African Children and Youth Development Network (ACYDN)’s Post

🌟 Empowering Uganda’s Youth: The Cairo Youth Empowerment Initiative (CYEI) 🌟 Introduction: The Cairo Youth Empowerment Initiative (CYEI) is a dynamic organization committed to nurturing the potential of Uganda’s young people. Our mission? To empower, uplift, and shape the future leaders of our nation. Let’s dive into what makes CYEI a force for positive change! Our Vision: At CYEI, we envision a Uganda where every young person has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. We believe that investing in youth today is an investment in a brighter tomorrow. Our vision extends beyond mere programs; it’s about fostering a mindset of resilience, innovation, and community. Programs and Initiatives: Empowerment Through Integration: Enhancing Livelihoods in Kyaka II In the Kyaka II refugee settlement, CYEI works tirelessly to empower displaced youth. Through vocational training, entrepreneurship workshops, and mentorship, we equip them with skills that transcend borders. Our motto: “Refugees are not defined by their circumstances; they are defined by their potential.” Youth Leadership Development CYEI believes that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about influence. Our leadership programs nurture critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. We’re raising a generation of change-makers. Education for All Education is the cornerstone of progress. CYEI advocates for accessible, quality education. From scholarships to literacy campaigns, we’re bridging gaps and lighting up minds. Health and Well-being Healthy minds and bodies drive success. CYEI promotes physical fitness, mental health awareness, and nutrition. Our wellness sessions empower youth to thrive holistically. Impact Stories: 👉 Meet Amina: From Refugee to Entrepreneur Amina fled conflict in her home country and found herself in Kyaka II. CYEI’s vocational training transformed her life. Today, she runs a successful tailoring business, stitching hope into every seam. 👉 Daniel’s Journey: Overcoming Odds Daniel, once a street child, now leads CYEI’s youth council. His story inspires others to rise above adversity. Join Us! CYEI invites you to be part of this movement. Whether you’re a mentor, donor, or advocate, your contribution matters. Together, we’ll build a Uganda where every young person thrives. #CYEI #YouthEmpowerment #Uganda #ChangeMakers

This year, in April, from the 18th to the 21st, we participated in the African Youth Coalition for Peace and Development (AYCPD) ideation workshop held at Victoria Rock Resort, Entebbe. Represented by one of our directors, Simon Ssenyonga, NCSA engaged in collaborative efforts to shape the trajectory of the Coalition, which emerged from the Great Lakes Youth Network for Dialogue and Peace (GLYNDP) held in Tanzania, in September 2023. 🚨 Key Highlights ✅The ideation workshop aimed to harness collective insights and expertise to chart the course for the AYCPD. ✅Participants deliberated on strategies to enhance the Coalition’s impact on youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and development both regionally and globally. ✅Central to the discussions was the imperative to transform the narrative surrounding youth engagement in peace and dialogue initiatives. ✅Through collaborative brainstorming sessions, the workshop sought to generate innovative ideas that would inform the operational framework and long-term goals of the Coalition. ✴️NCSA’s Contributions and Benefits: 🔸As a participant, NCSA made valuable contributions to the dialogue, drawing from its experience in youth advocacy and community engagement. 🔸By actively engaging in the ideation process, NCSA positioned itself to play a leadership role within the Coalition, leveraging its networks and expertise to advance the agenda of youth peacebuilding and dialogue. 🔸The workshop provided NCSA with an opportunity to expand its reach and influence on a continental scale, fostering new partnerships and alliances for collective action. 🔸The AYCPD ideation workshop served as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the realm of youth-led peace and development initiatives. 🔸NCSA’s participation not only contributed to the shaping of the Coalition’s vision and strategy but also reinforced its commitment to championing youth empowerment and dialogue. #NCSAYouth #TheyShallDoExploits

Growing up I barely know or heard about the SDGs ( sustainable development goals) and this goals is world wide and it affects everyone globally and the environment around us. This international youth day open my eye more about the SDGs which I came to know recently in 2019, three things stood out for me - our Educational sector in Nigeria should be revamp, there should changes to the curriculum in schools and this SDGs be implemented to start creating the awareness needed from childhood. - Advocacy is non negotiable, everyone is mandated to advocate in one area or the other starting from where ever you are then to the local level, we should humanize our stories and leverage on sacial media platforms - Youth must be part of policy making, Leadership in government and volunteering. We must seek to acquire new skills, create the opportunities and initiative we are seeking and Work on the SDGs. As we hold the government of today accountable we must be accountable to ourselves too. We must be intentional and consistent going forward 🙏🏾💪🏽💯 #sdgs #volunteering

