Yole!Africa is a non-profit cultural center that empowers disadvantaged youth in the east of Congo through creativity, art, and alternative education. We believe that, even in the face of violent conflict, equipping young people with the tools and technologies of creative expression fosters the skills—critical thinking, cooperation, and innovation—that allow them to transform their world. Yole!Africa’s story: In response to this crisis, in 2000 internationally acclaimed filmmaker and activist Petna Ndaliko Katondolo founded Yole!Africa, to provide youth the space, skills, technologies, and alternative education necessary to thrive despite the conflict in the region. Population Served: Annually Yole!Africa serves approximately 17,000 young men and women from 13-35 years of age. The diverse backgrounds of participants reflect the organization’s commitment to promoting and encouraging value and respect for all human beings regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic class, which is unique in the region. Because of Yole!Africa’s commitment to reaching all members of the community, all activities are free to participants. What Yole!Africa does: Yole!Africa offers a series of offline and online activities, workshops, trainings, and performance opportunities in video arts, computer/media literacy, journalism, music production, and dance. In addition to ongoing classes, the center brings international experts to conduct intensive trainings for Congolese youth and provides a platform for community development and cross-cultural exchange. Some feature programs of Yole!Africa include: