African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO)

Mission

To settle the past, engage the present, and hope for the future.

Bottom Line for Portland

• The Back to Our Roots program is a life-changing initiative that powerfully connects immigrant and refugee youth with their heritage. Designed to foster cultural pride and leadership, it is deeply aligned with AYCO's mission to empower African immigrant communities in Oregon.

In 2024, AYCO took eight students and four staff members on a 19-day journey to Nairobi, Kenya. This cultural immersion experience allowed the students to reconnect with their heritage through visits to refugee camps, orphanages, safaris, and meetings with prominent leaders. For some of our youth, the trip was deeply personal, as it marked their first meeting with relatives affected by the war in Somalia. These emotional reunions and firsthand insights into life in refugee camps reminded our youth of the power of community support and resilience.

Help us continue to inspire the next generation of leaders by donating to the Back to Our Roots program today. Together, we can provide more opportunities for our youth to explore their identities, develop essential life skills, and make a lasting impact in their communities.

Quote

• "Spending time with the orphanage children, hearing their stories, and seeing their smiles changed my perspective on life and gave me a deeper sense of purpose."

• "Visiting the Somali Embassy in Nairobi was a profound experience. As someone born in a refugee camp, I had never engaged with the Somali government before. This visit connected me with my heritage in ways I hadn't before, giving me a sense of pride and hope."

• "Visiting the orphanage center was a powerful experience. The resilience of the children, despite their hardships, was a lesson in empathy and strength that I will carry with me forever."

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

All of our programming has been developed in response to the needs of our community. Our community is the furthest from education, health, employment, and housing justice due to language barriers, poverty, access to technology, race and religion discrimination, disproportionate rates of disability, and difficulty transitioning to life in the United States. Our cultural values inform our methods and help us maintain resilience as we utilize strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches to advocate for our community and eliminate barriers to educational, professional, and personal growth. 

Incentives

$50 - $100

Personalized Thank You Letter: Receive a handwritten thank-you card from an AYCO student, expressing gratitude for your support. 

AYCO custom stickers that you can display on water bottles, computers, etc., showing your support for AYCO.  

$150 - $250

Custom Artwork from a Student: Receive a digital or small physical piece of artwork created by one of our students in our youth leadership programs, inspired by their heritage.

Exclusive Donor Merchandise: Receive a limited-edition AYCO-branded tote bag and T-shirt. 

$500 - $750

Exclusive Video Message: Receive a personalized thank-you video 

BOR Behind-the-Scenes Access: interviews, documentary shooting, and student’s meeting 

One-on-one with staff planning the program or private meeting with executive director Jamal Dar 

$1,000 - $2,500

Exclusive Dinner Invitation: Be invited to a private dinner event with AYCO student’s and staff, celebrating your generous contribution and sharing more about our programs. 

Named Sponsorship of a Student: Sponsor a student in the Back to Our Roots program and receive regular updates, photos, and stories from that student throughout their journey. 

AYCO Branded Hoodie or Jacket: Receive an exclusive AYCO-branded jacket or hoodie as a token of our appreciation.

Private Meet-and-Greet with Staff and Students: Attend a virtual or in-person meet-and-greet event with AYCO staff and program participants to hear firsthand about their experiences and success stories.  

$3,000 - $5,000

Choose a place or activity for student’s and staff to do during the trip 

Exclusive Annual Report Recognition: Get featured as a sponsor in our annual report, with a personal story or highlight of your contribution to the success of our programs.

Legacy Donor Plaque: Receive a personalized plaque displayed at AYCO's center, honoring your significant contribution and impact on our community. 

3 VIP Access to Special Events happening at AYCO: cultural night, fundraising gala, ect. 

$10,000

Invitations to International Travel Experiences: Be offered the chance to join AYCO’s international travel program as an honorary guest, participating in cultural exchanges and service projects.

Partner(s)

• We are proud to partner with Youth, Rights & Justice, Oregon's leading nonprofit law firm dedicated to supporting youth and families. We work to keep children in school, out of trouble, and at home. Through legal advocacy and community engagement, we ensure that the rights of children and families are protected, both in the courts and in the community. Partner with us and help shape a better future for our youth. 

We are excited to continue our partnership with Ameya’s International Restaurant, known for offering a wide variety of incredible African cuisines. Located in the heart of Portland, Ameya’s is deeply committed to supporting local organizations and community programs throughout the city. Our collaboration with Ameya’s has been ongoing for nearly two years, and their dedication to providing high-quality meals has been instrumental in the success of many of our events.