I Am, We Are Youth

I Am, We Are Youth IAWA is dedicated to creating a world where all youth are socially engaged, globally aware, and economically free.

IAWA’s premier program, the Bokgoni Empowerment Programme, aims to eradicate the high levels of youth unemployment in South Africa. I Am, We Are (IAWA) was founded in 2015 by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Meisha Robinson.

Your future deserves preparation—not guesswork. Join IAWA’s 2026 Work Readiness Masterclass Series and build practical s...
07/23/2026

Your future deserves preparation—not guesswork. Join IAWA’s 2026 Work Readiness Masterclass Series and build practical skills in:

✨ Personal Branding
📄 CV Writing
🎤 Interview Skills
🗣️ Communication Mastery
🤝 Professional Etiquette
💼 Navigating Your First Job
💰 Financial Literacy

📍 Hyde Park, Johannesburg
📅 8 August–25 October
👥 Only 12 places per class

Attend one class or complete the full seven-part series. Register and learn more at: https://www.iamweareyouth.org/work-readiness


A few more hours to get artwork that truly means something.The I Am Free Auction closes June 14th at 11:59 PM EST, and t...
06/14/2026

A few more hours to get artwork that truly means something.

The I Am Free Auction closes June 14th at 11:59 PM EST, and there are pieces in this collection you will not want to leave behind.

Browse the full collection and place your bid at iamweareyouth.org/iamfree.

Each bid is a direct investment in a young person's future. And a stunning addition to your walls.

iamweareyouth.org/iamfree

This African Print Patch Work Shirt by Tshenolo Mohlamme is a beautiful blend of pattern, color, and handmade style. It...
06/13/2026

This African Print Patch Work Shirt by Tshenolo Mohlamme is a beautiful blend of pattern, color, and handmade style. It is easy to wear and full of life.

Organization Bio: Imbali empowers young, talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds through a two-year, subsidized training programme focused on craft, design, and entrepreneurial skills. Every Imbali product featured in the IAWA auction has been carefully crafted by participants actively enrolled in this initiative. The impact of this training is highly sustainable, with 90% of graduates successfully going on to establish long-term careers within the creative sector.

This item will be available for in-person viewing at the I Am Free DC. Preview Reception on Thursday, June 11. Bidding opens Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 AM EST and closes Sunday, June 14 at 11:59 PM EST.

iamweareyouth.org/iamfree

The I Am Free Auction is still live.Bid online from anywhere in the world until June 14, or join us in person at our Pre...
06/13/2026

The I Am Free Auction is still live.

Bid online from anywhere in the world until June 14, or join us in person at our Preview Reception at Denzil's and Jo Gallery in Johannesburg on June 19th.

iamweareyouth.org/iamfree

This Woven Telephone Wire Lampshade by Polite Makhuran is a beautiful example of functional art — colorful, handcrafted,...
06/13/2026

This Woven Telephone Wire Lampshade by Polite Makhuran is a beautiful example of functional art — colorful, handcrafted, and full of texture. It is the kind of piece that brings both light and conversation into a room.

Organization Bio: Imbali empowers young, talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds through a two-year, subsidized training programme focused on craft, design, and entrepreneurial skills. Every Imbali product featured in the IAWA auction has been carefully crafted by participants actively enrolled in this initiative. The impact of this training is highly sustainable, with 90% of graduates successfully going on to establish long-term careers within the creative sector.

This item will be available for in-person viewing at the I Am Free DC. Preview Reception on Thursday, June 11. Bidding opens Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 AM EST and closes Sunday, June 14 at 11:59 PM EST.

iamweareyouth.org/iamfree

This Denim Chain Bag by Thulani Zondo is playful, casual, and one of a kind. It is a fun piece for someone who loves de...
06/13/2026

This Denim Chain Bag by Thulani Zondo is playful, casual, and one of a kind. It is a fun piece for someone who loves denim, creativity, and unexpected design.

