About YVEI

A Pan-African movement, rooted in community.

Founded in 2022 and registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria, YVEI is committed to empowering underserved children and youth across rural Africa.

Our Journey

Every movement has a story.

Our journey reflects our commitment to building a stronger institution capable of creating lasting impact across Africa.

YVEI team leading an outreach session at a rural school
Our Story

From YWTFL to YVEI.

We began as Yes! We're the Future Leaders Foundation (YWTFL) — a grassroots initiative founded on a single conviction: every child and young person, no matter where they are born, deserves access to education, protection and opportunity.

As our reach grew from a single community in Delta State, Nigeria into rural settlements across the continent, we recognized the need for a name that reflected both our expanded mandate and the voices at the heart of our work. In 2022, YWTFL was formally rebranded and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (Nigeria) as Young Voices Empowerment Initiative for Youth and Children (YVEI).

The mission has not changed — only deepened. Today, YVEI operates across 12 African countries — with our Continental Headquarters in Nigeria — led by passionate volunteers and community representatives, delivering programs designed to endure long after a project ends.

Where we are: Nigeria (HQ), Ghana, Benin Republic, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Togo, Cameroon, Eswatini, Burundi, Uganda.

  1. Origin
    Founded as Yes! We're the Future Leaders Foundation (YWTFL) — a grassroots youth movement in Nigeria.
  2. 2022
    Rebranded and registered with CAC as Young Voices Empowerment Initiative for Youth and Children (YVEI).
  3. Today
    A growing Pan-African presence across 12 countries. 12 countries with yvei presence/network · 7 countries where yvei has implemented projects · 50+ communities reached · 6,000+ children reached · 500+ youth empowered.

Our Vision

To build a world where every child and youth in rural settlements, regardless of gender or background across Africa, has equal access to education, protection, digital skills and opportunities to thrive.

Our Mission

To empower children and youth through education, gender equality advocacy, digital inclusion, leadership development and community-driven protection programs — enabling them to discover purpose, build confidence and contribute meaningfully to society.

Core Values

The principles that guide every program we deliver.

Inclusiveness
Integrity
Empathy
Excellence
Collaboration
Innovation
Protection

Leadership & Governance

Transparency is one of our core commitments.

Board of Trustees

K
Kareen Ajatiton
Founder & Chairperson
M
Mrs. Abugewa Ajatiton
Trustee
G
Gyeyok Sakyenu
Trustee

Executive Leadership

D
Deborah Kejuo
Executive Director / Operations Lead

Our Departments

Department · 01
Programs & Community Development
Department · 02
Volunteer Management & Welfare
Department · 03
Media, Branding & Communications
Department · 04
Partnerships & Fundraising
Department · 05
Finance & Administration
Department · 06
Compliance, Ethics & Safeguarding