Leadership is the power to cause change.
Through leadership development, mentorship and community action, Youth Arise helps young people build the skills, confidence and networks to contribute.
Who we are.
Founded in 2013 as a mentoring-focused radio initiative, Youth Arise Organisation has grown into a network of professionals, volunteers, mentors and changemakers working together to develop young African leaders.
We believe young people can contribute to lasting change. Through leadership development, mentorship, learning opportunities and community action, we help them build the skills, confidence and networks to take responsibility in their communities and pursue their personal and professional growth.
14+
Years of impact
15K+
Young people trained
250+
Communities impacted
15+
Countries networked
7
Specialised agencies
Our story.
From a radio programme to seven specialised agencies.
2013
A beginning in mentorship.
While a student at Central University in Ghana, Moses Baffour Awuah founded Youth Arise and launched a radio programme to mentor young people. The Leadership Diary Training Program began the same year, giving young people a place to learn leadership through training, mentorship and community action.
2023
A federation takes shape.
Youth Arise restructured into a federation of specialised agencies, bringing different fields of work into one coordinated organisation.
Today
Seven specialised agencies.
Leadership connects work in STEM, agriculture, health, arts, professional development and media.
Our purpose.
Mission
To advocate for and empower young people, women, and children with relevant social skills through capacity building, support programmes, learning exchanges and business incubation.
Vision
To raise well-endowed and productive young people that will take up leadership roles and make meaningful contributions in their communities
End in mind
To be a global organization of every race, color, tribe, culture that empowers young people, women and communities to significantly increase their performance in all spheres of life in order to achieve worthwhile purposes.
What we do.
Leadership development
Practical skills, values and experiences that prepare emerging leaders to lead in their communities and organisations.
Mentorship and capacity building
Mentors, trainers and professionals who guide young people's personal, academic and professional growth.
Community development
Volunteer-led and civic projects that respond to local needs and leave lasting results.
Entrepreneurship and innovation
Support for young people to build practical solutions and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Youth engagement and advocacy
Platforms that give young people a voice in community and national development.
Global learning and exchange
The Orange Youth Festival connects young Africans through creativity and exchange. The Global Youth Workers Conference brings youth workers together to strengthen their profession and develop shared responses to challenges.
Seven agencies. A shared purpose.
Each agency develops specialist expertise, while YAO connects their work through shared leadership and coordination.
YAO
SEN
YAFAT
ARCH
ACACE
OPN
AMA
The Architect’s Vision
From the Global CEO
Moses Baffour Awuah
Youth Arise Organisation
Fourteen years ago, I embarked on a journey that began with a simple observation: the incredible potential of the African youth was being stifled by a lack of sustainable systems. What started as a grassroots effort to empower “game-changers” has since evolved into a lifetime mission to architect Social Sovereignty.
As I reflect on over a decade as the Global CEO of the Youth Arise Organisation (YAO), I have come to a profound realization. True development is not merely a matter of capital or infrastructure; it is a matter of Narrative. For too long, the African story has been told through the lens of external observers—focusing on deficit rather than design, and aid rather than agency.
My life’s work is now dedicated to reclaiming that narrative. I call this Narrative Sovereignty.
Through my research and the methodology established in my book, Leading By Your Life Story, I have codified a three-phase journey—the Unplanned, the Pause and Reflect, and the Planned—that allows social entrepreneurs to transition from reactive survival to institutional permanence.
We have tested this framework within our “West African Lab” scaling YAO into a federation of seven specialized agencies that address everything from agricultural transformation to holistic health. We are no longer just “helping youth”; we are building a Poly-Centric Institution that proves African solutions can be self-sustaining, data-backed, and globally influential.
As we move into this next chapter, our focus is on Knowledge Production. We are synthesizing 14 years of longitudinal field data to inform global policy and ensure that the “African Journey” is documented and led by Africans themselves. I invite you to explore our ecosystem—not just as a collection of programs, but as a blueprint for a resilient, independent, and prosperous Africa.
The story is ours to tell. The future is ours to build.
Respectfully
Moses Baffour Awuah
Global CEO
Youth Arise Organisation
Our core values.
Integrity
We act honestly, ethically, and consistently in all our interactions and activities.
Spirit of Service
We are committed to serving others selflessly and contributing positively to our communities.
Desire to Improve
We embrace continuous learning, innovation, and growth in pursuit of excellence.
Respect
We value the dignity, perspectives, and contributions of every individual.
Forgiveness
We promote understanding, reconciliation, and the opportunity for growth through learning from mistakes.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions, decisions, and commitments.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
We encourage creativity, initiative, and innovative thinking in addressing challenges and creating opportunities.
Humility
We remain grounded, open to learning, and willing to value others above ourselves in service and leadership.
Faithfulness
We remain dedicated to our mission, values, partners, and the communities we serve.
More about us.
Leadership team
Meet the people guiding Youth Arise.
Charter
Read the charter that sets out our commitments.
Youth focus
Learn more about our focus on young people.
SDG commitment
Explore our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work
See how our work takes shape across different fields.
Contact us
Start a conversation with the Youth Arise team.
Find your place in Youth Arise.
Join a programme, share your skills or work with an agency on something your community needs.
