About Us
Vision, Mission
YARRD envisions a Ghana where empowered rural youth lead the way in building equitable, sustainable communities—harnessing indigenous knowledge, participatory research, and inclusive partnerships to drive lasting social and economic transformation.
YARRD’s mission is to catalyze equitable, sustainable development in rural Ghana by empowering youth through participatory research, community-driven education, health and vocational training programs, and strategic partnerships that uphold social justice and local leadership.
Our Work
Who We Are
Youth Alliance for Research and Rural Development (YARRD) is a Ghanaian non-profit founded in 2012 by a coalition of young scholars, practitioners, and community leaders. United by a commitment to social justice, we harness participatory research and decolonial methodologies to empower rural youth and strengthen local systems.
Rooted in education, health, and vocational training, our community-driven programs tackle systemic inequalities and cultivate sustainable livelihoods. Guided by an Advisory Board of traditional leaders, healthcare experts, and development specialists, and supported by a dedicated management team, YARRD fosters partnerships that elevate indigenous knowledge and local leadership.
At our core, we believe that when young people are equipped with skills, resources, and a voice, they become catalysts for lasting social and economic transformation in rural Ghana.
Our Objectives
YARRD’s core objectives are designed to empower rural youth, strengthen community systems, and drive sustainable development across education, health, and livelihoods:
Expand Access to Quality Education
- Establish or support community learning centers in a minimum of 10 underserved villages.
- Provide resources, teacher training, and curriculum supplements to boost literacy and numeracy outcomes.
- Train and equip teachers in STEM education delivery.
Improve Rural Health and Well-Being
- Roll out health-education workshops and mobile‐clinic partnerships to reach 5,000 residents annually.
- Train community health volunteers in preventive care, sanitation, and nutrition.
Empower Youth Through Skills Development
- Deliver vocational and livelihood training to at least 1,000 rural youth each year.
- Facilitate mentorship and apprenticeship placements with local enterprises.
Cultivate Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
- Secure multi-sectoral collaborations—with government agencies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector—to leverage funding and expertise.
- Grow a sustainable donor base through transparent reporting and impactful fundraising campaigns.
Foster Social Justice and Inclusive Leadership
- Embed equity, diversity, and inclusion principles across all programs.
- Create youth leadership forums that amplify marginalized voices in decision-making processes.