For over ten years, Abu-Hassan (Askia) Koroma has built up the Twenty-First Century African Youth Movement (AYM).  This organization serves to empower and unify Africa’s citizens in the areas of education, health, and economic development.  One of AYM’s primary concerns is the country of Sierra Leone, Askia’s homeland and a nation torn apart by a brutal, decade long civil war.  The problems and possibilities in Sierra Leone mirror those of many African nations.  AYM aims to provide a working model of dialogue, communication, and action not only for helping to heal Sierra Leone but also other troubled countries in the continent.   The Movement aims to secure representation in each of the African countries within ten years.  AYM will support preventive health problems, school-building programs, preparatory and supplemental education courses, English language classes, land purchases, arts and cultural activities, business enterprises as well as providing educational materials and supplies for AYM regional supplementary schools.   One of Abu-Hassan Koroma’s principles in life is that if he helps everyone around him to reach their full potential, he will in turn reach his more quickly.  His organization, AYM, is working to improve the lives of people in Sierra Leone, in Africa, and the world beyond.  Artist, poet, humanist and leader, Koroma works to unite people, illuminating possibilities and creating opportunities for all, especially those who are less fortunate.

African Artville
Telling Africa’s stories through art.

Project Director
Our current art exhibition project, "Representations of Violence: Art about the Sierra Leone Civil War," is an important achievement within our organization, for it presents an opportunity for people to unite in an attempt to see and improve the conditions in Sierra Leone.