Talk:Ipyet/Creating an Enabling Environment - Youth Policy and Advocacy
Discussions for Creating an Enabling Environment - Youth Policy and Advocacy will take place here as moderated by Nellie Munala.
--Victor P. K. Mensah 06:42, 15 February 2011 (UTC)
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Contents
| Thread title | Replies | Last modified |
|---|---|---|
| National Youth Policy and Advocacy | 68 | 14:58, 23 April 2011 |
| Youth policy advocacy | 53 | 17:45, 19 April 2011 |
| Creating an enabling environment-youth policy and advocacy | 6 | 02:51, 5 April 2011 |
Welcome to the discussion;
Does your country have a national youth policy or framework? what are the key elements in the policy that promote youth entrepreneurship?
Provide responses with examples to the question above. Reply to this post to post your comment.
I am Kafui Aheto from Ghana. I am an Educationist by profession and an Educational Advocate by passion.
Ghana has a national youth policy that came into being in was signed 2010.
Entrepreneurial development, among other factors, propels and accelerates socio-economic development. However, its development is limited to a small section of the youth. Government realizes the need to mainstream entrepreneurial development into school curricula to give it the necessary impetus. In Ghana, such entrepreneurial development is earmarked to be achieved through:
- integration of entrepreneurial skills into youth development activities.
- facilitation of access to credit for the youth.
- creation of corps of young entrepreneurs to serve as role models.
- celebration of successful young entrepreneurs.
(Source: National Youth Policy of Ghana,pg 11 & 12)--Kafuiaheto 21:32, 16 February 2011 (UTC)
Thanks Simon Peter for your response.
I should start by commending Ghana for enacting the national youth policy last year, I know it has provided a 'legitimate' framework for young people to pursue entrepreneurship with some support from Government and other key stake holders. I note that you mention the policy is limited to a small section of the youth and I believe that it may be worthwhile to explore how best a policy integrates a larger section of the identified population - food for thought.
I notice you talk about mainstreaming entrepreneurial development in the education curriculum as well as providing the necessary start up capital for youth - do we have a model youth credit facility in place? Creating young entrepreneurs to serve as role models should encourage peer learning.
I trust that other countries have similar or very different initiatives from Ghana, lets hear from others.
I would like to request that we introduce ourselves as we respond.
Nellie
Thank you Nellie.
I am not reliably informed about any model youth credit facility yet in place, but I am also not sure if we have something like that.--Kafuiaheto 06:48, 17 February 2011 (UTC)
Thanks Kafui Aheto, would you know how accessible the credit is to young people? The Commonwealth Secretariat has a youth credit model, the Commonwealth Youth credit Initiative (CYCI), it will be worthwhile to read about it and identify with some of the pillars that are recommended for a successful youth credit initiative. The CYCI has been tested and adapted in a number of countries in the Africa region
Thank you once again Nellie. Can you please make available to me the Commonwealth Secretariat youth credit model? It will be of great service to me.--Kafuiaheto 17:15, 17 February 2011 (UTC)
Nellie, Thanks for your moderation on youth policy issues. I am Ekanath. I have already shared my views on it. Regarding the special credit facility for youth, I could not find any special country specific module .There is lot of demand on it at policy level like Kenya National youth policy 2006 document talks about it , hopefully the recent credit IFC credit facility in general could be the outcome of this policy issues in Kneya. I am not so sure about it hope our colleague from Kenya will highlight this issues more explicitly
For Zambia case, for a good start we can take the example of the current CEEC approach for youth investment .The CEEC has already aside some special investment model for youth entrepreneurs in Zambia which eventually may grow in future.
Generally, the National youth policy should be aimed at creating opportunities that can explore the hidden talent of the youth force of the country and inspire them to develop their genius in their respective sectors. The youth policy should also centre on protecting and respecting the youths who could specialize in various market oriented entrepreneurial activities .
As per the he SEED Series on Youth and Entrepreneurship working paper 2006, the policy should explicitly address the issues of entry barriers by providing enough Incentives to Enterprise Start-ups by Young People" .
