Aid Worker's Details

Better Africa Youth Initiative empowers young people in The Gambia to make positive, healthy life decisions and to realize their full leadership potential. Formed by students who themselves have been touched by others who believed in their capacity to effect positive change, BAYI runs programs at schools throughout the country focused on helping young people help themselves and those around them. BAYI’s programs emphasize education and leadership as tools necessary to enhance the quality of life of The Gambia’s citizens. After-school programs begin with teaching students techniques for responsible living through health awareness campaigns, while BAYI-sponsored sports and debate teams provide an outlet for participants to socialize and develop communication and leadership skills. BAYI also works with educators and policy-makers to advance The Gambia’s educational system.

Highly popular after-school programs offer health education to combat widely held – and mistaken – beliefs that exacerbate the country’s already high HIV/ADIS rate, and also include leadership seminars for youths who have exhibited skills demonstrating that they have the capacity to lead and help others. Indeed, participants in BAYI’s programs have gone on to hold important positions in both private and public life in The Gambia. BAYI also sponsors debate and athletic teams for at-risk youth. Participants benefit from increased self-esteem and develop interpersonal skills necessary to advance in life. In addition, BAYI promotes dialogue between high school and university students and those in positions of influence in the community. These programs introduce students to important potential business contacts, and also highlight the needs of The Gambia’s education system for those in position to help improve them. Other programs include gender equality campaigns and teacher development courses. BAYI also counsels young professionals who want to develop professionally while giving back to their communities. Aid Worker History BAYI was formed in 2007 by a group of high school students who believed in the power of education and outreach to improve the lives citizens in the impoverished nation of The Gambia. Based in the country’s largest city, Serrekunda, the organization runs multiple programs aimed at providing alternatives to the destructive habits that ensnare so many local youths.