- Empowering Youth. Ending Poverty. Building a Healthy Future.
Youth Against AIDS and Poverty Association (YAAPA) is a registered, non-governmental, not-for-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization based in Kigoma, Tanzania. We were founded on 15th May 2005 by a general meeting of committed community members from both Kigoma urban and rural areas. Officially registered on 19th March 2008 under the Civil Societies Act of 2002 (Registration Number 06NGO/0451), we have spent nearly two decades working alongside the most vulnerable populations in our region.
Our name says what we do. We fight AIDS. We fight poverty. But more than that, we fight for the dignity, rights, and future of every youth, child, and woman in Kigoma.
YAAPA was born from a simple observation: too many young people in Kigoma were losing their lives to HIV/AIDS, and even more were trapped in extreme poverty with no way out. Grandparents were raising orphans. Children were out of school. Young mothers had no skills or income. The environment was degrading, and human rights abuses went unreported.
Rather than wait for outside help, a group of local leaders, youth, and women came together to form YAAPA. Starting with small, volunteer-run activities, we gradually built a network of partners, a dedicated team, and a track record of real results. Today, YAAPA is known locally and nationally as a trusted organization fighting HIV/AIDS and poverty while empowering communities to become self-reliant.
YAAPA is governed by a clear, accountable structure that ensures our work remains focused, transparent, and effective.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – The highest decision-making body, composed of all YAAPA members. The AGM approves strategic plans, audits, and major decisions.
Board of Advisers – Provides overall policy direction, oversight, and resource allocation. The Board ensures the strategic plan stays on track and may authorize mid-term evaluations.
Executive Committee / Management Team – Handles day-to-day implementation, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, communications, and reporting.
Our organogram ensures that power is distributed, decisions are reviewed, and the voices of our beneficiaries are always heard.
There are many NGOs in Tanzania. But YAAPA is different because:
We are local. We live in Kigoma. We speak the language. We understand the culture and the daily struggles.
We are volunteer-driven. Our founding members and many active members serve because they believe in the mission, not for a salary.
We are accountable. We have documented policies, financial manuals, and a clear governance structure. We report annually to the Registrar of NGOs and our partners.
We partner, don’t compete. We actively collaborate with government, other CSOs, and international partners to avoid duplication and maximize impact.
We focus on self-reliance. Our ultimate goal is to make ourselves unnecessary — by building strong, independent communities that no longer need outside help.
To help youth and children living in extreme poverty achieve major, lasting improvements in their lives so they can become self-reliant, without needing external support.
A community in which youth, children, and young women live free from all human and natural hardships with dignity, respect, and opportunity.
Real results achieved through community effort and partnerships.
120+ vulnerable children and youth directly served through our education and vocational programs
300+ community members trained on human rights, governance, and HIV prevention
84+ active members working together for change in Kigoma region
15+ villages reached with mobile HIV testing, environmental education, and legal aid
5+ functional projects including a nursery school, carpentry workshop, and tailoring center