Nepal Government Youth policy 2006 ( draft) includes various subject matters on how to make the present education system technical and income-oriented and how to orient a larger number of productive youths to involve in development of the country and in positive works. The proposed policy also includes the career counseling and are engulfed either in insurgency or in educational unemployment focusing on producing innovative youths armed with skills and technology
Zambia has had a youth policy as far back as 1994 whose main interest was to take care of the young people's welfare and interests. for me the policy fails short of addressing main stake of the youth challenges that the youth of today are facing. We do appreciate the need to provide a policy that is more protective but then it should be very broad enough to address the needs of today's world. Many zambian youths will agree with me that there is no link between the Enterprenuership policy and Youth policy ...What is there is to day in Zambia is a fragmented piece meal that has been and is still failling the majority in Zambia(52%). Many Zambians who are enterprenuerial minded have been not until this year january very left in the dark. All the policy frameworks and iniatives including the implementation startegies does not support young people both at nation and community level. I will comment more letter. Zambian- BWALO
Thanks Bwalo for your contribution. I take note that you mention that the Zambia youth policy fails short of addressing the main challenges of young people - were young people consulted in the policy development process? maybe their participation would have provided a realistic check on what young people's challenges are. You have raised an important issue regarding the link between entrepreneurship policy and the national youth policy - without the synergy it becomes a huge challenge to coherently prioritise as well as maximise on use of resources on implementation of entrepreneurship initiatives that as well could address general youth development challenges. The debate can go further, how far have youth policies been integrated into national development policies/plans?
Isaac, most of our policies in Africa seem to always enjoy fine political will and the desire for its implementation by governments. Like in Ghana, I totally agree with you that there is no link between the Entrepreneurship policy and Youth policy. Personally and practically, there is a very natural dichotomy between the policy itself, and its implementation. --Kafuiaheto 17:32, 17 February 2011 (UTC)
Thanks Ekanath for sharing the Nepalese Youth Policy scenario, again I note that like in Ghana your country's Policy is attempting to utilise the education system to inculcate an entrepreneurship culture in young people - how has this approach worked in your situation?
Sorry, I didn't pick your name
Thanks Nellie for your respond,
Still this policy has not been institunalised at all level academic system . However, in boarder perspectives, education has been made qualitative, skill and vocational oriented and most the school have adopted the vocational skills curriculum as well. Right now most of the business schools/universities are also incorporating the minimum entrepreneurship skills development curriculum. For example one of the agriculture college (AIS, Rampur) has adopted the community development and entrepreneurship course as one of the mandatory course up to MSc level course.
Most important policy adopted is, free education up to Grade X under the theme “education for all “
Institutionalising entrepreneurship in the education system is a process. I note that entrepreneurship skills are taught at various institutions and levels which is a good practice in inculcating an entrepreneurial culture in the community. There are lessons here for other countries to emulate. Does the Government have a framework to follow-up/monitor how useful the entrepreneurial skills acquired at school come handy later on in life/after school - in essence what percentage of school leavers venture into entrepreneurship?
Peter, Congratulations! I can see, Ghana had just reviewed the Youth Policy and have considered entrepreneurial development into school curricul, my questiopn is: What about the Out-of- School youth that you have in the country? Is there a separate curriculum for them? Janet
Ubandoma, thanks so much. I will have to study the policy and get back to you. What I can say now is that the policy also seeks to facilitate access to credit for the youth. For now, this is the only thing I can say that the Out-of-School youth can benefit from. I don't know of any separate curriculum for them but I don't think such a policy exists.--Kafuiaheto 20:30, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
Leah T Olu-King from Namibia, Namibia got a National Youth Policy since 1993 and it was reviewed in 2006. The new version of the ducument based on human rights and social justice while emphasising employment creation, financial support for young entrepreneurs and access to agricultural land.
Empowering young people means creating and supporting the enabling condition in which they act on their own terms rather than at the direction of others. These include an economic and social base political will , adequate resource allocation, stable environment of equality, peace and democracy.The policy illustrate's Namibia readiness to aproach youth -related matters from provinding practical support, training and financial assistance in enterprise development and to address the barriers to self employment for men and women and assist them into self employment.
The new policy has stated that, the private sector should get involved in the development of young people in education , training enterpreneurship, job creation and skills transfer. the Government intends to make micro- loans available to young enterpreneurs. The new policy also recognaises that the majority of young Namibians live in rural areas, and Agriculture is recognaises as employment , livelihood and food security therefore, land will be made available to young people for economical activities.
