs build the foundation for children to thrive in the future. Health programs ensure that beneficiaries do not die from preventable illnesses and empowerment programs focus on giving skills and opportunities for young people to become self sufficient.
EDUCATION
Since 2010, YAI has implemented a program called the Liberia Early Childhood Initiative (LECI). This program provides teachers with training and tools to augment early childhood education for thousands of Liberian children. Since the program started, 75 schools, 2,000 teachers, and close to 90,000 children have benefited from it. LECI provides the tools teachers need to help children build a solid foundation. The organization recognizes that by giving children a solid start, they are able to excel and perform better during their later years.
HEALTH
Tens of thousands of people across West Africa still lack access to clean and safe drinking water. During the wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, aid agencies built thousands of hand pumps to help address this problem. Unfortunately, after years of use, most of these pumps are no longer operational and communities have been forced to return to using unsafe water sources. Since 2019, YAI in collaboration with Dockers, Waves4Water and Water Charity have been working to address this problem. To date, the organization has restored 100 wells, which has brought clean and safe drinking water to over 100,000 people.
EMPOWERMENT
One of the biggest challenges young people in post war countries face is access to a source of income. With few available jobs, even young people who have an education struggle to find adequate employment. The challenges are more pronounced for young people who have not had the chance to attend school.
YAI’s empowerment programs focus on providing skills training, life skills, financial literacy skills and small business grants to young people to help them become self sustainable.
