Young Africans for Peace and Development Association (YAPADA) was founded in 2021 with a simple yet powerful vision: to build a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of East Africa, particularly focusing on youth, women, and marginalized communities. Our story is rooted in a collective desire to create sustainable change through development, empowerment, and peacebuilding.
YAPADA was born from the efforts of a group of passionate young individuals who recognized the potential for lasting change within their communities. Coming from diverse backgrounds, we shared a common belief that peace, education, and sustainable development are the keys to overcoming the challenges that East Africa faces, including poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation.
Our founding members were inspired by the stories of resilience in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia—countries that have witnessed the struggles and triumphs of their people in the face of conflict, economic instability, and environmental challenges. It was clear to us that there was an urgent need for an organization that would bring together young leaders to work toward solutions that foster peace, development, and environmental sustainability.
At YAPADA, our mission is to empower communities through peacebuilding, education, sustainable development, and social justice. We work alongside local communities to create lasting, positive changes, focusing on areas such as:
By addressing the root causes of conflict and inequality, we strive to create a society where everyone—regardless of gender, age, or background—has the opportunity to thrive.
Since our establishment, YAPADA has made significant strides in advancing peace and development across East Africa. Our programs have reached communities in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, tackling urgent issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and youth unemployment.
Our initiatives have empowered thousands of young people and women to become leaders in their communities, providing them with skills, resources, and opportunities to build better futures for themselves and those around them. Our youth leadership programs have created networks of changemakers who are actively engaged in shaping the policies and solutions that will affect their generation.
Our commitment to environmental sustainability and peacebuilding is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that without peace, development cannot thrive, and without sustainable practices, the future of the communities we serve is at risk. As such, we focus on initiatives that promote long-term solutions, such as climate adaptation, renewable energy projects, and conflict resolution workshops.
The journey of YAPADA has only just begun. While we have made significant progress, there is still much to be done. We are focused on expanding our programs, deepening our impact, and strengthening our partnerships with local and international organizations. Our goal is to create a future where peace and prosperity are achievable for every community in East Africa.
Together, we can build a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future. The story of YAPADA is the story of collective effort, hope, and determination—a story that continues to unfold every day as we work toward a better tomorrow.
Join Us on Our Journey.
We invite you to be a part of our story. Whether by volunteering, donating, or partnering with us, your support helps us reach new heights and continue our mission of peace and development across East Africa.