Leah, I find your presentation very interesting but I quickly want to find out about the political will of your government in pushing this agenda since 1993. Has there been any physical commitment by your government in relation to the policy both in 1993 and the reviewed on of 2006.--Kafuiaheto 09:54, 17 February 2011 (UTC)
Thank very much for the inspiring information and a very clear explanation about the current youth policy and all range of opportunity windows that do exist for thr youth. Zambian brothers lets face it. If am to challenge all of you to really provide examples of the youth movement that have made it using the suggested windows. C.E.E.C , or Youth empowerment Fund the truth is still stands that the clear link of a broad based strategic framework of deliberately empower the youth in Zambia is still not meant. Zambia has nine provinces and about 72 districts (many more districts being added) please kindly provide nominal figures in real terms that have accessed and are still accessing these funds. If the many brothers out there that us civil organization represent do even know about them. C.E.E.C funding when was established and for what purpose? has it met the intended objectives or not if not why do you think it has failed to deliver many Zambian youths from the bottom less pit of poverty.? Again the answer brothers is what i suggested there is no directly link between these wonderful policies for the youth and enterperenuership. If you read my posting earlier i was saying that , Zambia has had this policy as far back as....i did not say that , that is the current document in use... But then one point to note for sure is that the core ministry responsible with the youth affairs and empowerment have not really helped the young people to attain entrepreneurial dreams. May be because Issues of doing business and trade is in another ministry, and the Ministry to deal issues of the young people is also a different ministry. There seem to be a very big institution problem to realign.. sorry brothers i will be back for more comments Regards Isaac
Woderful comments Isaac, I hope that among us there is someone from the ministry, or someone who has knowledge about the 'Youth FUND' to comment. I would adge you to read the Zambia National Youth Police - 2006 I think its at page 35, 36 and 37. the police provides for to work with different stake holders such as Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Ministry of Education they are many about 19 line ministries trying to adress this most important matter. Now I know that even this training we are accessing online subsquently for those who will make it at Siavonga, the responsible ministry must have a hand in this activity,so its the question of knowing what is their for the youth and inform the youth access it.
my own example is this; I work for the Chawama Youth Project and I do Instruct in carpentry and I also am a Trainer in ICTs. I took this oppotunity to read the Policy and found this qout about ICTs and Youth, Then we did a talk to an International Institute for Communication and Technology IICD about this policy and they got interrested and we walked to meet the PS at MSYCD and a programme was agreed and we commenced the ICT for Instructor programme. the Ministry may have put in place the good policies but there can not be a policy maker to be the very policy implementer. I think you and me has to take this same policy and implement if you need funds if you are a youth worker I think we can then convince the responsible ministry. Its just a matter of knowing your rights and what is put there on table for the youth.
You raise an important point about familiarity with the Youth Policy/entrepreneurship policy. Many surveys conducted indicate that young people are not familiar with policies that directly affect them. It is prudent that, in this instance, youth policies are disseminated as extensively as possible so that as many young people understand programmes and interventions in place to support them and how best to access opportunities available for assistance. Do young people in your respective countries know whether there exist policies/plans to support them in their entrepreneurship ventures?
Thanks Leah for your response. I note that you mention your country has reviewed its National Youth Policy (NYP), it will be interesting to find out how effective the past policy was in terms of promoting youth enterprise and whether in fact the new policy has built on lessons learn't from the previous plan. I realise your current policy attempts to promote 'social inclusion' by giving prominence to sectors e.g. Agriculture that a majority of young people may not necessary explore as employment generating sectors.
Am Rodgers Mulenga from Zambia.
According to the Zambian ‘National Youth Policy – 2006’ point number 3.3.2.1 0n page 16 and 17, “youth Entrepreneurship Development is aimed at promoting sustainable livelihood among youth in order to reduce poverty, and enhance living standards.
Youth entrepreneurship has also been recognized as an integral part of development. Entrepreneurship development can be attained through enterprise training, micro financing, provision of market outlets and advisory services as well as research.” As the Policy state I looked at some elements that promote entrepreneurship on specific objectives;
- To provide financial and material resources for entrepreneurship development.
- To promote enterprise training in order to give an opportunity to the youth to improve their livelihoods.
