Who we are
The Kouandi Youth and Human Rights Center is a non-profit organization focused on empowering the youth to seek a path of stability through the strengthening of their competencies.
Numerous factors contribute to the political, social, and economic destabilization of a state. Among those factors is an uneducated youth, deprived of its ability to fully contribute to the sustainable development of society.
A skilled and educated youth is a prerequisite for achieving the sustainable peace and stability of a nation. In this regard, the center’s primary motive is to transform our youth into active and indispensable agents of society. Our pillars are centered upon educating young people not solely academically, but also in developing the fundamental life skills necessary to increase and maintain their full participation in the community.
In addition to training the youth, the organization does its part in safeguarding human rights through our human rights center, which holds an investigations lab for researching violations in the community and coordinating key initiatives to thoroughly address them.
We work towards the realization of our mission: a more peaceful and secure world for the youth.
Our mission
Our mission is inspired by the work of celebrated humanitarian and former Minister of Commerce of Cote d’Ivoire, Nicolas Kouandi Angba, who is credited with opening trade and development relations between Cote d’Ivoire and the rest of the world, as well as for his extensive humanitarian work for the advancement of the youth.
Under his leadership, Japan, Canada, as well as the former Soviet Union opened their markets for trade with the nation. His efforts also extended to the United States, in fostering support for investment in Cote d’Ivoire. Distinguishing himself in the trade and development world, Mr. Kouandi Angba partook in numerous worldwide conferences on development, including addressing the General Debate of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Through his supervision, and with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme, the construction of the CCIA Building (Abidjan International Trade Centre Building), fourth-tallest building in Abidjan for the export promotion of Ivorian products on a global scale, was made possible. During his tenure, his efforts have led to significant economic developments for Cote d’Ivoire.
Prior to rising to the challenge of leading the nation to economic prosperity, via the building of trade and development relations between Cote d’Ivoire and the rest of the world, Mr. Kouandi Angba was a dedicated humanitarian, passionate about the future of the youth. He would contribute financially to the education of countless young people throughout the nation.
He remained committed to his vision for the leaders of tomorrow, until his death in 1995, by working towards the construction of learning centers in the region and advocating for the advancement of the youth nationwide.
director of operations
Joelle Kouandi
The Center’s operations are overseen by executive director Joelle Kouandi. Her significant work in international development incorporates both the private and public sectors including international organizations such as the United Nations.
Made to relocate to the United States at the young age of eleven, due to the political turmoil of her home country, she grew up to develop a fond respect for aid work. With this admiration arose the desire to one day be of service to the vulnerable youth back in her home country, that would conceivably never be given the same opportunity to escape their limitations.
Beyond the scope of her responsibilities with the center, Joelle is a member of the UN Economic and Social Council’s Committee on NGOs at the United Nations Secretariat in New York, where she advocates the importance of NGO participation in the work of the United Nations. In addition, she has led social media campaigns in the hopes of raising awareness for the advancement and education of the youth.
She is multilingual and holds a Master of Arts degree in political science from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Studies from the same College.
Driven by her vision for the youth and devotion to continue her father’s laudable work, she steers the organization’s efforts to go above and beyond its intended aim.
president
Justine Kouandi
Justine Kouandi is a passionate humanitarian experienced in the establishment of inspirational nationwide charities. Widowed at the age of forty, she embarked on a remarkable journey of single motherhood; solely bringing up her four young children that she would later send abroad due to the, then, political instability of the country.
Her humanitarian work, spanning over two decades, is geared towards the protection and development of the youth and the most vulnerable. Her efforts, fused in honoring her late husband and stemming from her own values, have contributed to the education of hundreds of young people across the country.
A trailblazing leader, she is a seasoned speaker on the security of the youth and formerly served as the chief representative for former First Lady of the Ivory Coast, Marie-Therese Houphouet-Boigny, in various events designed for the advocation of the health, welfare, and education of children in Africa. She distinguishably represented her home country on several official visits abroad, in the company of her late spouse, highlighting her innovative vision of the future.
She continues to provide financial support to students as well as the most vulnerable through her charities and fervently anticipates a long-term pursuit of her humanitarian work.