The Youth Alive Foundation is a non-governmental organization established in Lagos in 1999 as Youth Alive Fellowship. The organization, which began as Youth Alive Fellowship in a small room called the Glory Tower, located in a quiet suburb of Ikeja had an initial goal to provide spiritual enlightenment, guidance, counselling, and support to young people around that locality. The Fellowship was convened by Dr. Udy Akpan who was also a youth at the time. As news of YAF’s impact spread, more and more young people seeking support and guidance began trooping in and in just a few months, the fellowship had grown in number. As a way of reaching out to more young people, especially the youths, the fellowship hosted many faith-based events which produced massive turnouts in 2001.
In response to the poverty of some youths attending the fellowship who could not pay school fees or engage in any income generation activities and lived in shanty’s, Dr Udy approached some multi-national companies in Ikeja for support as part as part of their corporate social responsibility and was informed that they do not give funds to individuals only charitable organizations. YAF yielding to advise registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as Youth Alive Foundation in June 2016. This was a basic requirement to collaborate with philanthropic and other corporate bodies to support in funding the needs of the large number of youths seeking a meaningful life. Thus, YAF metamorphosed into a non-profit organization serving youths. Nobody ever envisaged that YAF would grow into the reputable national organization it is today, but her persistent commitment to helping young people find their purpose and direction in life led to the success stories recorded today.
YAF’s commitment to excellence in project delivery and positive youth development programming has made it a powerhouse in the developmental sector in Nigeria. The mission has always been to serve, and in all the years of active programme delivery, YAF has never failed in her commitment to create a society in which young people can have access to social and economic opportunities and where their basic human and political rights are protected. The organization is now turning its focus to Africa to replicate what was achieved in Nigeria.
A just, equitable and progressive society in which young people have access to socio-economic opportunities, and their basic human and political rights are protected.
To increase the participation and influence of African youths in governance and national development by implementing innovative, and value-driven programs that foster economic growth, strengthen communities, regional collaborations, and sustainable development in the continent.
We acknowledge and appreciate the inherent value and dignity of all young people and recognize the importance of respecting their unique experiences.
We strive to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of their race, age, gender, sexual orientation, class, ethnicity, disability, religion, or geographical location.
We uphold a culture of truthfulness, openness, and accountability in all our processes and interactions.
We stand in solidarity with the poor, powerless, and vulnerable, actively working to defend their rights and improve their well-being.
We demonstrate boldness, creativity, and innovation in our efforts to create the greatest possible impact in the lives of young people.
We acknowledge that we are part of a larger movement fighting for the rights and welfare of young people, and we actively collaborate with others to achieve our shared goals.
We stand in solidarity with the poor, powerless, and vulnerable, actively working to defend their rights and improve their well-being.
We are a youth focused civil society organization with a brand identity for innovative programs. Our identity encapsulates our unwavering commitment to empowering youths to drive change in their communities and nationally. At our core, we embody the spirit of youth, embracing innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and boundless potential that young people possess. We celebrate the power of collective action and collaboration, recognizing that true transformation can only be achieved through unity and solidarity. Our identity is also deeply rooted in the digital information age, utilizing the vast potential of social media and digital resources including compelling audio-visual content to engage and mobilize our extensive online community. We are recognized for using the power of storytelling and communication in sparking conversations and inspiring action, and we harness this power to drive impactful change. With a national reach and influential strength, we leverage our platform to amplify the voices of Nigerian youths, ensuring they are heard in the halls of power and decision-making spaces. We champion social justice, striving to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
We are a youth focused civil society organization with a brand identity for innovative programming. Our identity encapsulates our unwavering commitment to empowering youths to drive change in their communities and nationally.
© 2024 Youth Alive Foundation