And some of the strategies that have been put in place to promote entrepreneurship are
- V) Develop and strengthen the market outlets for the youth’s products at all levels
- vii) Establish youth friendly credit lending facilities and micro-financing schemes
- x) Strengthen NGO activities in youth enterprise development
- xiii) Provide the youth with ‘START UP’ capital
- xiv) Develop entrepreneurship skills among the youth.
- xv) Establish and maintain an entrepreneurial Development Fund for skilled youths in order to contribute to their successful entrepreneurship.
- I just saw some contribution from my Zambian Brother, who is looking at a document that is very far from the current one please you can walk to the MSYCD HQ they will indeed provide one Youth Policy-2006 for free or any provincial office in the country.
- I have seen some these strategies being implemented by our government, there are funds such as CEEC which has a youth component which supports the objective "i." above the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development also has a Youth Fund which some of the youths last year managed to access. This year I understand that the budget was upgraded to about K5bn. this in itself is promoting entreprenurship.
Thanks Roger's for your contribution that has provided some updates on the Zambian youth policy scenario. I note that you have cited examples of a fund that is operation - CEEC - for the benefit of all of us elaborate on the initiative including what the acronyms stand for (CEEC). Do we have a youth group/individual that has benefited from the fund, how accessible is it to young people, and how long has the fund been in operation?
Allow me to chip in and say that CEEC stands for Citzens Economic Empowerment Commission. CEEC was set up by an act of Parliament. This is a body that has a role of uplifting targeted citizens who have suffered marginalization by faciltatiing acceess to financing so the playing field is leveled for citizens for then to effectively participate in the national economy. Special targets groups for the Fund are women, youth and physically challenged. The Citizen s Economic Fund aimed at supporting the development of broad based empowerment programmes. More information can be obtained from: http://www.ceec.org.zm and http://www.mcti.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=9
[Gabriel Konayuma, Zambia]
Thanks Gabriel for giving us the link to CEEC, I trust that we will be able to learn more about the Fund. I note that 'marginalised' groups like the physically challenged are catered for in this fund - any other country with similar visibility of 'hard to reach' communities in their policies?
Thanks. In my Ministry we have a Youth Inventors Fund which the Government created. The Fund is used to finance innovations by the youth that can be commercialised with specific focus on inovations that are relevant to wealth and employment Creation.
Gabriel, I really appreciate what your government is doing in terms of youth empowerment. I am really touched about the considerations given to the physically challenged and the HIV and AIDS guys. I anticipating that in the near future the approved funded projects will grow bigger like that of the women. Thanks for the elaborate info.--Kafuiaheto 22:51, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
Aheto is very right.In Ghana, little emphasises is laid on the youth who are disadvantaged. It is time the youth also consider doing something for their counterparts who are in such positions.
I think we need to do a lot of advocacy in our countries, sorry to say that we may have a lot of good policy and also sign a lot international agreements but how do we really implement this. the CEEC that we have in Zambia how many young people have accessed funds from their even our own so called youth funds how many have accessed the funds, these funds are miss applied year in year out because we have agreed to have structure that don't initially promote an enabling environment.
Thanks, chiping in Gabriel, I have not yet known who or which youth group has so far acceed the CEEC FUND,my coleague sits on the lusaka district appraising board, I will be able to contribute if am given information, but I have in mind of two Youth groups who were funded by the Youth Fund under the ministry of sport youth and CHild Development (MSYCD) these are:
- Chifundo Youth Project based in Lusaka
- Ndola Resource Centre based in Ndola
This fund is available even to the groups that are established and very flexable and the conditions are freindly. they have minimised on the issue of collateral, this is as far as I know
I got this information from the CEEC website: http://www.ceec.org.zm
In 2010 the following target groups had their applications for funding approved:
Target Approved
Youth 53
Women 105
HIV/AIDS 4
People with Disabilities 5
Total 458 (Source: CEEC, 2010:1)
GabKon, I find something very interesting on the CEEC website.Under its Vision, specifically, strategic direction, the CEEC hopes to empower disadvantaged groups such as Youth, Women, Disabled and citizens living with HIV/AIDS. This is to encourage increased participation in economic opportunities without discrimination. Why is the Youth classified as disadvantaged. Don't their voices get nowhere in your country?--Kafuiaheto 22:42, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
Reading through most your view and that of the others, it looks there is little governmental intervention in youth policy matters, especially in Zambia. This obviously could make the policy work better. But what I am emphasizing here is that a youth policy should dwell more on skill development than giving money to people who may not be able to manage it well
Am Ebiho Agun from Nigeria:
My country (Nigeria) has a National Youth Policy, which was recently reviewed in the year 2009. During the process of developing the policy, a number of priority themes that pose the greatest challenge to youth in Nigeria were identified and strategies were designed in the policy to deal with these issues. Youth and Employment is one of those priority themes and self employment creation (Youth Entrepreneurship) is listed as a strategy to promote youth employment in Nigeria.
