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📢 The power of youth empowerment lies in its ability to harness the energy, creativity, and passion of young people to drive positive change in society. Empowering youth means providing them with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities to actively participate in decision-making processes and to take ownership of their future.🗳️🌟 #namibianeedsme #strenghteningdemocraticparticipation #nextgeneration #NNM #namyouth4change #init2gether #futureleaders #educateyourself #namibiamycountry #youthadvocacy #democracy4namibia #iplaymypart #namibia Disclaimer: This project Namibia Needs Me is funded by the EU. This post and its content is the sole responsibility of the NID and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Four graduates of IKiwa project, are now equipped with salon essentials to kickstart their businesses and pass on their skills to fellow girls. thank you Embassy of Finland Tanzania for the support. Child Dignity and Equality Foundation Action Against Hunger UK ADD International EDC (Education Development Center) Educate Girls #Empowerment #Entrepreneurship #SkillsSharing"

Empowering #youth to achieve their aspirations for dignified and fulfilling work is crucial for realizing their growth potential. Contrary to existing stereotypes portraying young people as careless, lazy, and unwilling to take responsibility for their lives, #researchevidence reveals that youth are innovative, hardworking, and constantly engaged in pursuing their imagined futures. They have been recognized as dynamic and versatile, involved in various income-generating activities, driving innovation through entrepreneurship, and building networks to transform their lives. To share knowledge and communicate science, we are partnering with the Mastercard Foundation for an #UtafitiSera dissemination workshop in Rwanda on March 14, 2023. Anchored on the UtafitiSera Model, our innovative and tested framework for influencing evidence-informed #policymaking and #decisionmaking, the workshop will bring together stakeholders from across #Rwanda to engage with the findings and insights from the Youth Aspirations and Resilience Research (AYAR) study in the country. The goal is to further explore lessons relevant to national policy and program development. Discussions will focus on the diverse and intriguing perspectives of young people on dignified and fulfilling work. We also aim to create pathways for networking among stakeholders, especially in building a strong #communityofpractice. This community will engage in continuous reflections on pathways to support young people in realizing their full potential and transforming their lives. Stay tuned for more updates.

Reflecting on my participation in The 2023 SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEES Virtual Public Hearings Session, Energized by the theme of amplifying citizens' voices in regional integration in Southern Africa. The session underscored the importance of bridging the engagement gap by bringing Parliament closer to the people. My Key takeaways from the session include the recognition that active citizen participation is essential for effective regional integration. Furthermore, the importance of youth engagement and empowerment in the decision-making process was highlighted as a crucial element for sustainable development in the region. As a youth leader of Aim-Higher Youth Cooperative - Zambia , an organization dedicated to advocacy for leadership and skills development, I see immense potential in applying these insights at the local level. By actively involving young people in discussions on regional integration and policymaking, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives considered in shaping the future of our nation. Moving forward, we must leverage this information by advocating for increased youth representation in parliamentary processes and fostering partnerships with local authorities to create platforms for meaningful youth engagement. Let's seize this opportunity to drive positive change and work towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy in Zambia and across the Southern African region. We can continue to raise awareness and mobilize support for our cause. ✍️ Friday Wisdom Chamfya | cc Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF_SADC) | Hon Mkisi Silomba The Youth Cafe | African Union ECOSOCC | African Union | Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts | National Youth Development Council - Zambia #Parliament4People, #Zambia #People4Parliament, #SouthAfrica #AmplifyingCitizenVoices, #AfricanUnion #SADCYOUTH #AimHigherYouth #SADCPF #SADCPFPublicHearings #sadcpublichearing2023

