I Am, We Are

Founded on the philosophy of Bothu, or “I am because we are,” I Am, We Are (IAWA pronounced eye-ow-wa) is dedicated to creating a world where all youth are socially engaged, globally aware, and economically free. IAWA strives to give youth an understanding of self, stretch their belief in who they can be, and teach them how to apply the principles of entrepreneurship to create the future they envision for themselves, while building a sense of civic duty. IAWA was founded by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Meisha Robinson, in response to the struggles she witnessed youth experiencing trying to pursue their dreams while volunteering in communities of color in the US, in Benin, and in South Africa. She believes that everyone has a purpose and potential. She founded IAWA to be a vehicle to transport youth across the African Diaspora from being stuck in a world that dictates to them what they can and cannot do, to a universe full of possibilities and opportunities. Since 2015, IAWA has been piloting its premier program, the Bokgoni Empowerment Programme in the Royal Bafokeng Nation, South Africa. Bokgoni is a four-year program to encourage youth to: matriculate from high school and prepare them to be self-sufficient adults. Youth enter the program in grade 8 and meet three times a year (during the school holidays), until the end of their 11th grade year. These years are critical, as 50% of South African youth drop out between 9th and 10th grade.