Youth Action Africa‘s Northeastern University chapter kicked off the fall season with their first annual African awareness dinner in November to promote their mission for improving access to information and resources for individuals in developing African nations.
More than 70 people attended the event that included guest speakers, entertainment, and African delicacies, in support of Youth Action Africa’s cause.
Youth Action Africa (YAA), a non-profit organization established in 2008 has been a driving force in the mission to create a pathway in providing educational programs that give individuals access to resources and information needed for economic and social growth in Africa.
Since then, Youth Action Africa has developed organizations and chapters in numerous universities and colleges around the state of Massachusetts. Their carefully crafted initiatives led to the successes of many programs such as the Free Computer Education Program in South Africa and the Micro-finance Project in Cameroon
According to their statement of objectives, Youth Action Africa works to “serve as a pathway out of poverty for community members, and help connect to the labor market.” Though Youth Action Africa has had much success, they see that more still need to be done.
“We want to help Africans learn skills that are marketable in the world,” said Rodah Wangndu, president of Youth Action Africa Northeastern University chapter. “We know that they know how to help themselves, they just don’t have the resources to do so.”
Guest speaker Henry Nsang, YAA University Relations Officer, saw this organization’s work as a platform for passionate youth to pursuit their vision for Africa through the use of education. As a native of Cameroon, he believed the only way to make change is through action. “We believe that if people can learn the skills to improve their position and condition, it can have a ripple effect on their community,” he said.
Fellow guest speaker Jean-Gabriel Jemea Kuoh, founder of the cutting edge digital menu and Afro-ethnic recipe guide website dalekh.com viewed these initiatives as a vital tool for the growth of the continent. “I encourage everyone to apply their skills to the rebranding of the continent, I call it Africa 2.0,” said Kuoh. “Africa is struggling behind in terms of competing with Asian brands, with American brands, because we haven’t define our brands as of yet.”
Audience member Alpha Bah, a Fisher College Business Management graduate, shared the same sentiment towards the organization’s mission. “This is why I came here today. It is all about investing our talents for the betterment of the continent.”
In 2014, Youth Action Africa will continue to promote its current technological initiative through fundraisers, their annual flash mob fashion show, and computer and smart phone donation drive.
Laura O. 