At ARE U WASTING TIME? International Youth Empowerment Corporation, we equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to lead productive, healthy, and purposeful lives through literacy, mentorship, social and emotional wellness, leadership, entrepreneurship, and world citizenship.

Our programs combine international basketball competition and college recruitment opportunities in Nigeria and Liberia with digital media, filmmaking, creative arts, and cultural exchange.

Through collaboration with experienced industry professionals in film production, digital media development, and the creative arts, we deliver motivational speaking engagements, interactive school workshops, hands on training, and virtual educational experiences that strengthen confidence, resilience, creativity, and practical life skills.

Together, we open doors to global opportunities, empower young voices, develop future leaders, and inspire lasting legacies.

We transform basketball into a gateway for global recruitment, education, leadership, and opportunity. Our 2027 Olympic style championships, combines, and camps in Lagos, Nigeria, and Monrovia, Liberia, will showcase exceptional African talent directly to visiting colleges, universities, junior colleges, prep schools, academies, and professional scouts, creating opportunities for personal evaluation and recruitment without unnecessary intermediaries.

Across the United States, we invite schools to nominate outstanding male and female student athletes for our U.S. division. Selected athletes gain opportunities to represent our organization in Africa, compete against international talent, strengthen their game, and experience world citizenship through cultural exchange and community service.

• Direct international scouting and college recruitment exposure
• Olympic style championships for male and female athletes
• Skills combines, camps, and athletic development
• U.S. student athlete selection and international competition
• Academic, leadership, and cultural enrichment
• Digital storytelling documenting the student athlete journey

Beyond the final whistle, our mission is to expand educational and professional possibilities and develop confident young leaders ready to compete, connect, and contribute worldwide.

College Eligibilty Compliance, Media Training & Student Athlete Brand Development

We prepare student athletes for college recruitment by helping them understand college eligibility requirements, recruiting regulations, and the importance of protecting their personal brand. Our educational workshops help students and families navigate compliance while developing the confidence and professionalism necessary to attract collegiate and corporate opportunities.

• College academic eligibility and recruiting compliance guidance
• Media training, public speaking, and interview preparation
• Social media strategies emphasizing integrity and responsible posting
• Education on the dos and don’ts of protecting personal reputation
• Professional highlight reels and athletic portfolio development
• Student athlete podcast interviews showcasing talent, character, leadership, and aspirations

Through our Student Athlete Podcast Platform, participants gain opportunities to tell their stories and connect with wider audiences, including colleges, professional scouts, sponsors, and potential brand partners.

Our mission extends beyond athletic exposure. We develop informed, confident, media savvy student athletes who understand that their reputation, character, and personal brand can influence opportunities long after the final whistle.

Male / Female Developmental Players ages 11 thru 19 receive National Exposure and Global Recruitment Opportunities

Our ARE U WASTING TIME? International USAB Certified Travel Basketball Program is a highly competitive, United States based player development initiative designed to prepare exceptional student athletes for collegiate recruitment and international competition.

Beginning in February and concluding August 1, our student athletes participate in rigorous weekly training, competitive tournaments, and intensive skill development designed to elevate basketball intelligence, discipline, confidence, leadership, and athletic performance.

A major focus of our program is preparing student athletes for the April and July NCAA Live Recruiting Periods, when eligible college coaches can evaluate talent at designated basketball events throughout the United States. These highly competitive tournaments provide valuable opportunities for athletes to demonstrate their abilities, gain national exposure, and expand their collegiate recruitment possibilities.

But our vision extends far beyond American borders!

A select group of outstanding student athletes may earn consideration to represent ARE U WASTING TIME? International’s United States Division in prestigious Olympic style international competitions, including the Global Goodwill Games in Monrovia, Liberia, and the United Nations Games in Lagos, Nigeria.

These international opportunities allow athletes to test their skills against global competition, experience cultural exchange, develop world citizenship, and explore new pathways for academic, athletic, and professional advancement.

This is more than travel basketball. It is preparation, exposure, opportunity, and the possibility of representing your country on an international stage!

Are you ready to take your game beyond the local gym and onto the national and international stage?

FOR MORE INFORMATION, ASK US HOW!

ARE U WASTING TIME?

Youth Empowerment Hip Hop Literacy, Digital Media & International Film Tour (Middle / High School Students)

Empowering Young Voices. Developing Global Talent. Creating Opportunities Beyond Borders.

