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Pathways Initiative for the Youth (PIY) is a grassroots, inclusive organization in Eastern Uganda created in 2018 after the founders noticed a shocking lack of at risk youth support in the region. This population is particularly vulnerable in regard to healthcare, legal representation, economic opportunity and social services in their communities.

PIY is a charitable membership organization founded by 8 young, community leaders from Jinga including Ibanda Geoffrey, Kizza Brian and Apparat Esther who grew weary of seeing the conditions vulnerable, young people in their district were reduced to: forced into a life of sex work and drug abuse while trying to meet basic food and shelter needs. The irony? Their poverty shapes social perception because while poor youth are socially stigmatized for their choices, wealthy sex workers are praised. Unfortunately, this has to an increased rate of unsafe conditions for at risk youth including permanent complications from treatable illnesses, HIV, and suicide.

PIY is a safe haven from the constant scrutiny of the outside world. It is a place where members come to find kinship, feel accepted, affirmed, and supported. By paving a way towards community and compassion, they hope to repave the path towards the dignity and confidence needed to help youth reach their potential. This is what inspired the name: “Pathways Initiative for the Youth.”