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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.