Who is IAWA?
Founded on the philosophy of Ubuntu, or “I am because we are,” I Am, We Are (IAWA pronounced eye-ow-wa) strives to empower youth with the tools to confidently own their future.
We give our ambassadors an understanding of self, stretch their belief in who they can be, and teach them how to apply the principles of entrepreneurship to create the future they envision for themselves.
A nurturing environment where tomorrow's leaders are cultivated.
With the youth employment rate averaging 51%, South Africa has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. IAWA is focused on empowering youth with the fortitude and skills to overcome the barriers they face pursuing their dreams.
Featured Stories
"They shared the harsh realities we might encounter, but the lesson was clear: no matter how challenging it gets, never give up, study hard, and stay true to ourselves," recants IAWA Ambassador, Masetshaba as she reflects on her visit to the University of Pretoria during the capstone trip.
"IAWA is such a special place for young people like me. We’ve witnessed young people flourishing through opportunities to develop their social and life skills leading them to deal effectively with the demands of everyday life." Hear from IAWA Ambassador Sibongile as she reflects on her experiences in IAWA and on the Capstone Trip.
"Personally, the camp felt like a message from God, telling me how much He loves me and that I should appreciate the life He gave me, living it to the fullest. He sent this message through good people like Meisha and all the individuals supporting the organization, allowing people like us to see the light." Hear more IAWA Ambassador Moses and his experiences attending the capstone trip as a Youth Facilitator.
Elaina tells us about her trip to South Africa: “When we were first introduced to each other, everyone was a bit nervous. By the end of the trip, we all didn’t want to leave each other. I met so many amazing people and built great bonds with them. “
When IAWA first began the mission was simple, to show young people that with the right tools they could do anything. We had hopes that the work we were doing way back when, would lead to the type of people that would go into communities and plant the same seeds. In a sense that those we taught to fish would some day teach others
We talk about our vision to empower young people. How we see a world where they are socially engaged, globally aware, and economically free. But, what do we mean by that, and how do we accomplish this?
I Am We Are had the supreme pleasure of awarding the inaugural The Pastor Gaines Memorial Fund which supports faith based youth work in South Africa. Hope4Kasie is a non-profit founded by Pastor Gladys and her husband in hopes of helping the young people of Oukasie, Rustenburg South Africa find hope and light for their future. They felt a deep responsibility to shine their light to ensure that those after them know the way.
Join us on July 28, 2022, at the Future Africa Campus at the University of Pretoria from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm for I Am Here: UnlockedPotential, a night where BEP alumni will share where they are now in life! We will also share our Impact Report. Get the inside scoop as the alumni recount how your continued IAWA support helped them navigate the twists and turns of life, revealing a future filled with hope and unlocking the limitless potential in us all.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we needed to find a way to keep the connection between our South African youth and our American youth alive. As a result, the Morafe Leadership Programme was created. The Morafe Leadership Programme is a virtual, peer-to-peer initiative designed to bring together our youth from the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) in South Africa and our youth from Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA. Together, the youth learn to build life skills, leadership abilities, and strong cross-cultural ties to support each other’s dreams and ambitions.
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"During our visit to Hope4Kasi for community service, we cleaned the yard and painted a house for grandparents. This experience taught me the importance of helping the community. It enriches your life, familiarizes you with your community, and connects you with people and ideas that can positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life," shares IAWA Ambassador Tlotlego.