At ARE U WASTING TIME? International, we bring youth empowerment directly into schools. Led by International Coach ALI, working alongside accomplished entertaiment industry professionals in filmmaking, film production, digital media, and the creative arts, our tour combines motivational speaking, Hip Hop influenced literacy, film screenings, and interactive workshops that inspire students to discover their voices, embrace literature, develop public speaking skills, and explore the limitless possibilities of creative expression.

We transform inspiration into practical experience. Students explore storytelling, scriptwriting, photography, filmmaking, and digital media production. Beginning with smartphones, they create original documentaries, conduct interviews, and develop meaningful stories. As their skills advance, students are introduced to industry standard cameras, lighting, audio equipment, and professional film production techniques.

Our opportunities extend beyond creative arts. Exceptional student athletes may be considered for international travel basketball opportunities, including the Global Goodwill Games in Monrovia, Liberia, and the prestigious Unite the Nations Games in Lagos, Nigeria.

Through international competition, cultural exchange, digital storytelling, and global networking, students develop meaningful relationships across borders while learning to present their talents and personal brands to colleges, recruiters, and professional organizations worldwide.

For educators and coaches, we offer engaging experiences connecting education, athletics, creativity, and leadership. For parents, we provide pathways toward confidence, social and emotional wellness, and personal growth. For sponsors and philanthropists, we offer meaningful opportunities to invest in emerging talent and lasting generational impact.

Our goal is to develop empowered young people who can create, communicate, compete, and succeed anywhere in the world.

Bring our Youth Empowerment Tour to your school or community. Partner with us to transform potential into opportunity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, ASK US HOW!

ARE U WASTING TIME?

Every Young Person Deserves to Be Seen, Heard, Understood, and Supported.

At ARE U WASTING TIME? International, we recognize that some of life’s greatest struggles are invisible. Behind a student’s smile, silence, or behavior may be depression, anxiety, isolation, feelings of inadequacy, or uncertainty about identity. Many young people struggle to understand their emotions or fear judgment when expressing themselves.

We believe everyone needs support. No one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

Our programs foster an environment of compassion, trust, and availability, where students feel valued, respected, and comfortable seeking guidance. Our staff are trained to recognize behavioral changes, emotional cues, and communication signals that may indicate a young person needs additional support.

Through mentorship, creative expression, and youth empowerment workshops, we promote emotional intelligence, self awareness, resilience, healthy decision making, positive identity, and personal growth.

We recognize that awareness must lead to action. While we do not replace professional mental health services, we serve as a compassionate community liaison, connecting students and families with qualified counselors, healthcare professionals, and established support organizations.

We welcome educators, mental health professionals, healthcare institutions, sponsors, and philanthropists to help strengthen this essential network of care.

Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement, athletic performance, or professional success. We want every young person to know that their life has value, their voice deserves to be heard, and support is available.

OUR MESSAGE TO EVERY STUDENT:

YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

You matter. Your feelings matter. Your future matters.

ARE U WASTING TIME? International Film Production & Digital Media Division

Hollywood Is Closer Than You Think. Your Story Could Be the Next One Worth Telling!

Whether you live in a major city, small town, or rural community, the world of filmmaking, acting, and creative opportunity may be closer than you ever imagined.

Led by International Coach ALI, working alongside highly accomplished entertainment industry professionals with Hollywood production credits and extensive experience in acting, writing, directing, filmmaking, and digital media development, our Youth Empowerment Film Production Division brings the excitement of Hollywood directly into schools through inspirational speaking tours, interactive film screenings, creative writing, and digital media workshops.

Our mission is to transform students from spectators into storytellers, creators, and future industry professionals.

Students experience film screenings in an exciting film festival atmosphere, where they analyze stories, critique performances, discuss creative decisions, and share their perspectives.

Then the real adventure begins!

Through classroom workshops, students discover how their smartphones can become powerful filmmaking tools. They learn scriptwriting, storyboarding, camera angles, scene development, lighting, sound, editing, and techniques for creating emotion through visual storytelling.

Students also explore artificial intelligence as a responsible creative tool, learning how AI can support research, brainstorming, script development, production planning, and digital workflows while preserving originality and artistic integrity.

Participants create original films and documentaries, with opportunities to showcase their work and compete for sponsored prizes and recognition when funding permits. Aspiring actors and filmmakers may also audition for consideration in future productions based on available roles and project requirements.

As students advance, workshops introduce professional filmmaking equipment, industry practices, and valuable insights from accomplished entertainment professionals who understand the creative and technical demands of the industry.

