Introducing the 2024 Youth In Development (YID) Fellows

The Youth in Development (YID) Fellowship is aimed at discovering and activating young social entrepreneurs from around the globe to lead effective social change initiatives. Designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, resources, and network necessary to drive significant social change, the YID Fellowship is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration and validation for many. This year, we are thrilled to present the 2024 cohort of YID Fellows, a diverse group of 68 individuals dedicated to making a difference in their communities and beyond.

A Global Representation

This year’s cohort features 68 fellows from 28 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America selected from a pool of 1670 applicants, showcasing a truly global commitment to social development. Their work represents seven development sectors: agriculture and food sustainability, environment and sustainable cities, education, health, economic development and tourism, youth development, and human rights. The diversity within this group is a testament to the universal desire of young people for positive change and their shared vision of a better future.

Meet the 2024 YID Fellows

Abdullah Bility (Liberia)

A young Peacebuilder and ECOWAS-trained Peace Mediator, Abdullah is the Executive Director of Peace Agents Network (PAN), coordinating the Youth Peace and Security Accelerator Program.

Abhishek Saini (India)

Founder of Lending Hands Foundation, Abhishek supports young individuals through initiatives in the circular economy, healthcare, and education.

Ainomugisha Shifra (Uganda)

CEO and Co-Founder of Solafam Uganda Limited, Shifra makes solar-powered cold storage rooms available to farmers, reducing food wastage and empowering over 500 farmers.

Akinola Teodora Cristiana (Romania)

Leader at Diaspora Solidarity Group, Akinola supports women and refugees, implementing programs to combat racism and misogyny.

Akshay Kawale (India)

Founder of AgrowSure Products and Innovations Pvt Ltd, Akshay revolutionizes farming practices with affordable farm machines for small and marginal farmers.

Ali Abdalla (Sudan)

CEO of Shayoub Enterprises, Ali provides essential medical resources and promotes healthcare access in Sudan. He is also President of the Sudanese Academy of Young Scientists, focusing on expanding mentorship and collaborative research opportunities.

Atim Maureen (Uganda)

Co-founder at Yammie Shoppers Limited, Atim champions fintech and climate tech entrepreneurship to digitally connect market vendors and promote sustainability.

Ben Kerongo (Kenya)

Co-founder and Operations Lead at ZindiCare, Ben increases access to cancer services in Africa through a digital platform.

Binta Koffa (Liberia)

Founder of Civic Village International and co-founder of GreenGrow Solutions, Binta uplifts rural communities from poverty using local knowledge and nature-based solutions.

Bruce Monunu (Congo DRC)

Chemical Engineer involved in the Green Africa project, Bruce transforms waste into synthetic fuel and electricity, combating unsanitary conditions and global warming.

Cataleya (Xinyue) Han (China)

Advisory Board Member of Universal Versatile Society, Cataleya promotes sustainable agri-food systems and strengthens international partnerships for youth engagement.

Charles Ogbodo (Nigeria)

Co-Founder at the Varlc Project, Charles improves Nigerian undergraduates' learning experiences and connects indigent students to opportunities.

Dang Nguyen (Vietnam)

Founder of CardiacLife Foundation, Dang aims to reduce cardiovascular diseases' burden by providing heart surgeries and health infrastructure for marginalized communities.

Elizabeth Okullow (Kenya)

Leader at AquaMnara, Elizabeth empowers fish farmers with data-driven solutions, aiming to expand aquaculture sustainability practices across Africa.

Gbadamassi Aymane Adiho (Togo)

Founder of Rôbalôtô, Gbadamassi offers innovative solutions for plastic waste management in schools, transforming waste into solar bags.

Halima Yusuf Bawah (Nigeria)

Leader of Lumina Green, Halima transforms plastic waste into interlocks and pavers for sustainable construction, creating employment opportunities.

Hamidu Ssonko (Uganda)

Founder of Biha Eco Venture, Hamidu promotes positive change in housing and energy sectors by developing solar-powered homes for homeless groups in eastern Uganda and Kenya.

Hana Rago (Ethiopia)

Entrepreneur and advocate for women's empowerment, Hana leads mentorship and leadership initiatives and has been recognized for her innovation and dedication.

Hira Mubeen (Pakistan)

Founder of Yumkins, Hira fights childhood malnutrition by providing affordable, nutritious infant foods, aiming to serve thousands of children.

Ian Slade Ashivende (Kenya)

Founder of Cycled-up Stores KE, Ian promotes environmental conservation by upcycling second-hand clothes into new products.

