A Brand-New Thing
Yoyo International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates from the life verses in Philippians 3:14 and 4:13:
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Yôyô is a word from the Wémè-Gbé and Fon languages of Benin, Africa, that means “a brand-new thing.”
Yoyo International’s mission is to empower people in challenging circumstances — youth in poverty, people with disabilities, orphans, and people without homes — to thrive and transform themselves. We do this by equipping and training people for economic empowerment through career and entrepreneurial training and arts and sports programs, as well as bringing people into a deeper relationship with God.
Based in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, Yoyo International has built a network with connections around the world, from Benin, Togo, the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa to the Dominican Republic and South Korea. We want to expand to these and other places in the world that have similar needs for our programs.
Our career and entrepreneurial programs will include job training, language, and business classes, tailored for the region, to help our students acquire employment or start their own businesses.
We also will have a music program and a soccer program to help young people build confidence and learn new skills, especially teamwork skills such as communication, time management, listening, collaboration, and leadership.
Our spiritual support program will give positive guidance to young people through a live or recorded program distributed online or via television in our target countries, along with live music tours that provide positive-values messaging.
Our travel program will put travelers to our target countries in touch with local guides to help them navigate lodging and transportation and learn about popular tourist destinations.