From Surviving Civil Unrest to Pioneering Global Change

Kia Yusuf Inspiring Global Change

About Us

My journey begins in the heart of Senegal, encompassing a saga of resilience, innovative leadership, and a profound dedication to our planet and its diverse communities. My life is a tapestry woven with threads of empowerment, advocacy, and a commitment to creating positive change across various spheres.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in Senegal, I was deeply influenced by the strong community bonds and the importance of sustainability. These early experiences instilled in me a commitment to advocating for the underprivileged and protecting our environment.

My educational path was not linear; it was a series of challenges and triumphs that prepared me for the complex realities of global leadership.

Overcoming Adversity in Ivory Coast

In the early 2000s, I embarked on a journey marked by daily challenges and invaluable lessons in survival. At the age of 10, I sold water bags on the streets. Under the scorching African sun, with temperatures soaring above 90 degrees, I would call out “Il y a de l’eau bien glacée,” which means “There is good ice-cold water,” to attract customers. Balancing a large container on my head, I walked miles, selling water for just $2 a day. This period, fraught with personal risk and societal upheaval, crystallized my understanding of the disparities and the resilience intrinsic to underprivileged communities.

Civil War and Personal Resilience

The turmoil of civil unrest in Ivory Coast began shortly after my time selling water. The First Ivorian Civil War began on September 19, 2002, following a military rebellion. The conflict quickly spread, with rebel forces controlling much of the north of the country. According to BlackPast, “The civil war began on September 19, 2002, when northern troops launched attacks across the nation against the central government” (BlackPast, 2018).

This war deeply impacted my life, forcing me to navigate through a landscape of violence and instability. I recall the profound effects of the war, the disruptions to daily life, and the constant struggle to access basic necessities (HistoryGuy, 2020). Despite a ceasefire and various peace agreements, the conflict persisted intermittently until a peace deal was signed on March 4, 2007, known as the Ouagadougou Peace Agreement.

2006 Oil Spill: A Turning Point

The year 2006 became a watershed moment in my life following an oil spill that wreaked havoc on our local environment. More than 500 tons of toxic waste were dumped into the Port of Abidjan by a cargo ship, causing a city-wide emergency as citizens reported respiratory problems, burning lungs, skin lesions, severe abdominal pain, headaches, and vomiting (OHCHR, 2016). This disaster underscored the precarious balance between human endeavors and environmental stewardship, compelling me to spearhead initiatives that champion sustainable practices and advocate for the health of our planet.

Inspiring Futures

Founding the Kia Yusuf Foundation

Driven by my passion for sustainable development and social justice, I established the Kia Yusuf Foundation (KYF). The foundation reflects my vision of creating lasting change through community-based approaches that address critical issues such as poverty alleviation, social equity, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Commitment to Indigenous Communities

As someone with deep roots in the Man region of the Ivory Coast, also known as “La Région des 18 Montagnes,” and part of the Mande or Djoula indigenous communities, I am particularly dedicated to supporting indigenous communities. This region, rich in cultural heritage, is where my parents hail from. The Man region is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous La Dent de Man (Tooth of Man), a towering rock formation, and a rich cultural history. My efforts focus on preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and advocating for the rights and recognition of indigenous peoples.

Alleviating Poverty

Driving economic growth, providing essential services, and supporting vulnerable populations.

Promoting Sustainability

Encouraging environmental sustainability and addressing climate change.

Ensuring Equity

Advocating for social justice and equal opportunities by empowering marginalized and underserved communities.

Enhancing Health and Well-being

Prioritizing access to healthcare services and promoting mental health awareness and support, with a special focus on women and children.

Our Commitment

KYF is driven by a commitment to excellence and impactful results. We are dedicated to:

Global Impact

KYF has a global reach, impacting communities across Africa and beyond. Here are some key statistics that highlight our impact:

Women

70% of the world’s poor are women (UN Women, 2020).

Youth

The youth unemployment rate is three times higher than that of adults (International Labour Organization, 2020).

Children

Nearly 1 in 5 children globally live in extreme poverty (UNICEF, 2020).

Indigenous Communities

Indigenous peoples make up less than 5% of the world’s population but account for 15% of the world’s poorest (World Bank, 2020).

Ivory Coast Project

The Ivory Coast Project is a flagship initiative of the Kia Yusuf Foundation (KYF), showcasing our commitment to empowering women, youth, children, and indigenous communities. Through a holistic approach, we address critical issues in health, education, economic development, cultural preservation, and climate action.

Health Interventions

Providing grants for medical expenses and partnering with healthcare providers to improve health outcomes and reduce mortality rates among mothers and children.

Education Support

Offering scholarships and grants to improve learning environments and literacy rates among underprivileged students.

Economic Empowerment

Providing grants and loans to small businesses, offering entrepreneurial training, and promoting sustainable business practices.

Poverty Alleviation

Offering financial assistance, job training, and access to microfinance services to help families achieve financial independence.

Indigenous Cultural Preservation

Supporting traditional arts, crafts, ceremonies, and educational programs to preserve indigenous cultures.

Climate Action

Promoting environmental sustainability through education, advocacy, and practical initiatives addressing climate change.

Past Engagements

Engagements and Initiatives

Our Heroes

Discover the inspiring stories of resilience and triumph from the children, girls, and women we have helped through the Kia Yusuf Foundation(KYF)

Traore Losseni

Traore Kady

Bakayoko Hamed

Tuo Fanta

Join Our Mission

Be part of our journey towards a sustainable future. Whether you’re passionate about climate action, environmental conservation, or social equity, your support and involvement can drive meaningful change. Together, we can create a significant impact and build a better world for future generations.

Get In Touch

Join us in igniting change for a sustainable future, whether it’s in climate action, environmental conservation, or creating a more equitable world. Together, we can make a significant impact.

Reach out via Email

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