Igiraneza Bisa Jean Hubert (Rwanda)

Co-Founder of Jenga Mo, a housing development company providing affordable housing using locally sourced materials for low-income families.

Isma Kayiza (Uganda)

Co-founder and CEO of Agrosage Tek LTD, Isma alleviates poverty among rural farmers through environmentally friendly food preservation solutions.

James Adetayo Adetokun (Nigeria)

Founder of The Northeast Health Network, James provides healthcare to displaced populations and advances digital health services for marginalized communities.

Jennifer Obiorah (Nigeria)

Founder and CEO at TeamUpcyclers, Jennifer provides green skills training and climate education, aiming to establish Nigeria's first textile waste recycling company.

Joshua Ndaman (Nigeria)

Founder of Buyscrap Nigeria, Joshua drives the circular economy by creating a digital marketplace for recyclable materials, enhancing resource efficiency.

Joyce Mwangi (Kenya)

Young leader at Kenya Girl Guides, Joyce works on menstrual health management and STEM empowerment for girls.

Juan David Ramírez Jaramillo (Colombia)

Juan David is Co-founder and CTO of Digitalmente, an academy that uses AI to develop future skills, aiming to train over 1 million people in Latin America.

Kazeem Abdulrazak (Nigeria)

Founder of Recyclearn Initiative, Kazeem addresses plastic pollution and educational inequality by recycling plastics to provide educational resources for children in underserved communities.

Kela Babra (Kenya)

Volunteer at Education for Life, Eldore, Kela supports people living with HIV/AIDS and envisions starting an organization to protect women against gender-based violence.

Kohol Iornav (Nigeria)

Co-founder and Growth Product Manager at Binyoh Inc, Kohol leverages technology to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes for African women.

Lorraine Kekwaletswe (Botswana)

Mentor and volunteer, Lorraine supports children and youth to dream beyond their environment through the 'Boundless Dreams' initiative.

Martha Ayikiriize Kyeyune (Uganda)

Founder of Renewed Literacy and Youth Center, Martha tackles education inequities by providing foundational literacy and numeracy to learners in underserved communities.

MD. Nazmul Hasan (Bangladesh)

SBCC officer at SERAC-Bangladesh, Nazmul provides training on Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and leadership, aiming to reduce stigma and increase support for women and adolescents.

Michael Olukoya (Nigeria)

Educator with over a decade of experience, Michael fosters a love for learning and positively impacts students globally.

Michael Sunmoni (Nigeria)

Founder of SafeMom, Michael implements comprehensive maternal healthcare programs in underserved regions, reducing maternal mortality rates.

Mihir Bhatt (India)

Social activist and content writer, Mihir drives positive change through initiatives in poverty alleviation, gender equality, and sustainability.

Moses Irungu (Kenya)

CEO and Co-Founder of Naks Yetu, Moses elevates Nakuru's cultural and creative landscapes by connecting local talent to global audiences.

Muhammed Kisirisa (Uganda)

Founder & CEO of Golden Boots Uganda, Muhammed uplifts youth with disabilities, girls, and refugees through sports.

Mussie Abraham (Ethiopia)

Co-founder at Beta Blockers PLC, Mussie creates innovative food solutions for health and wellness, aiming to improve health outcomes.

Mwende Mutuku (Kenya)

Program Lead at Diversified Kenya, Mwende promotes diversity and inclusion, aiming to expand reach and provide scholarships to marginalized communities.

Mwenya Mwamba (Zambia)

Founder and Executive Director of The Paideia Project, Mwenya supports climate education and sustainable learning practices in schools.

Nabirye Zaharah (Uganda)

Co-founder of Kimuli Collections, Nabirye transforms lives through sustainable fashion using recycled materials and supporting marginalized communities.

Nana Ama Boa-Amponsem (Ghana)

Founder and Program Lead at Think Education, Nana Ama improves education quality in low-cost private schools through effective management practices.

Nataly Belen Montesinos Canales (Peru)

Co-founder of Yura Warmi, Nataly manufactures ecological sanitary napkins and provides workshops on menstrual hygiene, positively impacting thousands of girls.

Nathaniel Akwasi Oduro (Ghana)

Executive Director of ProActif Global, Nathaniel equips youth with skills and resources for socio-economic empowerment.

Nkatha Muthaura (Kenya)

Environmental lawyer, Nkatha specializes in renewable energy projects and climate justice, promoting sustainability goals.