Have you read a manifesto produced under our #WhatYouthWant project, a collaborative initiative we are conducting in partnership with the Swedish Embassy in Zimbabwe, Diakonia in Africa, and BROT für die Welt ?This project represents a significant effort to amplify the voices of young people across Zimbabwe by engaging them in a series of dynamic discussions and consultations aimed at fostering their active participation in local governance processes. Through these youth engagements, we have gathered valuable insights and feedback from a diverse group of young individuals, enabling us to capture their aspirations, concerns, and recommendations for effective governance and civic engagement. As a result of these meaningful consultations, we have developed a manifesto that encapsulates the collective vision of Zimbabwe's youth, along with two additional documents that further elaborate on key themes surrounding youth involvement in governance. Our project prioritizes not only the voices of young people but also aims to create channels for their meaningful involvement in decision-making processes at the local level. We believe that empowering youth to engage with and influence governance structures is crucial to building a more inclusive and equitable society. Take a moment to read our manifesto (see the picture below), which serves as a powerful advocacy tool for youth empowerment and participation in governance. Additionally, we encourage you to visit our website (www.weleadteam.org) to delve deeper into our publications and learn more about the ongoing work we are doing to support youth engagement in Zimbabwe. Together, we can foster a more vibrant and participatory governance landscape where the voices of young people are not only heard but also acted upon. Diakonia Democracy International Brussels School of Governance (BSoG)Governance and Public Policy Initiative CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation Talent Tatenda MadungweTatenda Wachenuka The Democracy & Culture Foundation

As an innovative local youth NGO CISE Malawi implements 10 essential mentorship programs. These programs not only empower youth with practical skills but also instill confidence and a sense of responsibility, preparing them to contribute positively to their communities and economies in Malawi and beyond. 1. Entrepreneurship and Business Skills: Training in starting and running businesses, including financial literacy, market research, and business planning. 2. Leadership Development: Programs that foster leadership skills, including decision-making, communication, and conflict resolution. 3. Career Guidance and Vocational Training: Guidance on career paths, skills training in trades, and exposure to various professions. 4. Personal Development and Life Skills: Mentorship in goal setting, time management, resilience, and emotional intelligence. 5. Technology and Digital Skills: Training in using digital tools, coding, and understanding tech trends to enhance employability. 6. Health and Wellness: Mentorship on healthy living, sexual and reproductive health education, and mental health awareness. 7. Civic Engagement and Community Service: Programs that encourage youth to participate in community projects and understand their roles as active citizens. 8. Financial Literacy: Education on budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding financial systems to promote economic independence. 9. Environmental Sustainability: Mentorship on conservation practices, climate change awareness, and sustainable development goals. 10. Networking and Mentor Matching: Opportunities to connect with experienced professionals and mentors who can provide guidance and support in various fields. Follow CISE Malawi on x.com/cisemalawi

In our pursuit of creating a lasting impact, we've witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by countless courageous women and girls. Stripped of income sources due to displacement, they rely solely on sporadic humanitarian aid and often fall victim to circumstances. Their journey, marked by survival and resilience, demands more than mere interventions, it requires sustainable development solutions that empower and uplift. Recognizing this urgent need for change, our Rural Urban Rightful (RU) project in 2020 embarked on an assessment journey all round IDP camps in Benue, Nigeria. The findings were sobering: sexual exploitation, abuse, inequality, human trafficking, and lack of access to essential resources plagued countless women and girls in IDP camps in Benue region. Determined to break this cycle of oppression, In 2023 we launched the Equal Access Develop project. This innovative initiative aims to tackle the identified challenges and further empower at least 300 women and girls living in IDP camps in Benue with essential skills, enhancing their productivity, employability, and earnings potential to be independent and resilient. Currently, we are providing 300 stakeholders with tailored skill sets and we're not just offering them a lifeline, we're laying the foundation for sustainable development capable of transforming their communities. Equal-Access-Develop •Sensitization •Reporting •Empowerment Women and Girls rights to equal opportunities to thrive!

