About YAO

About Youth Activists Organisation (YAO)

Who We Are

The Youth Activists Organisation (YAO) is a youth-led, community-focused non-profit organisation that exists to empower young people across Zambia, particularly in rural and marginalised communities. Since our founding in 2008, YAO has worked to promote youth empowerment, reproductive health, education support, skills development, and good governance.

Our Vision

To achieve equitable access to opportunities and a fair society in which young people enjoy full social, economic, and political rights.

Our Mission

To improve outcomes for all young people by enabling them to make informed decisions in all spheres of their lives and lead fulfilling lives.

Core Operating Values

• Inclusiveness
• Collaboration
• Non-judgmental approaches
• Participatory development
• Equitable access
• Respect and dignity
• Empowerment
• Compassion

These values enable us to drive transformative change in communities and achieve our mission.

Preamble

Our Programs

• Pig Processing Plant (2021 – Ongoing): Promoting food security, nutrition, and economic empowerment through a pig outgrower scheme in Sefula.
• Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (2019–2022): Strengthening governance and social accountability, funded by People In Need (EU).
• Youth Up Against Corruption (2018): Formation of anti-corruption clubs in schools and communities (DFID & ACC).
• STEP OVC Program (2012): HIV/AIDS awareness and OVC support with World Vision.
• Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (2012): Peer education and youth empowerment (Netherlands Embassy).
• Birth Registration Advocacy (2014): Human rights awareness around birth registration (NRPO).
• CSO Coordination (2018–2021): Chairing the NGO Forum for Western Province and engaging nationally.
• Provincial Youth Development (2013–2016): Youth development coordination in Western Province (MYSCD).

Organisational Structure

Our organisational structure ensures accountability, inclusiveness, and effectiveness:

• Board of Directors
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Programs Officer
• Finance Officer
• Administrative Officer
• Capacity Building Officer
• Resource Centre Officer
• Associate Members
• Community Youth Groups

COVID-19 Resilience

During the pandemic, YAO remained committed to service through creative and community-led responses, including:

• Promoting online awareness and health messaging
• Working with health professionals and traditional leaders
• Producing and distributing localised IEC materials
• Creating youth-led MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning) groups
• Investing in social enterprise to sustain operations

Despite funding challenges and disrupted operations, our team stayed resilient and committed to serving vulnerable communities.