A Jesuit Mission Born from Radical Love

Reimagining youth empowerment in the Telugu heartland since 2015

Our Story

In the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, home to nearly 85 million people, countless young lives encounter harsh realities daily—poverty, lack of education, unemployment, casteism, gender discrimination, and social inequality. In rural, semi-urban, and urban slum areas, millions of youths watch their dreams, hopes, and creative energies destroyed by circumstances beyond their control.

The poverty is not self-incurred. These sections of society have been pushed to the margins. Youth dropping out of school at tender ages to work as child labor, teenagers abandoning high school to toil as cheap labor where their blood and sweat are exploited, girl children married young instead of educated—these are the intersectional injustices we confront daily.

But YESJ is convinced to spread a YES in the lives of youth by giving a helping hand to dream and realize their dreams.

Since 2015, we've been a beacon of light and a ray of hope for those who are last, lost, and least, those who lack resources and guidance for a better life. We walk alongside young people, regardless of their educational, social, religious, and economic backgrounds, unleashing their potential to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

The YES Philosophy

We believe that instilling hope and courage in young people and creating a support system will empower them to shout to the world:

  • YES – I have Dreams.
  • YES – I am capable of fulfilling my Dreams.
  • YES – I Can and I Will be the Dream I want to be if only I am given an opportunity.
Explore Our Programs

Our Theological Foundation

More Than a Program - A Sacred Calling

Ignatian spirituality meets radical social transformation

Ignatian Pillars

Contemplatio Ad Amorem (Contemplation in Action)

Finding God in the broken dreams of marginalized youth and responding with radical solidarity.

Imago Dei (Image of God)

Every young person is created in God's image, carrying infinite dignity and worth.

Cura Personalis (Care for the Whole Person)

Holistic formation: intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, physical.

Magis (The More)

Always seeking greater justice, deeper transformation, not just incremental change.

Men and Women for Others

Forming leaders who serve, not just succeed.

Our Commitment

We see poverty not as personal failure but as structural sin demanding prophetic response.

We approach youth not as beneficiaries but as protagonists of their own liberation.

We don't offer charity; we accompany transformation through long-term relationships.

We believe empowerment is kingdom-building—establishing justice and peace on earth.

Universal Apostolic Preferences

Aligned with Global Jesuit Mission

01

Showing the Way to God

Our O GOD programs and faith-justice integration help youth build personal relationships with God.

02

Walking with the Excluded

Preferential option for English-excluded rural youth and marginalized communities.

03

Journeying with Youth

Youth as protagonists through PEP & MAGIC Youth programs.

04

Caring for Our Common Home

Each One-Teach Ten model fostering community ownership and sustainable development.

The YESJ Way: Our 5 Ps Framework

How we transform lives and build futures

PURPOSE

Building a Just World

Our purpose is to assist in building a just world by transforming the lives of young people. We educate and encourage them to understand and analyze the socio-economic, cultural, and political aspects of society, stimulating their conscience to bring social commitment to build the Kingdom of God in India and the globalized world. We aspire to light the aspirational torch for young people who do not have the resources and guidance to a better life.

PROCESS

Transformation Through Integration

With the right resources, support, and training, people can be enabled to solve their own problems. Rather than random and impulsive approaches, we follow a long-term systematic approach with spiritual, social, psychological, contextual, intellectual, and creative integration. We follow the praxis of: Experience → Reflection → Involvement → Transformation. We firmly believe in collaborating with other individuals and organizations who share our values.

PROGRAMMES

Comprehensive Empowerment

Through our 10+ comprehensive programmes, we empower young people attending schools and colleges, as well as those who have dropped out. From English communication training to vocational skills, from personality development to spiritual formation, from job placement to leadership development—we provide holistic support at every stage. 50,000+ youth have already benefited from our programs across 15 districts in the Telugu states.

PARTNERSHIPS

Together We Do More

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" – Helen Keller. True to this belief, we sincerely welcome opportunities to foster a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and partnership with all like-minded individuals, organizations, business houses, and governments—across the state and beyond—who would like to join us to encourage, employ, and empower young people to say 'YES' to their dreams.

PERSEVERANCE

Never-Ending Commitment

Empowering youth is a never-ending job. There is always another young person to begin our journey with. We are deeply convinced that this mission of empowering youth is tough and challenging. We are aware that persevering this effort well, through the strain of youth ministry, is a serious responsibility. We resolve to PERSEVERE with faith, hope, and love.

Who We Serve

Our Preferential Option for Youth

Target Demographics

  • Geography: Telugu-speaking states (AP & Telangana)
  • Age Group: 15-45 years
  • Focus: Rural (60%), Semi-urban (25%), Urban slums (15%)
  • Economic: Below poverty line, marginalized communities
  • Inclusivity: All castes, religions, backgrounds

Special Focus

  • SC/ST communities (40% of participants)
  • First-generation learners
  • Female youth (45% participation)
  • School dropouts seeking second chances
  • Academically brilliant but financially poor students

The Harvest Is Plentiful. Will You Labor With Us?

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