Reflecting on participation by our Executive President Mr Friday Wisdom Chamfya in The 2023 SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEES Virtual Public Hearings Session, Energized by the theme of amplifying citizens' voices in regional integration in Southern Africa. The session underscored the importance of bridging the engagement gap by bringing Parliament closer to the people. My Key takeaways from the session include the recognition that active citizen participation is essential for effective regional integration. Furthermore, the importance of youth engagement and empowerment in the decision-making process was highlighted as a crucial element for sustainable development in the region. As a youth leader of Aim-Higher Youth Cooperative - Zambia , an organization dedicated to advocacy for leadership and skills development, He notes to see immense potential in applying these insights at the local level. By actively involving young people in discussions on regional integration and policymaking, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives considered in shaping the future of our nation. Moving forward, we must leverage this information by advocating for increased youth representation in parliamentary processes and fostering partnerships with local authorities to create platforms for meaningful youth engagement. Let's seize this opportunity to drive positive change and work towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy in Zambia and across the Southern African region. We can continue to raise awareness and mobilize support for our cause. ✍️ Friday Wisdom Chamfya | Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF_SADC) cc Hon Mkisi Silomba The Youth Cafe | African Union ECOSOCC | African Union | Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts | National Youth Development Council - Zambia #Parliament4People, #Zambia #People4Parliament, #SouthAfrica #AmplifyingCitizenVoices, #AfricanUnion #SADCYOUTH #AimHigherYouth #SADCPF #SADCPFPublicHearings #sadcpublichearing2023

The Scottish Government's Government’s International Strategy which was published this week, includes its principles, underpinning approaches and thematic priorities for International Development. Its areas of focus to support Malawi and other partner countries are also outlined. With the enduring core aim of ‘partnership to address poverty reduction’ and embedding the Sustainable Development Goals in all of its work, the strategy document highlights the Scottish Government’s being guided by its International Development Principles.  The strategy states that there are three underpinning approaches to the Scottish Government’s International Development work: “alignment with our new Principles; taking a feminist approach and pursuing an equalising power agenda in our relationships with our partner countries and other Global South countries.” New inclusive education programmes will be developed with partner countries, for “the most marginalised, especially girls and learners with additional support needs.” Health programmes will be devised to build stronger health systems to help tackle non-communicable diseases. An Equalities Programme will be implemented, with Police Scotland’s peer police forces in Malawi and Zambia, as well as launching a new Women and Girls Fund, co-developed with women and girls, to advance women’s rights. The Strategy says that the Government will continue to promote and support Fair Trade and sets out its ongoing commitments on climate justice and loss and damage and intention to sustain its Humanitarian Emergency Fund, exploring “options for how it can deliver the greatest impact at a time of increasing humanitarian need.”  Read more https://lnkd.in/epWbJrTs #scotlandmalawi #smpnews #malawi

Deliberation and Civic Mission of Youth-Led Organizations 🌍 On July 19, at the AVODA Institute of Entrepreneurship in Kampala, Uganda, United Persons with Disabilities (UPDS- Uganda) hosted a dynamic workshop focused on empowering youth leaders, including those with disabilities, migrants, refugees, and women leaders. The event was part of the #MigrationSummit 2024. Participants explored how to address dignified work through deliberation, rather than adversarial politics. Key discussions centered on democratic practices such as naming, framing, and deliberative dialogue, helping young leaders navigate civic discourse respectfully. The event featured inspiring presentations from youth-led initiatives and facilitated listening sessions to identify common ground on enhancing educational and employment opportunities for all. Outcomes: ✍ Equip Everyone to Succeed: Increase student loans and forgive loans for students who complete a year of National Service in underserved communities within Uganda. ✍ Give Everyone a Fair Chance: Boost resources for young leaders and create oversight for youth funds. ✍ Focus on Economic Security: Promote self-employment and provide tax incentives for businesses led by or employing people with disabilities. Together, we can build inclusive and equitable communities. 👉 Check out the full event highlights and results! https://lnkd.in/eWfgWDKe #MigrationSummit24 #YouthEmpowerment #InclusiveCommunities #CivicEngagement #DeliberativeDialogue #DignifiedWork #Uganda #Events