About Us
About Us
AYEN is a youth led organisation that aims to address sytemic environmental and social issues in Africa. Our goal is to accomplish this by connecting passionate and dedicated individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to affect meaningful and informed change. Composed of a network of youth environmentalists, mentors, and conservation enthusiasts, AYEN works to create a sustainable and prosperous Africa of tomorrow by developing the youth of today.
Founded in 2024, on the margins of UNEA- 6, AYEN is an Alliance for Science initiative created in part to honor their new partnership with the United Nations Environmental Programme to address the triple planetary crisis.
The goal was to increase the involvement of youth in environmental conservation and sustainable development by creating a network that could educate, empower, and assist them in their endeavours.
Vision
We envision a prosperous and sustainable future for Africa where people and their environments coexist in harmony, and there is hope for the future to be greater than the past.
Mission
To empower African youth environmentalists in their endeavours by creating a platform for intergenerational communication, knowledge sharing, policy engagement, inspiration, and support.
Goals
- Creating and supporting a network of youth environmentalists.
- Developing grassroots initiatives focused on engaging directly with the community.
- Creating a platform for youth environmentalists to discuss and share ideas.
- Providing pathways for youth environmentalists to develop their skills and further their careers,
- Empowering youth environmentalists by promoting intergenerational dialogue and engagement with policy making instruments.
- Teaching youth the importance of sustainable lifestyles and nature based solutions and how to implement them in their lives and communities.
Why Join Us
Elevate your impact with AYEN. Join a community empowering African youth to lead in environmental sustainability. Gain access to mentorship, educational programs, and hands-on initiatives. By joining us, you contribute to shaping a sustainable Africa while developing your skills and making a real difference. Join AYEN and be part of a movement creating a brighter, greener tomorrow.
Jote Teodor Cika - Founder & Executive coordinator
Jote Teodor Cika is a passionate youth environmentalist with a global perspective and a heart for conservation.
Jote’s conservation journey started in Madagascar where we he worked with the Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute to survey reef health and biodiversity in a nearby Marine Protected Area. This sparked a desire to learn more about the environment that lead him to study a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology and Environmental Science at the University of Cape Town, and subsequently a postgraduate certificate in Environmental Land Management at Fleming College.
Tracie Rabar - Operations Manager
Tracie Rabar wears multiple hats as the Operations Manager and a dedicated student at Strathmore University, pursuing a Bachelor of Financial Services.
Despite being new to the industry, Tracie’s passion for environmental activism remains ever-growing. Her commitment to understanding environmental issues from various perspectives, coupled with her analytical skills honed through her studies, equips her to contribute effectively to the AYEN cause.
Ruth Elora - Communications manager
Ruth Elora is a dynamic communications professional with extensive experience in public relations, administration, and social media management across various sectors, including arts, culture, and charity. Ruth has demonstrated proficiency in crisis communication, media relations, and event management.
With a proven track record in building and nurturing client and media relationships, Ruth has effectively promoted organisations such as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and Google through press releases, interviews, social media and attendance at various functions.
