Our Story
Youth Action International (YAI) was born from the vision and determination to create lasting change for children and young people in post-war African countries. As a child, our founder, Kimmie Weeks, experienced firsthand the devastating effects of conflict in Liberia, which shaped his commitment to making a difference.
A Childhood Amidst Conflict
During the brutal Liberian civil war, Kimmie Weeks faced unimaginable challenges. As a refugee during the Liberian civil war, he nearly died from starvation and disease. These experiences profoundly impacted Kimmie and ignited his passion for advocacy and humanitarian work. At 17, Kimmie’s outspoken activism against the use of child soldiers made him a target, forcing him to flee Liberia and seek asylum in the United States. Despite the safety he found, his thoughts remained with the children and families suffering back home. This drive led him to channel his personal struggles into a broader mission for change.
Founding Youth Action International
While studying in the United States, Kimmie founded Youth Action International to give students a platform to engage with global issues and make a meaningful impact. The grassroots movement quickly gained traction, transforming into a nationally recognized organization dedicated to supporting children and young people in post-war regions.
Anne Frank
First Steps in Liberia
In 2006, YAI launched its first projects in Liberia, providing humanitarian assistance to build several orphanages and the Becky Primary School, a K-12 facility which continues to provide education for over 800 students every year. The success of these initiatives underscored the urgent need for sustainable development solutions and inspired further expansion.
Expanding Our Reach
With more support, YAI’s program grew to include vocational training projects, microlending, and early childhood education. Operations were also expanded beyond Liberia to Burundi, Guinea, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Uganda. These countries, although no longer in active conflict, continue to grapple with the long-lasting effects of their past wars. YAI's programs offered a way out to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to a brighter future through access to education, essential health care, and economic empowerment.
Transforming Lives
YAI’s programs continued to grow and expand through the years, Our programs have positively affected over 1 million lives in six countries in West and East Africa. Today, YAI focuses on three high impact thematic areas:
Education
Health Care
Economic Empowerment
To empower children and young people in post-war African countries by providing access to education, health care, and economic empowerment opportunities.
A world where every child and young person in Africa can realize their full potential and contribute to the development of their communities and countries.
We are committed to integrity, empowerment, collaboration, sustainability, and leadership in all our efforts to create lasting change.
Youth Action International and Lemongrass Productions presents a Black Tie Gala to raise funds for solar lights and education supplies.