We also partner with other like-minded colleagues nationally and internationally on the above. Youth EMPOWERMENT SOLUTIONS (YES)
WHO WE ARE
The Youth Empowerment Solutions (Yes) is none profit and non-governmental organization, registered with the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Kailahun District Council and accredited by the Ministry of Youth Affairs. It was founded on 12 August, 2
020 by Sahr Duko Yillia, a Sierra Leonean young dynamic social activists/advocate, passionate about positive social changes in the lives of young people who have been orphaned by brutal armed civil conflict, Ebola and other causes
The establishment of this organization was as a result of my burning desires in identifying myself as a War Orphan with other thousands of young persons in similar circumstances in Sierra Leone, Africa and other part of the world. Especially those living on the streets, slums, and other polluted areas without social and economic protections. My desire is to positively transform their lives from living on the street and other poor conditions to positive community and nation builders. Therefore, am of the strongest conviction that all problems confronting my colleagues especially extreme poverty, illiteracy, environmental pollution, armed conflicts, etc. are not permanent, but if confronted with innovative ideas and approaches, together we will surely bring positive sustainable changes for their sustainable developments. VISION
We believe that the persistent sufferings of young Orphans are man-made problems which could be reversed with our collective efforts and energies. Therefore, (YES SIERRA LEONE) envisage communities were all:
• Young people are given equal rights and opportunities regardless of their gender and other status,
• Their voices are heard and given the right attentions for their development at all levels. MISSION
(YES’s) mission is to rescue young marginalized Orphans (Disabled and none disabled), female and male, age 1 to 35 years), from extreme poverty, living on the streets, slums, market places and other polluted areas. This is to be done through the Eco Village project, which is to provide them with learning and other livelihood and social facilities. CORE VALUES
Our five core values stand for everything we do, and are reflected in all our actions as shown below:
1. Young people FIRST: This means that, their interests, welfare and development are our top priority; this will be place at the core of all our investments in money, labor and communications.
2. TEAM WORK: This means to us that, we will always take decisions and act in union and moved by a strong mutual purpose. Our team is powerful because of our common understanding, commitments and passions in the (YES) concept for their developments.
3. ACCOUNTABILITY: This means to us that, we will be fully reliable to our beneficiaries, donors, partners, employees and collaborators at all times.
4. EQUALITY: This means to us that, we will always give the same rights and respects to everyone, regardless of their religion, race, gender, nationality, tribe, age, social status, disability etc.
5. EXCELLENCE: This means to us that, we will always aim at the highest standard of quality in our work and communication. Our organization will strive to achieve continuous progress, by being self critical and open to feedbacks. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. The provision of an enabling environment for marginalized and young Orphans (Disabled and none disabled) female and male through the Eco Village'
2. The promotion of social services including medical, educational and other facilities for them within the above facilities. Especially The provision of vocational training in enterprise development to include computer, carpentry, Eco farming, environmental protection, waste recycling for renewable energies and many others for self reliance to be supported with start-up kit. The Eco Village will have the following facilities:
1. Young people’s Resource and Recreational Center
2. A psychosocial section for counseling and rehabilitation , because of the extreme abuses they might have gone through. WHAT WE DO
1. Social PROTECTION
(YES) is working as a catalyst of change, by monitoring, documenting and reporting all abuses and violations committed against the above mentioned categories of persons. Additionally, we conduct family tracing programs, whereby street/abandoned Orphans are linked with their parents, guidance or foster families.
2. EDUCATION:
(YES) firmly believe that quality education is key in overcoming poverty and fueling development. Therefore, we will promote the concept of Inclusive Education amongst this category. Our conviction is that, education shall lead to positive changes in the lives of these of young people. Not only will they acquire knowledge, but they will also gain the ability to think independently and choose their actions responsibly. They will acquire healthy habits, skills and attitudes that characterize them into socially accepted individuals. In achieving our goals, we provide scholarships for their trainings into various learning institutions (formal and none formal). As well as the provisions of sport and recreational facilities for the above mentioned young people at community levels.
3. PROVISION OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES:
The issue of access to basic health care services for underprivileged young Orphans including those with Disabilities remain our concern and we tackle them in the following ways:
Constant health and hygiene awareness campaigns through community health ambassadors, use of media etc.
Conducts medical health camps on regular basis in remote communities for check-ups, including the treatment of curable cases and the referral of other cases to appropriate bodies.
Pay particular attention to psychosocial cases, creating awareness about their needs, and facilitating referral to specialized institutions.
Work closely with other youth groups, providing health and sexual education, counseling etc.
4. HIV/AIDS
(YES) will work towards raising awareness and the provision of accurate information to children and youths especially those with Disabilities in order to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. This also includes campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination for victims. We will also advocate for community-based care and support especially for those who have become Orphaned by the above.
5. YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES:
As a youth-led organization, we will build the capacities of youths with new skills of developments for self reliance. We will train them in leadership skills and also how to become volunteers in their different communities. We will also train them on the use of Information Communication Technology, with various open source software systems.
