who we are
YAWASH is a youth-led, Africa-focused non-governmental organization founded by passionate individuals with technical and grassroots experience. We work to advance clean water access, promote hygiene and environmental education, and empower communities and youth to take sustainable action, in alignment with SDG 6.
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Our Story
The idea for our organization was first conceived in 2017, when the founder, Onyeka Francis Offor, was working on his final-year bachelor research at the University of Port Harcourt. His project focused on the conversion of waste aluminium cans into alum; a chemical product used in water purification. As part of his research, he collected discarded aluminium cans from around the university community, processed them into alum via chemical processes, and used the product to successfully treat waste water. The impact and potential of this project sparked a deeper passion in him one that extended beyond academic requirements and into a long-term vision for environmental sustainability and clean water access.
In 2019, at a Commonwealth event in Abuja, Offor established a connection with Charles Igomu, who would later become the organization’s co-founder. With a strong background in water-related initiatives, Igomu shared a deep commitment to promoting Sustainable Development Goal 6—Clean Water and Sanitation—laying the foundation for their collaborative efforts.
In 2024, Offor and Igomu further expanded the team by connecting with Godstime Onyema, a dedicated advocate for water and hygiene. He was subsequently appointed to the Board of Trustees as the Facilitating Coordinator.
Their shared passion led to further discussions, and from that collaboration, Young Advocates for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (YAWASH) was born.
Our Vision
To advance the actualization of the SDG 6 in sub-Saharan Africa by facilitating equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and quality waste management schemes.
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Our Mission
- To implement potable water projects in slums and rural communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- To promote sustainable waste management through the adoption of the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover.
- To raise awareness in rural areas about the importance of clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices.
- To educate teenagers and youth on the value of proper hygiene and environmental responsibility.
- To campaign against the indiscriminate dumping and discharge of untreated waste into the environment.
- To provide direct career mentorship and capacity-building opportunities for volunteers.
- To act as a liaison between underserved communities and relevant agencies involved in water and waste management.
