The 2024 YES Alumni Grant cohort has an unprecedented total of 44 grantees, each dedicated to fostering positive change in their communities. This summer, an inspiring array of projects will take place, led by these exceptional alumni. From public health initiatives and leadership workshops to educational programs and community empowerment efforts, these projects exemplify the spirit of the YES program.

Here are the first 12 of 44 grantees we'll introduce you to this year!

Abubakarr Sidique Konneh ’14 (Sierra Leone), placed by PAX in Plainsboro, New Jersey, is studying public health at Njala University in his hometown of Bo. His hobbies include reading and traveling. Abubakarr founded the Aion Health Organization to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity through active volunteerism by medical and non-medical personnel. He plans to work in the public health sector after graduation and further his studies in medicine to help his community. Inspired by the project management, entrepreneurial, and computer skills he gained through the YES program, Abubakarr’s grant project, Empower Her with Tech, will teach these skills to 50 youth in Bo from July to August. Follow Abubakarr’s project on Facebook at Aion Health.

Ashiru Abubakar ’12 (Nigeria) was placed by American Councils in Jacksonville, Illinois, and he currently works with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Bwari, Abuja. Ashiru is also the youth leader for the Northeast Association of the Deaf and a secretary general for the Abuja Association of the Deaf. One fun fact about Ashiru is that he loves his wife so much that they go everywhere together. Ashiru’s grant project is the first Transformational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Workshop for the Northeast Nigeria Deaf community. It will take place from August to September, training and empowering 50 deaf participants. Follow Ashiru’s project on Facebook at Ashiru Abubakar Nagoma, LinkedIn at Ashiru Abubakar, and Twitter at Ashiru_Nagoma10.

Eugene Manyonge Wangila ’18 (Kenya) was placed by CIEE in Hope, Indiana. Currently, he is a third-year public health student at Meru University of Science and Technology, where he also advocates for mental health and serves as a peer counselor. Eugene is passionate about leadership, health, and education advocacy. He is the CEO of LIFE Organization, which he founded in 2023 to expand mental health advocacy efforts in Meru County. Eugene is a talented orator, with a love for mentorship and volunteering. His project, Training of Trainers for Peer Counselling Induction, will train 30 guidance counselors and teachers on how to train high school youth to be peer counselors, with the aim of establishing a sustainable counseling model in 30 high schools. Follow his project on Facebook at eugene.wangila.3 and Instagram at eugene.wangila.3.

Farouk Kaliel ’18 (Nigeria) was placed by AYUSA in Bastrop, Texas. He is currently studying medicine and surgery at Bayero University in Kano. A fun fact about Farouk is that he enjoys delving into the past and learning about history. His favorite class during his exchange year was U.S. History. His project, First Aid for All, will teach basic life support and first aid to 50 youth from different backgrounds at Habib Musa Life Support Training Center at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital throughout July. You can follow Farouk’s project on X at FaroukKaliel, Instagram at _not_pharouqq, and Facebook at Farouk Mustapha.

Fred Maina ’15 (Kenya), placed by ACES in Holly Springs, North Carolina, holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Masinde Muliro University. He is currently working as an ICT advisor at a small company in his hometown of Mariakani. One fun fact about Fred is that he has a great affection for pets, especially cats and dogs, and finds them endearing. Inspired by the needs of his community, Fred's project, Education to Educate SDG #4, will address the school dropout rate, exploring the causes, effects, and prevention with 200 local students. Follow Fred's project, which will begin in early August, on Facebook at Fred Maina and on Instagram at fredmaina43.

Hassan Abdulkadir Sheba ’18 (Kenya) was placed by AFS-USA in Defiance, Ohio. He is currently pursuing a degree in computer science at the Technical University of Mombasa. An avid traveler, Hassan enjoys exploring new destinations. He is passionate about community engagement and is currently interning at the American Corner in Mombasa. He recently co-founded a fellowship that virtually connects 110 youth across Africa, Europe, and North and South America. Hassan's project, Grant Application Skills, will mentor 25 youth on how to apply for grants for community projects. Connect with Hassan on LinkedIn at Hassan Abdulkadir, Facebook at HassanAbdulkadir22, and Instagram at being___h.a.s.s.a.n.

