Youths in action for progressive voices and awaken initiatives

10/12/2025

Let's talk as we are cutting down the 16 days of activism on Digital violence against women and girls

What role individuals can play to eradicate digital violence? Let's discuss on the comment section
👇👇👇👇

09/12/2025

05/12/2025

26/11/2025

Congratulations to our CEO

25/11/2025

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GBV
UNiTE! End Digital Violence Against All Women & Girls
25 NOV – 10 DEC 2025

Every 1 in 3 women globally experiences gender-based violence.
This year, our focus is on the growing threat of online abuse, harassment, and coercion.

If you or someone you know is being harmed — online or offline —
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Report. Respond. Support.

Confidential. Safe. Free.
Stand with us. Raise your voice. Take a stand.

YAPVAI STAND AGAINST SGBV AND ANY OTHER VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Gender Equality for Good Governance Sierra Leone First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL Amb Mary Mariama Gandi Gender Equity Society Plan International SEND - SIERRA LEONE Human Rights Watch Grace Jannet Yawa Quinn Amb Jonathan Frank Johnson

24/10/2025

Project Title: Building Respect and Anti-Violence Education Against Women and Girls in Tertiary Institutions

Donor Partner: BMZ through Welthungerhilfe
Implementing Partner: SEND Sierra Leone
Institution: Fourah Bay College (FBC) University of Sierra Leone
Location: Western Area
Date: October 21st, 2025

Activity: School-to-School Awareness Raising Campaign on GBV by Peer Educators

As part of our ongoing efforts and in line with the overall objective of the project—to strengthen the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in educational institutions—we, the trained Peer Educators from Fourah Bay College (FBC), have continued our school-to-school sensitization tour to spread awareness about SGBV.

We visited four major secondary schools across the Western Area to implement one of our key action plans: engaging in a massive awareness-raising campaign on Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

During these awareness sessions, we focused on several key topics, including:
a. Sexual harassment in schools, universities, and communities.
b. Domestic violence and the general perception of GBV within the community.
c. Child sexual abuse, Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM), and the laws that protect women, children, and all genders from GBV-related violations.

This sensitization tour created a unique platform for us to demonstrate our strong commitment to tackling GBV issues—not only within universities but also in schools and communities at large. Through these engagements, we shared vital information on preventive measures, referral pathways, and ways to build safer learning environments for everyone.

Schools Visited So Far:

1. Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School

2. Bishop Johnson Secondary School

3. Government Model Secondary School

4. Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School

Girl Pikin 4 Betteh Foundation Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Aberdeen Women,s Centre Sierra Electric Inc. SEND - SIERRA LEONE Youths in action for progressive voices and awaken initiatives

11/10/2025

YAPVAI Celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child
Joining the NGS Walk to Empower and Advocate for Girls Everywhere
On this special day, we join voices with millions around the world to uplift, protect, and champion the rights of girls.
Together with NGS, we walk to amplify the voices of girls, promote their education, ensure their safety, and empower their dreams.

Every Girl Deserves
Education without limits
A voice that’s heard
A future free of violence
Opportunities to lead

Join the Movement. Walk with Us. Advocate for Her.

Date: 11th October 2025
Location:BO TOWN CITY

Youths in Action for Progressive Voices and Awaken Initiatives

| | |

28/09/2025

28/09/2025

On behalf of myself and the entire team at Youths in Action for Progressive Voices and Awaken Initiatives (YAPVAI), I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the African Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) for the recognition and the certificate awarded to us during this year’s summit.

This acknowledgment of our ongoing efforts in advancing youth engagement and gender activism is not only humbling but deeply motivating. It reinforces our commitment to continue serving our communities with greater passion and purpose.

We also thank the organizers and partners of the summit for creating such a powerful platform that unites, inspires, and empowers youth leaders across Africa. We look forward to more collaborations and to continuing the journey of impactful change together.
Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sierra Leone Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Plan International Gender Equity Society Gender Equality for Good Governance Sierra Leone Human Rights Watch
With deep appreciation,
Amb. Jonathan Frank Johnson
Founder and executive director YAPVAI

21/09/2025

Today, we are reminded that peace is not merely the absence of war—it's the presence guy of justice, equity, and unity. As the world faces growing division, conflict, and fear, we are called to be bridges of understanding, voices of reason, and hands of compassion.

Peace begins with you in the words you speak, the choices you make, and the love you show. No act is too small when driven by the desire to build harmony.

On this International Day of Peace,let us rise above hatred, forgive freely, and fight only for truth, healing, and a world where every voice matters.

Let us build peace,not for a day, but for generations.
Youths in Action for Progressive Voices and Awaken Initiatives (YAPVA) celebrate this day.
Plan International Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sierra Leone Human Rights Watch Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL

12/08/2025

Happy International Youth Day!
Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of young people across the globe. At YAPVAI(Youths in Action for Progressive Voices and Awaken Initiatives), we believe that youth are not just leaders of tomorrow—they are changemakers of today.

Let’s continue to stand up against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, advocate for gender equality,and empower women and girls in every space.

Stay positive. Stay inspired. Take action for change.
Together, we build a better, more inclusive future.

08/08/2025

A home that envisions women and girls free from all forms of violence in higher institutions (universities) across all districts under the BRAVE Project. As committed, active, and proud Peer Educators, we are determined to work towards the achievement of the project's core objectives. As a student leader, I fully support this project and will give my all to ensure that we have a campus free from any form of SGBV issues, and that women and girls can freely participate in development on the shores of Fourah Bay and other universities free from any form of violence,together with other peer educators and stakeholders who stand for the goal.

Special thanks to SEND - SIERRA LEONE and all donor partners involved, because SGBV issues are human rights issues. Let’s speak up and take action against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) now!

As young activist Jonathan Frank Johnson asserted, “Silence on the issues of SGBV means protecting the perpetrators, not the victims. Let’s speak up together, and now!

Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL
SL News Blog SEND - SIERRA LEONE Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sierra Leone Ministry of Health Sierra Leone friends First Lady Fatima Maada Bio