The future of any nation largely depends on the positive utilization of its YOUTHS. Studies have disclosed that youths have been used by war lords as the main perpetrators of wars around the world.

There is an urgent need to direct attention to the proper utilization of Youths by providing them the much needed attention, audience, counsel and support through and by various programmes and projects, so that they will be law-abiding, productive and self-reliant citizens.

It was against this background that Sylvanus S. Murray founded the Youth Empowerment for Development Movement (YEDEM) International in 1998. The organisation was launched in 2000. YEDEM International is a non-profit youth empowerment and development organization with Headquarters in Sierra Leone.

YEDEM International was also created to aid young people of the world to undertake projects, which would enable them obtain skills necessary for their livelihood and enhance their participation in the socio-economic, environmental and cultural development of their communities in particular, and the world in general.

The Organization is under no obligation to any political, religious or cultural organization/institution. This notwithstanding, the establishment of a country network shall be subject to the legal regulations/codes relating to the registration of organizations and their operations in the respective country.