𝗚𝘆𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁'𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 Born and raised in Namibia, Gys' path began with a solid educational foundation. He studied law in South Africa and practiced in the legal field before transitioning into banking, where he spent nearly a decade. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to private business brokering, but it was his role as Managing Director of Gondwana Collection Namibia, which he took on in January 2017, that would intertwine his journey with the Gondwana Care Trust. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 Gys' involvement with the Gondwana Care Trust coincided with his tenure at Gondwana. He discovered an inspiring initiative led by a group of female employees, ‘Gondwana Memes’ who pooled their personal resources to support community projects. Recognising the potential for a more structured approach, the team formalised this initiative into the Trust in September 2017. This move not only provided transparency but also allowed for greater resource allocation to those in need. 𝗔 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 Gys attributes his passion for community service to his upbringing, where helping others was a fundamental value instilled by his parents. This ethos aligns perfectly with Gondwana's culture of giving and serving. He believes that exposure to the realities faced by disadvantaged communities inspires gratitude and a desire to serve, a lesson he aims to pass on to his children. 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 Among the many rewarding experiences Gys has had since joining the Trust, one stands out: a visit to the DRC Women Community Centre and Grow Together Kindergarten in Swakopmund, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnessing the resilience and hope of children in a community devastated by the pandemic's economic impact was a profound moment for him. Despite the challenges, the children's smiles and positivity reinforced Gys' commitment to the Trust's mission. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 The Trust faces significant challenges, primarily the overwhelming need for support compared to available resources. Gys emphasises the importance of focusing on community impact rather than individual assistance, a principle that guides their efforts. The Trust's ability to adapt and thrive during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is an indication of the goodwill of the Namibian community and corporate partners who rallied to support their initiatives. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 Gys envisions a future where the Trust's services may no longer be necessary, indicating a society where needs are met, and communities thrive independently. This dream, while ambitious, reflects his unwavering hope for Namibia and its people. Gondwana Care Trust: https://hubs.ly/Q02PkxgC0 #gondwanacaretrust

What the World can provide to youth to help them reach their full potential? What National can offer, what a family can and what can I offer? The last question matter, individual contribution to the youth empowerment plays tremendous out comes. The question is what can I offer to help the young generation reach their full potential? Everyone has something to contribute to this movement. Compassion International CARE Tanzania Opportunities for Youth YOUTH GLOBE International Youth Giving Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) MWF TANZANIA African Child Projects Hope Children Foundation

Expand Your Network: Follow Thought Leaders to Stay Inspired and Informed Building a strong network is essential in the social impact space. One of the best ways to stay inspired and informed is by following thought leaders who are making significant strides in your areas of interest. Why Follow Thought Leaders? Thought leaders provide valuable insights, share innovative ideas, and offer guidance based on their experiences. By staying connected with these influential voices, you can keep up with the latest trends, gain inspiration, and learn from their successes and challenges. Examples of people doing amazing things in their niches: - Aramide Kayode- An advocate for education. Aramide’s work focuses on improving educational outcomes and access for underserved communities. - Tolulope Makinwa-Adeniyi – A leader in social enterprises. Tolu’s insights into building and scaling social enterprises can provide you with practical advice and inspiration. - Seun Olagunju-Lana – A champion for Education for SDGs. Seun’s expertise in aligning educational practices with Sustainable Development Goals offers a comprehensive view of education’s role in global development. - Olabisi Afolabi– A leader in safeguarding and child protection. Olabisi’s work helps ensure that children are protected and their rights are upheld. -Solape Sonuga- A leader in policy development and strategic partnership management. She’s also the current Director of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), empowering the next generation of public servants. - Oluwaseun Kolawole (AICMC)- An advocate for Peace Education and Safe Advocacy. Seun’s focus on peace education and advocacy provides valuable perspectives on promoting and maintaining peace. -Allwell Akhigbe, MBA- An expert in the fundraising space. Your Next Step: Follow these thought leaders on social media, subscribe to their newsletters, and engage with their content. Their insights will keep you informed about the latest developments in the field and inspire you to contribute your own ideas and solutions. By expanding your network and learning from those who are leading the way, you’ll enhance your knowledge and be better equipped to make a meaningful impact in the social impact space. 🌍✨ #ThePeaceShaper #SocialImpact #ThoughtLeaders #ExpandYourNetwork #Inspiration #ChangeMakers

