I Am, We Are

I Am, We Are (IAWA) is a non-profit dedicated to creating a world where all youth are socially engaged, globally aware, and economically free. Founded on the South African philosophy of Ubuntu (humanity or I am because we are), IAWA is tackling the issue of youth unemployment, by globally empowering youth with the tools to confidently own their futures. 

IAWA’s multi-year, interactive curriculum focuses on four core principles: Personal Consciousness, Global Awareness, Entrepreneurship, and Social Responsibility. We apply a holistic approach to youth development to empower sustainable livelihoods, reduce poverty, increase civic participation, and foster equality. Thus far, we have initiated programs in Ghana, South Africa, and the United States of America. 

IAWA’s ambassadors commence the program in the eighth grade and stay in it until they finish the eleventh grade. The overall goal is for ambassadors to complete the program with the knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and attitude to advance themselves, their families, and their nation as a whole.