Ishaq Adamu ’06 (Nigeria) was placed by IRIS in Grinnell, Iowa. Currently, he works as a pharmacist at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Kaduna State. One fun fact about Ishaq is that he is enthusiastic about learning and playing sports in any new environment he encounters. His project, Empowering Health: Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness, aims to educate and train 40 underprivileged community members affected by diabetes and hypertension. The goal is to enhance their understanding of these conditions and equip them with practical skills to monitor their health at home. Follow his project on Facebook at Pharm Ishaq Adamu and Instagram at pharm.ishaq.

Joseph Maicibi Latimo ’12 (Nigeria) was placed by AYUSA in Greeley, Colorado, and he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in biotechnology at Ahmad Bello University in Zaria. One fun fact about Joseph is that he loves smiling. 😊 His grant project, Safer Women, Safer Societies, will train 30 healthcare workers in Gombe State on how to provide medical intervention and psychological support to survivors of violence. Follow his project throughout July and August on LinkedIn at joseph maicibi, Facebook at Joseph Maicibi, and Instagram at yaanigeria.

Joy Alewa ’16 (Nigeria) was placed by AYUSA in Buckley, Washington. She is now studying law at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State. She wants to be a humanitarian lawyer and work for the United Nations someday. She is the founder of the Redeeming Identities Initiative, a youth-led organization aimed at offering services to underserved people in Northeast Nigeria. Inspired by the public speaking skills she learned through her participation in Future Farmers of America during her exchange year, Joy’s project, She Speaks! Her Voice Amplified, will teach public speaking and English skills to 100 girls in underserved communities across Maiduguri from July to August. Follow Joy’s project on Facebook at Joy Alewa, LinkedIn at Joy Alewa, and Instagram at joy__david.

Nikolija Zlatevska ’23 (North Macedonia), placed by PAX in Rogers, Arkansas, is in her final year of high school in her hometown of Skopje. She wants to study English linguistics and literature when she goes to university. She works part-time at the American Corner in Skopje, and she is also an English teaching assistant at a non-profit organization working in developing countries to improve school performance and create positive livelihoods for youth. One fun fact about Nikolija is that she loves writing poetry and plans on publishing a book one day. Inspired by the many festivals she attended in the U.S., Nikolija received a grant to organize Skopje Creative Fest. The second edition of this festival will celebrate young talent across various categories, including art, film, dance, music, and poetry. Follow Nikolija’s project on Instagram at skopjecreativefest and Facebook at Skopje Creative Fest.

Rahab Yachat Kwaja ’06 (Nigeria) was placed by IRIS in Newton, Iowa. She holds a master's degree in social psychology from the University of Jos and a postgraduate professional diploma in education from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. In 2011, Rahab founded the Help the Aged Initiative, a community-based organization that provides psychological and social welfare services for elderly individuals in Plateau and Kaduna States. Rahab’s grant project, Help the Aged: Empowering Caregivers for Holistic Well-being, aims to enhance the well-being of 150 internally displaced elderly individuals living in camps. The project will empower and educate caregivers through financial literacy and skills acquisition training on the production of household products and cosmetics. Follow Rahab’s initiative on Facebook at Rahab Yachat Kwaja and Help the Aged, and on Instagram at helptheagedinitiative.

Suzy Hilary Kencle ’13 (Cameroon) was placed by AFS-USA in Sitka, Alaska. She is an English and French language teacher and just completed her master’s degree in translation and conference interpreting. One fun fact about Hilary is that she could sing 24/7. She is devoted to promoting social and education initiatives for women. Her project, Safe Menstruation for Internally Displaced People, aims to teach 60 internally displaced young women in western Cameroon how to make reusable sanitary pads. The project will be conducted in August in Dschang. Follow Hilary's project on Facebook at YES Alumni Cameroon.