Youth Transforming Africa Narrative - YOTAN

26/03/2026

Civic Engagement in Action: Kakata, Margibi County
As part of our Local Engagement for Accountability and Democracy (LEAD) project, with grant support from National Endowment for Democracy our institution recently conducted a dynamic civic education and engagement session in Kakata—bringing citizens, youth, and community stakeholders together to strengthen accountability and democratic participation. The conversation was powerful and honest with Community members sharing their experiences with public service delivery, highlighted key governance challenges, and called for greater transparency and responsiveness from local authorities.
Through this engagement, participants gained deeper awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities, and were equipped with practical tools to actively engage decision-makers and demand accountability.
At YOTAN, we believe democracy works best when citizens are informed, organized, and empowered to act. The LEAD Project continues to amplify community voices and bridge the gap between citizens and institutions—driving accountable governance from the grassroots. UNFPA Liberia UNDP Liberia Sinoe County Women Platform Inc. Open Government Partnership Open Society-Africa Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia Embassy of Ireland in Liberia Forum For Democracy And Inclusion-FDI

26/03/2026

Yesterday, our Executive Director Donnish M Pewee joined a delegation from the Educate Her Coalition on an advocacy visit to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) UNFPA Liberia.

The Educate Her Coalition, of which our institution is an active member, is dedicated to advancing gender equity and equality within the education sector—ensuring that every girl has access to safe, inclusive, and quality learning opportunities.

During the engagement, the coalition presented a comprehensive assessment report highlighting the progress made in implementing the National Policy on Girls’ Education, alongside a performance scorecard that tracks key achievements, gaps, and areas requiring urgent action.

This engagement marks a significant step in strengthening partnerships and driving collective action to promote girls’ education and empowerment across Liberia. Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa SEDAT KENYA UN Women Liberia UNDP Liberia Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia Open Society Foundations Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD Joint SDG Fund U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia

09/03/2026

Positioning Women and Youth as Engines of Inclusive Growth

In preparation for the upcoming ECOWAS Special Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa, held in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS, our Executive Director participated in a High-Level ECOWAS Regional Dialogue on Women and Youth in Governance, Peace and Security, and Regional Integration from March 1–5.

The dialogue, hosted by the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre in Saly Portudal, Senegal, brought together regional leaders, policymakers, civil society actors, and development partners to engage in open and forward-looking conversations about the future of the ECOWAS Community.

The overall objective of the consultation was to provide a platform for direct and frank dialogue among Community citizens on the future of regional integration. Participants ignited an important regional conversation on the evolving context of democracy, constitutionalism, governance, peace and security, and the need for stronger regional cooperation to address current challenges while meeting the aspirations of future generations of ECOWAS citizens.

The consultation concluded with the adoption of an outcome document titled “A Pact for the Future of Regional Integration in the ECOWAS Community.” This document will be presented for consideration by Heads of State and Government at the Special Summit on the Future of Regional Integration during the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee.

At Youth Transforming Africa Narrative (YOTAN), we believe that women and youth are not just beneficiaries of development but powerful drivers of democratic governance, peacebuilding, and inclusive economic growth across West Africa. We remain committed to amplifying their voices, strengthening civic leadership, and supporting regional initiatives that promote inclusive governance, accountability, and sustainable development. Ecowas - Cedeao Joint SDG Fund SEDAT KENYA Forum For Democracy And Inclusion-FDI Forum For Democracy And Inclusion-FDI U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa Netzkraft Movement National Endowment for Democracy UN Women Liberia UNDP Liberia Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD Open Society Foundations

09/03/2026

Give to Gain – Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026

On March 8, our institution Youth Transforming Africa Narrative - YOTAN (YOTAN) proudly partnered with SEDAT KENYA to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Give to Gain.”

The event was held at Kanamkemer – Kenya Power Village, bringing together community members, local leaders, and partners who are committed to advancing women’s rights, equality, and empowerment.

Together, we reflected on the important milestones women have achieved in accessing justice, rights, and freedoms, while reaffirming our shared commitment to support and uplift women and girls across our communities.

Through meaningful dialogue, awareness, and collective action, we emphasized a powerful truth: when society gives women equal opportunities, support, and respect, the entire community gains.

At YOTAN, we remain committed to empowering women and girls, strengthening civic participation, and promoting inclusive governance where women’s voices are heard, respected, and represented in shaping a just and sustainable future for Africa. Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD Forum For Democracy And Inclusion-FDI Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia Joint SDG Fund UN Women Liberia UNDP Liberia Open Society Foundations Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund Ecowas - Cedeao

23/01/2026

YAC FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION OPENING SOON! 🚨

The Young African Civic Fellowshipg (YAC) is preparing to welcome its next cohort of bold, values-driven young leaders committed to democracy, civic innovation, and Africa’s transformation. YAC is a flagship program of YOTAN. join our whatsapp community https://chat.whatsapp.com/GmS1d8sWOKYJyUmXL97wJC

20/01/2026

for Applications: Program Manager!
send Application to Administrator via
[email protected]

YOTAN is seeking dynamic, results-driven professionals to join our team in Liberia.

