Kimmie Weeks

Winner/Finalist Info
Twitter Handle : 
kimmieweeks
Recipient's Age: 
28
Finalist or Winner: 
Grand Prize Winner
State: 
DE
City: 
Newark
Describe what this winner does/did: 
Kimmie created an international organization that uses international and local volunteers to implement productive programs (for micro-credit loans, scholarships, peace schools, and agriculture programs) in war-torn countries. Kimmie was a survivor of the Liberian civil war who vowed to help children in war torn countries, and so he started Youth Action International.

In 2007, Kimmie was also given the highest honor by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Knight Grand Commander in the Humane Order of African Redemption. He currently serves as Executive Director of Youth Action International. To date, 100,000 West African youth benefit from YAI’s youth empowerment programs, while 5,000 children climb on a new playground and rediscover their youth through YAI and the power to play. In the U.S. 700 youth are actively engaged through YAI member chapters, while YAI speaking tours reach 40,000 youth each year, world-wide. In Africa, 400 single mothers gain work skills, receive micro-loans and claim a place of influence in their communities, and 200 young women learn via lifetime scholarships and experience the strength of education.

Year in which award/grant was awarded: 
2007
Issues: 
Our Troops