“Reality is never as big as your dreams, so better dream big”
(Raj A. Joseph)

Young Africa was born from the dream of two visionaries. A small team of dedicated supporters joined in with their hearts and hard work. Within ten years of existence they made Young Africa a beacon of hope for thousands of young people and a source of inspiration to other organisations.

Raj A. Joseph and Dorien Beurskens initiated Stichting YA (Young Africa) in The Netherlands in 1998. Mathieu Beurskens, Gonneke Campen and Astrid Schouten immediately and eagerly volunteered as founding members of the Board. Within a matter of months Raj and Dorien went to Zimbabwe to start off the first projects. They dived into this adventure with nothing more than a head full of ideals, two suitcases and US$ 1500. The dynamic participation of people in Africa turned vision into action. In 2001 Young Africa Skills Centre in Chitungwiza opened its doors; Young Africa Satellite Centre in Epworth started its programmes in 2004. In 2006 Young Africa expanded to Beira in Mozambique and a year later the Young Africa Centro de Formação was inaugurated. Many great benefactors contributed to our success; most impressively, school students in The Netherlands. To date, Young Africa educated over 10.000 young Africans, with plans for many more, in more countries in Africa.

Thus the dream of two is making many young people fulfill their dreams for a better future.
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