AYDEPI is a Non Profit Organisation that aims to Enrich, Enhance & Empower the lives of African Descendants based in Washington State.

GOALS

Assessing Needs: In 2019, we conducted an in-depth assessment of the African, African/American communities in Washington, specifically focusing on youth aged 14 to 25. Through this assessment, we identified key issues raised by the youth, including mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, engagement in gang groups, fear, and limited access to resources for self-improvement.

Inclusive Planning: Based on the needs assessment, we developed a comprehensive plan that aims to include vulnerable youth and prioritize their perspectives. We believe in involving youth in advocating for their rights and creating positive change in their communities.

AYDEPI’S STRATEGIC AREAS OF FOCUS

Success Stories

“AYDEPI has really been a highlight of my life. Ever since I joined, I have been exposed to many opportunities that have helped me grow as a person. Such opportunities include leadership services, volunteer services and a lot more. To add on to that, while serving in AYDEPI, I have been surrounded by a lot of good people whom we have worked together to achieve the common goal of AYDEPI. Before joining AYDEPI, I was really introverted, however, that changed a lot after I joined AYDEPI. I was introduced to services that taught me to get out of my comfort zone and be able to speak up.”

— Balkhita Mweru, Youth Leader

“As I started working at the organization, I learned through our mentorship program how to better communicate and manage myself around other people(both young and old), how to be a leader to others and I got experience in writing proposals which made me a better formal writer. Their after-school program helped me be comfortable and confident with my ideas and voice around the other youths from different backgrounds as mine. And overall, Aydepi connecting me to youths my age helped me learn new skills, make long lasting friendships with people from different cultures and the different opportunities they offer has and will continue to give me a life full of adventure.”

— Trina Wamunyu, Youth Leader

“Daniel Dias, only five years old, has always been involved in most of our volunteer activities. Although our program supports youth between 14 and 25 years, he follows his older siblings to our volunteering events. Majorly in our environmental projects in both King County Parks and Des Moines Parks, he willingly volunteers to plant trees, pull out ivy, and litter collection. He cries to his dad to help him plant the trees because he can’t lift the bucket so that he can keep up with other youth”

— Daniel Dias, Volunteer