We are not simply teaching students how to make movies. We are empowering them to discover that their voices, experiences, and imaginations have value.

The next great filmmaker, actor, or storyteller could be sitting in your classroom.

Bring Hollywood to Your School. ASK US HOW!

ARE U WASTING TIME?

ARE U WASTING TIME? Dead Babies Volume One

Hip Hop Influenced Literacy & Creative Expression Workshop Series

What if the hardest chapters of life became the most powerful lessons?

International Coach ALI, educator, author, U.S. Army veteran, and Hip Hop spoken word artist, brings his journey through poverty, violence, and urban adversity directly into schools. His provocative interactive eBook, ARE U WASTING TIME? Dead Babies Volume One, and original 14 track soundtrack transform lived experiences into honest conversations about identity, choices, resilience, and purpose. These struggles are not limited to any one community.

Through dynamic auditorium presentations and intimate classroom workshops, students engage with literature, music, spoken word, and visual storytelling. They are encouraged to question, reflect, and express themselves through writing, poetry, art, dance, or song.

Our digital media team guides participants in organizing ideas, developing scripts, and using their phones to create music videos, personal documentaries, and original visual stories. Students also explore responsible artificial intelligence tools for brainstorming, planning, and production without losing ownership of their creative voices.

Projects can be assessed in classrooms and featured in student competitions. During follow up visits, exceptional submissions may receive sponsored awards and consideration by our entertainment industry affiliates for suitable future opportunities.

For teachers, literacy that sparks dialogue. For students, a platform to be heard. For sponsors and philanthropists, an opportunity to invest in talent, healing, and possibility.

Turn adversity into expression. Turn expression into purpose.

ARE U WASTING TIME?

A Global Stage for the Next Generation (UNITE THE NATIONS)

We provide students with unparalleled opportunities to be seen by universities and athletic programs around the world. Through international showcases and evaluation events, participants gain access to a platform no local tournament can offer an Olympic-style championship experience designed for real development, exposure, and discovery.

• Access to international tournaments and showcases in Monrovia, Liberia, Lagos, Nigeria, and beyond
• Guidance on global admissions and athletic recruitment requirements
• Support with applications to schools abroad
• Exposure to multicultural academic and athletic environments
• Elite competition and technology-driven evaluation to elevate skills to global standards
• Opportunities to connect with scouts, college coaches, and international programs actively seeking emerging talent

Basketball is played by over 450 million people worldwide, and millions of young athletes dream of proving they’re ready for the next level. The ARE U WASTING TIME? International SUPER EXPOSURE Global Goodwill Games delivers exactly that. Hosted annually in Liberia and Nigeria, these events allow middle- and high-school athletes to compete against elite global talent and step confidently into their identity as world-class players.

Beyond the game, participants build international friendships, gain cultural understanding, and develop a Global Citizenship Mindset. This program doesn’t just showcase talent—it shapes tomorrow’s leaders. Students leave with not only global visibility but also the confidence, perspective, and connections to pursue their next-level academic and athletic opportunities.

Step into Liberia. Step into Nigeria. Step into your destiny.

“Everyone deserves to smile”

Behind every struggling household is someone doing everything they can to hold their family together. A parent wondering how to put food on the table. A child heading into winter without a warm coat. A student arriving at school without the supplies they need. A family hoping the holidays will bring a moment of joy instead of another reminder of what they cannot afford.

Job loss, changes driven by artificial intelligence, illness and the effects of global conflict can deepen that uncertainty. When the demands of caring for a family become overwhelming, compassion should never be out of reach.

ARE U WASTING TIME? International is committed to help ease burdens.  Through our educational scholarship efforts, back to school support and seasonal giving, we work to turn generosity into meaningful relief: food and gift cards, warm coats and hats, clothing and shoes, school supplies, and toys and bicycles that give children something to smile about.

We cannot remove every hardship. But together, we can help a parent breathe a little easier, help a student feel prepared and remind a family that their community has not forgotten them.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we welcome businesses, companies and individuals willing to give. Donations of food, clothing, coats, hats, shoes, sneakers, school supplies, gift cards, toys and bicycles can help meet a family’s needs while preserving their dignity and hope.

Your generosity can become someone else’s relief. Click the Contact tab and ask how you or your business can contribute. We will work to place your donation where it can help a family.

Want to help make a student or family smile? 

Ask us how?

Info@AreUWastingTime.Org

ARE U WASTING TIME?