Started by young people. Still led by them.
Youth Action Against Poverty is a youth-led, non-profit national NGO, established in 2017 by a group of dedicated young South Sudanese in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
Why we exist
We were founded with one objective: a poverty-free society that is socially and economically self-reliant, and aware of fundamental human rights.
We collaborate with government stakeholders, UN agencies and other humanitarian and development actors to provide for the most urgent needs in food security and livelihoods, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), youth empowerment and peace building.
Our headquarters is in Aweil town, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, with operational presence in Twic County of Warrap State and Jamjang County in the Ruweng Administrative Area.
Mission
YAAP works to assist the neediest and most neglected youth across South Sudan and actively engage them as agents of change in their communities to alleviate poverty in all its forms.
Vision
A poverty-free society that is socially and economically self-reliant and aware of fundamental human rights.
Goal
To mobilise and empower young people to be proactive agents of change in the eradication of poverty within their communities.
What we stand for
Respect for culture
We observe full respect for the norms, traditions and cultures of the people we work with, and expect the same mutual respect from our staff and volunteers.
Youth at the centre
Young people are not only beneficiaries. They design, lead and deliver our work.
Accountability
A five-member board oversees our strategy, policies, work plans and budgets, and meets every quarter.
Partnership
We work alongside government stakeholders, UN agencies and humanitarian and development actors.
Where we work
Three areas across the north-west of South Sudan, coordinated from our office in Aweil.
Aweil Town
Northern Bahr el Ghazal State
Headquarters
Twic County
Warrap State
Operational presence
Jamjang County
Ruweng Administrative Area
Operational presence
Our programmes
See all programmes- Food Security & LivelihoodsHelping households grow more food, earn an income and recover after shocks like flooding.
- EducationBuilding and equipping learning spaces, and keeping children — especially girls — in school.
- Water, Sanitation & HygieneSafe water close to home, working boreholes, and hygiene practices that prevent disease.
- Youth Empowerment & Civic EngagementSkills, leadership and a voice for young people in the decisions that shape their communities.
- Peace Building & Conflict ResolutionCommunity dialogue that helps neighbours resolve conflict without violence.
- Ending Gender-Based ViolencePrevention, awareness and safe referral for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Governance
Meet the teamYAAP is governed by a board responsible for overseeing all strategic operations and policy development. The board meets quarterly to review strategic direction, policies, annual work plans and budgets. The chair is elected for a three-year term.
- Chair
- Secretary & Executive Director
- Treasurer
- Gender Representative
- Board Member