Youth Action International, or YAI, is an international nonprofit working to rebuild war-torn African communities. The organization promotes the wellbeing and development of children. YAI also works to provide economic empowerment for war-affected youth (ages 13-30).

Specific program activities include:

• Scholarships and educational services
• Small business development (including micro-loans)
• Vocational training
• Agricultural/farming
• Health care and awareness

YAI is run by a network of young international leaders who are defining a new approach to delivering humanitarian aid. By leveraging the use of local materials and employing local people, YAI maximizes the economic and social impact of programs which include building schools, vocationa traning centers, and micro-lending.

YAI was started and inspired by acclaimed youth activist Kimmie Weeks, a survivor of the Liberian Civil War. At age nine, after nearly being buried alive as a result of disease, hunger and suffering, Weeks pledged to spend his life helping children. At age 16, Weeks successfully headed Liberia’s Children’s Disarmament Campaign, an effort to lobby the disarmament of approximately 20,000 Liberian child soldiers. Two years later, his work led Liberian President Charles Taylor and his government to attempt to have Weeks assassinated. As a result, Kimmie was forced to flee to the United States.

While in the U.S., Kimmie continues to grow his vision and invite other youth to partner in the mission. YAI focuses on post-war countries that have faced the worst situations of all - they are beyond the need of international emergency services, but not yet advanced enough to have a self-sustaining commercial economy. These countries face the daily realities of hunger, and a lack of basic needs such as clean water, safe schools, parks and medical care.

We inform young people in industrialized countries about the plight of the world’s children and channel their desire to create positive social change. We create tangible opportunities for young people to take action.

There are many ways to help Youth Action International. We have active chapters at colleges and universities across the United States. Donations will help alleviate the suffering of many children living in regions affected by disease, poverty, and conflict.

A snapshopt of YAI’s impact on women and children:

• 100,000 West African youth benefit from YAI’s youth empowerment programs. 
• 5,000 children climb on a new playground and rediscover their youth through YAI and the power to play.
• 700 youth in the U.S. are actively engaged through YAI member chapters. YAI speaking tours reach 40,000 youth each year, world-wide. 
• 400 single mothers gain work skills, receive micro-loans and claim a place of influence in their communities. 
• 200 young women learn via lifetime scholarships and experience the strenght of education.
• 300 children heal from illness through medical care and receive the opportunity to grow to their full potential.
• 150 Ugandan families receive agricultural training and seeds to become self sustainable.