YES alumni were very busy this fall helping young people in their communities. Read on for the featured five projects of the month!

Tech Training in Sierra Leone 

Amadu G Kabia (YES ’11), Hannah Momodu (YES ’16), and Alie Kalokoh (YES ’19) conducted a tech training for 18 students from three secondary schools. During the workshop, participants were trained on computer programming and introduced to websites helpful for academic research. The participants then practiced their new skills by researching the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

Reducing Waste in Indonesia

Lalu Ladeva Alfusa’idu Karman (YES ’19) led a project for 55 teenagers residing in an orphanage to improve their understanding of waste management, a significant issue in Gerung, Lombok Island. It is common for community members throw waste into the river or burn it. Representatives from the environmental project Bank Sampah NTB Mandiri spoke to the youths about the concept of zero waste. Eight volunteers helped the students make ecobricks, which consists of putting trash into a plastic bottle and then using the bottle for crafts. Lalu and the volunteers also distributed reusable food containers and tumblers.

Earthquake Relief in Albania

Eleven YES alumni in three cities helped those impacted by the November earthquakes by donating, packaging, and delivering essential supplies. In Tirana, alumni donated packages of food, winter clothing, and blankets as part of an initiative organized by a local citizens’ alliance. Approximately 9,000 people donated, and more than 40 tons of food and supplies were collected. Alumni Coordinator Klea Troka (YES ’12), a medical school graduate, helped prepare packages of medication and medical equipment. Klea also helped transport donations to affected villages, distributing them to families in need and providing medical assistance. 

Promoting Student Success in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, 630 participants attended the Conference on Promoting Student Success in Higher Education, which was held in celebration of International Education Week (IEW) at the Kingdom Schools in Riyadh. Eleven alumni volunteered at the event to celebrate and promote the benefits of international education and exchange. Alumni served as Master of Ceremonies, guest speakers, organizers, assistants, and ushers. The event also featured a panel of ten expert speakers, including Public Affairs Counselor for the U.S. Embassy Dr. Brian Shott.

Orphanage Visit in Tanzania

Thirteen alumni joined 25 other community members to spend a day volunteering at the Mazizini Orphanage Center. The center is home to 40 children and 20 staff members. The group cleaned the facility, played traditional games, read books to the younger children, and helped the older children with their school work. The goal of the event was to brighten the orphans’ day and show them that they have support in the community.