The Youth Innovation Hub: Project Spotlight

The Youth Innovation Hub at the African Institute for Children Studies (AICS) is a vibrant platform where young changemakers from Africa and the United States co-create solutions to the world’s most pressing child and community development challenges. Established as part of AICS’s strategic vision for 2025–2030, the Hub empowers youth through leadership training, peer collaboration, and hands-on project design focused on real-world issues—ranging from education access and gender justice to economic resilience. 

At its core, the Hub fosters global connections. Through partnerships with the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas and community organizations in Boston and New Jersey, American students and young professionals are collaborating with their peers in Kenya—and soon, Uganda, Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Together, they co-develop grassroots solutions, exchange ideas, and implement community-led innovations that promote sustainable change. 

This is more than a learning program; it’s a movement. AICS believes that when youth are empowered with the right tools, mentorship, and networks, they don’t just participate—they lead. 


Success Story: Benjamin’s School 

At just 16, Benjamin, a young Maasai leader from Olgulului, Kenya, began a school in his village, at first teaching under a tree, to help children who were walking 15 kilometers through wildlife territory just to access education. Today, thanks to support from the Youth Innovation Hub, that one-tree classroom has grown into a five-room community school serving over 110 students. With U.S. youth partners helping develop a $30/month per child fundraising model, the school now seeks to expand meal provision, hire teachers, and enhance learning resources. Click video link below for more information and Benjamin’s appeal for support https://youtu.be/bbMACAAPRhM 


Success Story: Anne’s Campaign Against FGM 

Anne Lasoi, one of the first women in her Maasai community to attend university through AICS support, is now leading an anti-FGM movement in Narok County. Through the Youth Innovation Hub, Anne trains women in alternative livelihoods, helping reduce early marriages and harmful traditional practices. Her work not only protects girls, but also inspires entire communities to value daughters’ education as much as sons’. Click video link below for more information and Ann’s appeal for support https://youtu.be/3paZYGOdJ5c


Success Story: Brian’s Table Banking Innovation

Brian, a civil engineering student from Kajiado, saw firsthand how stigma isolated children with disabilities. In response, he created a table banking group for 24 women, enabling them to secure microloans for school fees and businesses. He also helped a 15-year-old girl with a disability secure a full four-year scholarship. His work illustrates how youth-driven innovation can foster inclusive education and economic empowerment. Click video link below for more information and Brian’s appeal for support https://youtu.be/OolKI-qA-yQ

Your Impact 

Your support can help us scale these life-changing stories. With just $30/month, you can feed a child for an entire month. A gift of $150 supports five children and one volunteer teacher. We aim to raise funds to recruit 10 teachers and support 150 children, transforming this grassroots school into a model of community-driven education. 

Join us in empowering youth across the U.S. and Africa to create lasting change—one idea, one leader, and one child at a time.