Photos of some of YAI's major programs in Africa

1. Site of Youth Action International’s Center for Women in Sierra Leone Youth Action International is leasing a building to use as its Center for Women in Sierra Leone while a partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone to build a permanent structure is concluded.

2. In June 2006, YAI held a one day “strategic planning meeting” which brought together stakeholders and beneficiaries to discuss plans for the Center for Women.

3. Strategic planning meeting photos con’d.

4. YAI staff in Liberia and Sierra Leone conduct regular workshops and trainings to help women in Monrovia and Freetown enhance existing business or start new ones.

5. One of the requests we heard during our initial assessment in Liberia was the need to rebuild playgrounds and parks. In 2005, there were no functional playgrounds in Liberia. Youth Action International has began work to rebuild playgrounds and parks across the country. These are some before and after photos.

6. Thousands of children in Liberia became orphans as a result of the war. Several post war orphanages emerged to address this problem, however many of them were operating in poor conditions. Youth Action International is working to renovate orphanages. These are views of some of our nearly completed orphanages. Two of these orphanages will be completed in July 2006.

7. Emergency Medical and Food Aid: For the most part, YAI prefers to focus on programs that focus on community self sustainability. However, in some cases YAI steps in to provide emergency medical and food supplies to groups most in need. For example, in Uganda, YAI is working to provide emergency medical and nutrition to Karamajong children who we found dying in Kampala slums from preventable diseases.

8. Advocacy and the media: Executive Director Kimmie Weeks uses his influence to bring media attention and work with governments to benefit women and children in post war countries. Clockwise description of photos: 1) Kimmie Weeks with MTV in Monrovia 2) Kimmie Weeks holds his third meeting with Liberian President Sirleaf. 3) Kimmie Weeks with British film maker Hazel Chandler. 4) Kimmie Weeks holds talks with members of Uganda’s parliament.