Artist Bio: Hailing from Emdeni South, Soweto, Thulani has transformed his background as a classically trained sculptor, working with wood, metal, and recycled materials, into designing custom-made clothing from used jeans. His brand, Shezlom Clothing, lives by the motto: “You want it, I can make it.” For Thulani, collaboration is key, it’s where ideas and skill sets are shared and strengthened.

Organization Bio: The Antidote project has gathered together an exclusive group of highly talented mid-career creative professionals. to create slow, beautiful garments out of fashion waste. But the Antidote project is about far more than creating marketable, ethical fashion. We aim to develop skills and sustainable income for creative workers, to divert fashion waste from landfill and highlight the importance of sustainable consumption. In short, we are re-imagining the fashion industry.

This item will be available for in-person viewing at the I Am Free DC. Preview Reception on Thursday, June 11. Bidding opens Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 AM EST and closes Sunday, June 14 at 11:59 PM EST.

iamweareyouth.org/iamfree

Our DC Preview Reception was such a vibe. It wouldn’t have been possible without our volunteers that help from set up to...
06/12/2026

Our DC Preview Reception was such a vibe. It wouldn’t have been possible without our volunteers that help from set up to working the bar to photography! Huge thank you to Kasey, Elaina, Sabine, BA Tarana Briana Smith La Chenna Cromer !

This African Print Patch Work Kimono by Phumzile Nkosi is vibrant, versatile, and beautifully made. It is the kind of p...
06/12/2026

This African Print Patch Work Kimono by Phumzile Nkosi is vibrant, versatile, and beautifully made. It is the kind of piece that can be dressed up, styled casually, or kept as a collector’s wearable artwork.

Organization Bio: Imbali empowers young, talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds through a two-year, subsidized training programme focused on craft, design, and entrepreneurial skills. Every Imbali product featured in the IAWA auction has been carefully crafted by participants actively enrolled in this initiative. The impact of this training is highly sustainable, with 90% of graduates successfully going on to establish long-term careers within the creative sector.

This item will be available for in-person viewing at the I Am Free DC. Preview Reception on Thursday, June 11. Bidding opens Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 AM EST and closes Sunday, June 14 at 11:59 PM EST.

iamweareyouth.org/iamfree

The Denim and Washing Peg Jewelry Set by Neo Etsene/Iets'ene Designs Pty Ltd is inventive, playful, and wonderfully une...
06/12/2026

The Denim and Washing Peg Jewelry Set by Neo Etsene/Iets'ene Designs Pty Ltd is inventive, playful, and wonderfully unexpected. It is a great example of creative reuse turned into wearable art. "From the washing line to the fashion". Signature design: the connection of peg springs.

Artist Bio: Iets'ene Designs Pty Ltd, a handcraft jewellery and accessories brand rooted in pioneering creativity and innovation. Website: www.ietsene.co.za.

Organization Bio: The Antidote project has gathered together an exclusive group of highly talented mid-career creative professionals. to create slow, beautiful garments out of fashion waste. But the Antidote project is about far more than creating marketable, ethical fashion. We aim to develop skills and sustainable income for creative workers, to divert fashion waste from landfill and highlight the importance of sustainable consumption. In short, we are re-imagining the fashion industry.

This item will be available for in-person viewing at the I Am Free DC. Preview Reception on Thursday, June 11. Bidding opens Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 AM EST and closes Sunday, June 14 at 11:59 PM EST.

iamweareyouth.org/iamfree

Art that tells the truth. Stories that will stay with you.The I Am Free Collection is now open for viewing and bidding o...
06/12/2026

Art that tells the truth. Stories that will stay with you.

The I Am Free Collection is now open for viewing and bidding online. Each piece in this year's auction honors 50 years since the Soweto Uprising and the belief that young people have always been the moral leaders of their generation.

Take one home and carry that story with you.

Bidding opens Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 AM EST and closes Sunday, June 14 at 11:59 PM EST.

iamweareyouth.org/iamfree

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National Press Building, 1330 F St NW
Washington D.C., DC
20045

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