About YOTAN
Youth Transforming Africa Narrative (YOTAN) is an independent, nonpartisan, youth-centered civil society organization dedicated to strengthening democracy, promoting inclusive governance, advancing civic engagement, and empowering young people and communities to drive Africa’s social, political, and economic transformation.
Founded in 2012, YOTAN implements programs that amplify youth voices, expand access to quality education, improve governance, foster civic participation, and promote sustainable development outcomes. With over a decade of experience, YOTAN works at both grassroots and policy levels to ensure that marginalized communities and youth are integral to decision-making processes, shaping a more equitable and accountable society.

Program Manager (Experienced)
Location: Monrovia, Liberia

Role Overview:
The Program Manager will lead the design, implementation, and oversight of programs focused on governance, civic engagement, youth leadership, and development. This role ensures programs align with YOTAN’s mission, Theory of Change, and donor expectations while delivering measurable outcomes. The Program Manager will provide technical guidance to staff and partners, oversee monitoring and evaluation, manage program budgets and timelines, and represent YOTAN in key stakeholder engagements.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead program design, implementation, and evaluation across all focus areas.
• Ensure alignment with organizational strategy and donor requirements.
• Develop program plans, budgets, and timelines with measurable outcomes.
• Provide technical support to staff and partners to ensure high-quality delivery.
• Oversee reporting, documentation, and learning for internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent YOTAN at forums, networks, and partnerships.
Qualifications & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Development Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience managing development, advocacy or governance programs.
• Demonstrated experience in program design, implementation, and M&E.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and team management skills.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in youth programs, governance, or social accountability initiatives.

29/12/2025

Season’s Greetings from YOTAN

As the year comes to a close, the Board and Staff of Youth Transforming Africa Narrative (YOTAN) extend heartfelt appreciation to our partners, supporters, volunteers, and communities for your continued trust and collaboration.

Together, we have advanced youth leadership, strengthened civic engagement, and promoted people-centered, accountable governance across our communities. Your support has made every impact possible.

Thank you for standing with us in making democracy work.
Season’s greetings and best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and impactful New Year!

20/12/2025

Congratulations Donnish Koizuwonba Pewee

On behalf of the entire team at Youth Transforming Africa Narrative (YOTAN), we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Executive Director, Donnish M. Pewee, on his election as Regional Coordinator for the National Civil Society Council of Liberia.

This remarkable achievement is a reflection of your outstanding leadership, commitment, and unwavering dedication to empowering young people and advancing positive change across Liberia. We are proud to see your vision and passion recognized at the national level.

As you take on this new and important role, we have every confidence that you will continue to inspire and unite stakeholders, amplify the voices of youth, and champion the values of good governance, inclusivity, and meaningful participation.

Congratulations once again, Donnish, on this well-deserved honor. We stand with you as you embark on this new chapter of service and impact! Open Government Partnership

09/12/2025

Happy International Anti-Corruption Day!
Corruption weakens democracy, steals opportunities, fuels inequality, and undermines trust.
At YOTAN, we believe that young people are the frontline defenders of transparency and accountability. Today we celebrate the courage of youth who speak truth to power, demand integrity, and stand for a Liberia where leadership is honest, decisions are fair, and governance works for everyone.
Together, we build a corruption-free future.

09/12/2025

09/12/2025

YOTAN Officially Launches the LEAD Project!
Strengthening Transparency • Accountability • Citizen Participation

This weekend, Youth Transforming Africa Narrative (YOTAN) officially launched the Local Engagement for Accountability and Democracy (LEAD) Project at the Women’s Center in Gbarnga, B**g County — with generous grant support of $ 50,000 Fifty thousand united States dollars from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

During the launch, our Executive Director, Donnish M. Pewee, underscored the importance of empowering citizens—especially young people—to take the lead in shaping governance and demanding accountability. He emphasized that as YOTAN marks more than a decade of impact while working at the intersection of youth empowerment, Innovation and Governance, the organization remains committed to building inclusive, transparent, and citizen-responsive democratic systems across Liberia. "For over ten years, YOTAN has worked to ensure that young people and communities are not just observers but active architects of democratic progress,” he noted. “The LEAD Project strengthens this commitment by equipping citizens with the tools and knowledge to bridge the gap between policy and action.”

The LEAD Project will be implemented across six counties, including B**g, Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Lofa, and Nimba. A major highlight of the launch was the introduction of the upcoming Citizens’ Oversight Digital Tool, designed to enable citizens to track government commitments, report service delivery challenges, and access simplified policy and budget information in real time.

We extend heartfelt appreciation to all local leaders, youth groups, civil society actors, community members, and partners who joined us to celebrate this milestone. Your voices and participation continue to drive our mission. Special thanks to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) for supporting this bold step toward strengthening grassroots democracy in Liberia.

Together, we are building a future where citizens lead, institutions listen, and democracy works for everyone. UNV Regional Office: West & Central Africa Joint SDG Fund Open Government Partnership Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD African Monitor UN Women Liberia The Honourable House of Representatives Republic of Liberia Open Society-Africa Youth United For Sustainable Development United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) UN Women Liberia UNDP Liberia Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia Forum For Democracy And Inclusion-FDI