Who We Are

History

Youth Alliance for Equality Foundation (YAEF) was established in September 2021 as a youth-led organization dedicated to empowering young people in minority communities. We are committed to advancing equity and justice for queer youth through youth-driven programs, community education, and advocacy.

Grounded in feminist principles, we believe in dismantling systems of oppression and building inclusive, transformative spaces where power is shared, voices are amplified, and all young people—particularly queer youth—can thrive. Our work centers on creating safe, equitable, and affirming environments by ensuring decision-makers prioritize the needs and rights of queer youth.

Through our initiatives—including youth empowerment, leadership and mentorship, human rights education, economic justice, and advocacy around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—we focus on queer youth between the ages of 18 and 35 in Ghana. YAEF envisions a future where equity, justice, and care are not ideals but lived realities.

Mission

To promote equity for Queer youth through youth-driven programs and community education.

Vision

To ensure a safe and secure political, economic, and social environment that enables young queer people to thrive and live fulfilling lives.

Inclusivity

At YAEF, inclusivity means creating safe, affirming, and equitable spaces where every queer young person — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, economic or social status, geographical location, disability, or educational background — feels seen, heard, and valued. We practice inclusivity intentionally at every stage of our work — from program planning through needs assessments to implementation and evaluation. Representation matters to us; we ensure that diverse voices are reflected not only in our programming but also within our team. Our recruitment of staff and volunteers is intentionally inclusive, promoting diversity while upholding merit, competence, and shared values. In our collaborations with donors, partners, and communities, we champion approaches that reflect the full spectrum of queer youth realities, ensuring no one is left behind.

Integrity

Integrity guides how we work, communicate, and account for every action. We are transparent with our beneficiaries about our objectives and honest with our donors and partners about our impact and challenges. Our reports reflect truth and accuracy, and our financial practices uphold the ethical standards of accountability. Within our team, we foster a culture of trust, ethical behavior, and responsibility — ensuring that our commitment to the queer community remains credible and dependable.

Innovation

We approach our youth work with creativity and adaptability, constantly exploring new tools, digital strategies, and community-based solutions that respond to emerging challenges. Whether through podcasts, digital advocacy, or skill-building initiatives, we embrace technology and fresh ideas to reach queer youth more effectively. Our staff and volunteers are encouraged to think outside the box, share bold ideas, and co-create interventions that keep our programming relevant and impactful.

Inspiration

Real change begins when young people are motivated to believe in themselves and their power to shape their future. Through mentorship, storytelling, and leadership development, we help queer youth recognize their strength and potential. Our collaborations with other CSOs, donors, and allies are rooted in hope and possibility — working together to create positive role models, amplify queer voices, and build a movement that motivates others toward equity and resilience.