Nobel Aka (Cote d'Ivoire)

Founder and Executive Director of Nobelakademy, Nobel supports and activates youth through education and skill development, preparing them for leadership roles.

Odunayo Oladimeji (Nigeria)

Founder of CancerCompass and Med Crescent, Odunayo provides affordable anticancer drugs and advocates for policies to subsidize cancer care.

Olivia Awuor (Kenya)

Founder and CEO at Eco Nasi Kenya, Olivia pioneers sustainable materials using pineapple waste, aiming to become a leading vegan leather supplier.

Oluebube Okafor (Nigeria)

Founder of CLO Foundation, Oluebube provides sanitary pads and educational materials to low-income girls and advocates for child sexual abuse awareness.

Onimisi Atere (Nigeria)

Co-founder and team lead at Nimsy Agro Solar Concept, Onimisi builds solar-powered agricultural equipment to improve farmers' income and productivity.

Ponmile Ogunjemite (Nigeria)

Founder and Director of Pioneer Medical Initiative, Ponmile provides affordable primary healthcare services to rural and underserved communities.

Rajneesh Kumar Patel (India)

Founder & CEO of iRefill, Rajneesh tackles plastic waste by creating refillable solutions and advocating for eco-friendly practices.

Ramdani (Indonesia)

Founder of Ucoolwecool, Ramdani supports youth with essential soft skills and mentoring, impacting over 1200 youths and engaging communities through various programs.

Rita Fereira (Venezuela)

Founder of Urupagua Project, Rita supports young farmers through agroecological routes, connecting visitors with farming families and promoting environmental and social impact.

Semowo Ayokunle (Nigeria)

Founder of STAC Green Recycling, Ayokunle addresses recycling needs and empowers communities through education and job creation

Shuaibu Hanifa (Nigeria)

Founder of Voice for Health, Hanifa raises awareness about mental health and sickle cell disease, actively engaging in community health advocacy.

Sohyun Cho (South Korea)

Co-Founder at Duara, Sohyun organizes upcycling fashion design competitions and aims to create employment opportunities by repurposing textile waste.

Sushmina Baidya (Nepal)

Global Program Manager at Peace First and Co-Founder of YOUTHive Nepal, Sushmina supports youth in launching social impact projects and addresses skills gaps and youth employability.

Ting Kat Tony Luo (Australia)

Sustainability Strategy Lead and Policy Manager at the Victorian State Government, Tony develops sustainable urban planning solutions and promotes cross-cultural relations.

Uche Udekwe (Nigeria)

CEO/Founder of Natal Cares, Uche improves maternal and child healthcare in underserved communities through innovative health information services.

Wendy Auraobel (Kenya)

Executive Director of Young Women Leaders Connect (YWLC), Wendy champions gender equality and provides training and leadership in youth and women empowerment programs.

Wiem Chamsi (Tunisia)

Head of Strategy & Innovation Consulting at Betawaves, Wiem leads initiatives for tech startups and corporate partners, supporting young individuals in the MEA region.

William Binoh Mabala (Uganda)

Associate Director at Fact Finders' Initiative for Transformation (FFIT), William trains youths in soft skills and works to end teenage pregnancies and build youth capacity.

Winnie Najjuma (Uganda)

Founder of Ccupa Creations, Winnie recycles glass waste into household items, promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing landfill waste.

Yetunde Oladejo-Adeseluka (Nigeria)

Convener and Programs Lead at The Girls' Count Initiative, Yetunde provides menstrual and reproductive health education and equips women with sustainable sources of income.

Yolo Bakumor Smith (Uganda)

Founder and CEO of De-Rabacon Plastics, Yolo combats climate change by recycling plastic waste into valuable products, supporting youths and women through training programs.

Yu-Po Hua (Taiwan)

Founder of INFINITE VALUE—Innovative Thinking Lab, Yu-Po supports local actors in implementing sustainable strategies and generating social impact through education and consulting projects.

The Value of the YID Fellowship Experience

Participating in the YID Fellowship offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. Fellows gain access to comprehensive training sessions, mentorship from experienced leaders, and a global network of like-minded individuals. The program enhances their ability to implement effective social initiatives and fosters a collaborative spirit that transcends borders.

Are you inspired by the stories of our 2024 YID Fellows? Do you have a passion for social change and want to make a meaningful impact? Learn more about the YID Fellowship and how you can be part of this transformative journey.

Stay tuned for updates and stories from this cohort.

Inspired by the stories of our fellows? Have a passion for social change and want to make a meaningful impact?

Learn more about the YID Fellowship