"Break the Bias" is empowering visually impaired women in Lagos, Nigeria, thanks to a grant from The Pollination Project. This initiative has provided 25 women with essential skills in communication, digital proficiency, and independent mobility, crucial for their participation and leadership in society. The support of The Pollination Project has been transformative. These women now excel in computer skills, public speaking, critical thinking, and more. With newfound confidence, they're ready to challenge societal misconceptions and push for inclusivity. "A very big thank you to The Pollination Project for ensuring that we are able to meet the needs of the visually impaired students in Lagos. By this, we are breaking the bias that lumps us together and everyone is able to equally participate regardless of gender, disability, age and location. " The success of "Break the Bias" inspires an expansion of reach across Nigeria, ensuring visually impaired women everywhere can thrive. Read more about the impact of this seedgrant https://buff.ly/3QRIj5Z #philanthropy #grantmaking #grants #womenempowerment #changemakers #activism #nonprofit #volunteer #supportwomen #heartivism #peertopeer #trainings #leadership #economicindependence #thepollinationproject #grants #seedthechange

Index for social inclusion of young people at the local level 2023-2024 📊 was created in order to measure the level of inclusion, progress and quality of life of young people in each municipality. Ranking municipalities according to their performance serves as a tool for identifying areas that require improvement, as well as highlighting successful practices that can be applied in other municipalities. Based on the available information from the "Communities Inclusive for Youth" project and the goals that this project has in relation to the social inclusion of young people at the local level, a set of indicators was developed, distributed in 4 groups of interest, as well as a way of monitoring and collecting information about them 🔍. A total of 23 indicators 📈, distributed in 4 groups, were analyzed through the available data on the websites of the municipalities (where available), 23 through a questionnaire delivered to the municipalities and through interviews with decision makers. ⏺️Access to services ⏺️Access to information ⏺️Involvement in public policies and decisions ⏺️Implementation of the Law on Youth Participation The analysis includes all 80 municipalities in R. Macedonia 🇲🇰. You can find the full analysis here https://lnkd.in/dybv8zs5 🔗. Follow us to learn more, in the following posts we will look in detail at each of the indicators of social inclusion of young people! ✨ This analysis is part of the "Youth Inclusive Local Communities" project, which is implemented in partnership with the Local Community Development Foundation, Youth Empowerment Platform - YEP and the Association for sustainable development SFERA International Bitola, with support from the European Union. #LocalYouthAction #LocalYouthParticipation

How can we empower women and girls? Practical ways include: 🔧 Training and equipping with necessary soft and hard skills 👩🏽🏫 Connecting role models to mentees, training our young girls to be future leaders, and getting underprivileged girls into school 🚨 Supporting women and girls in crisis 💦 Access to health services and clean water There is a lot more we can do to empower women/girls starting today. What can you do? 💪🌟 #ImpactEntrepreneurship #Philanthropy #SocialEnterprise #Africa #AWCN

⏰ Time is running out! 🚀 Submit your session proposal for the #2024APNAssembly before July 30th! Here are some key questions to guide your session content: 🔍 (a) How do power dynamics impact African communities, and what initiatives have been undertaken to navigate and address these challenges? 🔍 (b) In the face of increasing social injustices, how are (civil) society actors championing policy changes for social justice, and what strategies are proving most effective? 🔍 (c) What innovative solutions can uplift and empower communities most impacted by social injustices, leveraging technology, policy advocacy, and community resources mobilization? 🔍 (d) Are current policies effectively addressing systemic social injustices in Africa, with a focus on national policies and continental frameworks? 💫 Visit https://lnkd.in/deHk8Zvb to submit your session! #2024APNAssembly #SessionProposals East Africa Philanthropy Network-EAPN The Youth Cafe Southern Africa Trust Hlanganisa Community Fund for Social & Gender Justice Kenya Community Development Foundation STAR-Ghana Foundation Blood:Water African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) Development Expertise Center (DEC) Pwani Youth Network The Global Fund for Community Foundations TILITONSE FOUNDATION SIVIO Institute Zambian Governance Foundation