As the fall begins, the 2024 YES Alumni Grant cohort continue to implement projects that embody the YES spirit of volunteerism and social impact. These dedicated alumni are addressing critical issues such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, digital literacy, and gender equity. Each project is uniquely tailored to the needs of the community, with the alumni leaders bringing their passion, creativity, and diverse experiences to the forefront.

Faraja Ng’ida ’07 (Tanzania) was placed by IRIS in Sioux Center, Iowa. She is a medical doctor, currently pursuing a master’s degree in applied epidemiology at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Dar es Salaam. She plans to focus on public health and epidemiology after graduating. One fun fact about Faraja is that she loves traveling, especially to new and challenging places outside of her comfort zone. Her grant project, TB/HIV Awareness Among the Maasai, will promote awareness and prevention of tuberculosis and HIV within the Maasai community, in an attempt to address the rising trend of these diseases. Follow Faraja's project on Instagram at faraadavie.

Jesse Maikarfi ’16 (Nigeria) was placed by AFS-USA in New Lothrop, Michigan. He is a final-year software engineering student at the African Leadership University in Rwanda. Jesse is passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, conservation, and sustainability. One fun fact is that he loves traveling and sharing his experiences through digital storytelling. His grant project, Empower STEAM, aims to inspire and educate young minds in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Through workshops, mentorship, and community engagement, he aims to foster a love for STEAM fields and empower the next generation of innovators. Follow Jesse's project in early October on Facebook at Jesse Maikarfi and LinkedIn at Jesse Maikarfi.

Teryima Manta ’13 (Nigeria) was placed by ACES in Aledo, Illinois. He is studying architecture at the University of Uyo. One fun fact about Teryima is that he signed up for football on his first day of school in Aledo, thinking it was the same as soccer in Nigeria, and he didn’t realize it was American football until his first practice. His project, Camped Not Caged, is an educational sports initiative for 800 children living in two camps for internally displaced people in Benue State. In addition to sports and a bounce house, activities will include sessions on literacy and math, art therapy, and personal hygiene. Follow his project in early October on Facebook at Teryima Manta and X at Mantizz_25.

Hannah Momodu ’16 (Sierra Leone) was placed by AFS-USA in Beaufort, South Carolina. She is a registered nurse at the King Harman Road Maternal and Child Health Hospital. One fun fact about Hannah is that she loves listening to music. Her firsthand experience witnessing gaps in the education of nurses inspired her project, Strengthening Nursing Capacity in Sierra Leone, which will further educate 20 young nurses from two governmental hospitals in Freetown about immunization, mental health, and prevention and control of infectious diseases. Follow Hannah Momodu on Facebook and hannah.momodu on Instagram in early to mid-October.

Humaida Kaleem ’16 (Ghana) was placed by PAX in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She is a committed health advocate completing a degree in medical laboratory science at the University for Development Studies. Humaida is passionate about the health and wellbeing of her community of Goripie, especially for disadvantaged groups. Fun fact: her happiest hours are spent at the gym. Her project, Greater Rural Alternative Community Empowerment (GRACE), aims to reach 150 children and their caregivers, addressing malnutrition and poor hygiene through community engagement, nutritional education, and community collaboration to support positive health outcomes and improve child and maternal health. Follow Humaida's project through mid-October on Facebook at Humaida Tebantaa, Instagram at mis.maidah, and LinkedIn at Humaida T.

Bassie Kabba ’18 (Liberia) spent her YES year in Honolulu, Hawaii, placed by American Councils. She is currently studying criminal justice at the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University. Bassie is passionate about creating safe spaces for women in society. A fun fact is that she loves family cookouts and she is a big foodie. Inspired by a fellow alumna during an alumni project management workshop, she began an initiative to provide tax-free sanitary pads. Her grant project, Ending Period Poverty, will teach 70 young women, including some with disabilities, how to make their own reusable pads, along with sessions on menstrual hygiene. Follow her project in early October on Facebook at Ending Period Poverty and Bassie Kozie Kabba and on Instagram at kabbabassie.

Elton Kamgo Njomo ’17 (Cameroon) was placed by American Councils in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. He recently graduated from the University of Buea with a degree in software engineering. Elton is a software developer dedicated to making a difference in the tech industry by teaching digital skills to those with limited access. A fun fact about Elton is that he loves traveling and exploring new cuisines. His grant project, TechBoots for Youth, seeks to equip 25 youth without any prior tech knowledge with essential digital skills. Stay updated on Elton’s project throughout October on Facebook at YES Alumni Cameroon and Elton Kamgo and LinkedIn at Elton Kamgo Njomo.

Khayraan Ali ’18 (Kenya) was placed by PAX in Buffalo, New York. She recently graduated with a degree in business management and is working in sales and operations. One fun fact about Khayraan is that she loves traveling and exploring, and she has visited India, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates to experience their unique cultural beauty. Her project, Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness, will teach 150 women about breast cancer, explaining its symptoms and prevention, sharing stories of survivors, and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health to produce better outcomes and transform lives. Follow Khayraan’s project mid-October on Instagram at ayana97423.

Alieu Pusah ’18 (Liberia) was placed by AFS-USA in Chicago, Illinois. He currently serves as the chapter head for the Green Hope Foundation Liberia, a youth organization working on sustainable development. Alieu is also the President of the YES Alumni Corps of Liberia. He is studying environmental science at the African Methodist Episcopal University. One fun fact about Alieu is that he loves laughing. His project, Robertsport Environmental Education and Restoration, aims to provide knowledge and skills to residents of a flood-prone city by promoting the environmental restoration of coastal communities, which will contribute to climate resilience against flooding. Follow his project in late October on Facebook at Alieu J Pusah.

Tabitha Mjomba ’18 (Kenya) was placed by PAX in Seattle, Washington. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in international relations at United States International University-Africa. One fun fact about Tabitha is that she loves cooking and trying new recipes. Her grant project, Taita Greenbelt Movement, aims to raise environmental awareness among children by educating 120 students on the importance of protecting the environment and planting trees. Follow her project, which runs through mid-October, on Facebook at Tabitha Mjomba and Instagram at tabitha_mjomba.

Iorkyaan Philomena Erdoo ’15 (Nigeria) spent her YES year in Kendallville, Indiana, placed by AFS-USA. She graduated with a degree in pharmacy from the University of Ilorin and is currently interning as a pharmacist at Benue State University Teaching Hospital. One fun fact is that she doesn’t like cheese pizza. Inspired by a painting activity that fostered open discussion during her exchange year, her grant project, Girls' Talk and Paint, aims to incorporate painting into discussions on menstrual hygiene for teenage girls in rural schools in Benue. By providing a fun, safe space for education on women’s health, dismantling taboos, and establishing a sustainable pad bank, she hopes to create brighter futures for girls in rural areas. Follow Erdoo’s project on Facebook at Iorkyaan Philomena, LinkedIn at Erdoo Iorkyaan, and Instagram at iorkyaanerdoo.