Other priority themes that promote youth entrepreneurship are the Youth and Agriculture Component, which outlines strategies to promote youth involvement in the Agricultural sector in order to boost the Nigerian economy, while also providing opportunities for the emergence and sustenance of youth agro-business entrepreneurs.
Providing quality education for young people is another priority theme in the policy which has strategies outlined to promote youth entrepreneurship by providing vocational opportunities for youth to make them self reliant
A segment in the policy also outlines the institutional framework that will ensure effective implementation of the policy and one of the components of this segment is the establishment of a Youth Development Fund. The Youth Development Fund when fully established by the government of Nigeria is expected to provide the funds to finance all youth development programmes conceived in relation to the implementation of the National Youth Policy, Youth Entrepreneurship inclusive.
Thanks Am Ebiho Agun for your response. It is interesting that your discussion has also highlighted on the institutional frameworks proposed to implement the youth policy, in a majority of instances very good policy ideas get 'killed' because of the absence of institutional/structural frameworks for implementation. This is a very critical point that advocacy messages should incorporate - development of policies and 'effective' institutional frameworks. Again like Namibia there is mention of the non-traditional youth sector - agriculture. Are there any indications that Government is providing adequate incentives to make young people venture into Agriculture?
Thanks Nellie,
Presently the government of Nigeria has earmarked a certain amount of money to provide loans for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, but these loans are for the general populace and are not youth specific.
However, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Nigeria does have some youth specific incentives to encourage young people to venture into the agricultural sector, and these are in form of skills acquisition training in diversified agricultural production and processing, as well as provision of small grants for trainees to set up agricultural enterprises. The government is also working on expanding these initiatives
Thanks Am Ebiho, I note that the Federal Ministry of Youth has programmes focussed on encouraging young people into agriculture - are young people receptive to the idea? In a majority of instances young people associate agriculture with 'dull' life, no fancy city life etc.......has the Government carried out some effective advocacy to influence young people towards positive thinking about agriculture?
Thanks Nellie, You got that right. Young people in Nigeria are not different; they also find agriculture very dull, especially sectors like crop production. Some of them find fish farming interesting because it is less associated with 'Farm Life'(you can actually set up a fish pond in your home). Still, the interest is very minimal, they prefer being in an office setting than being on the farm.
For now, the ministry is presently planning on shifting focus to training youth to establish businesses in processing of agricultural farm produce(e.g.: Fruit juice Production), but it still at planning stage. The young people would prefer mechanized farming, but it is capital intensive and no funding for that yet.
I am Gabriel Konayuma from Zambia working in the Department of Vocational Education and Training in th Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training as a Senior Vocational Education and Training Officer. My duties include promotion of Entrepreneurship development.
Zambia does have a National Youth Policy of 2006. The key elements in the policy that promote youth entrepreneurship are:
- Strengthening youth enterprise programmes incorporating small scale business management, basic skills and business training.
- Strengthening systems and structures for coordination and management of entrepreneurship.
- Developing and strengthening the market outlets for the youth’s products at all levels.
- Establish youth friendly credit lending facilities and micro-financing schemes.
- Strengthen NGO activities in youth enterprise development.
- Providing the youth with ‘START UP’ capital.
- Developing entrepreneurship skills among the youth.
- Establishing and maintaining an entrepreneurial Development Fund for skilled youths in order to contribute to their successful entrepreneurship.
- Developing entrepreneurship skills among the youth.
- Linking youth enterprises to multi-lateral companies as well as franchise holders.
Farai from Zambia here. Zambia does have a National Youth Policy. The goal of this policy is to promote the welfare of the youth by safeguarding their rights,highlighting the problems that the youth are facing and developing programmes that can address these problems, create an enabling environment for the the youth to develop and reach their full potential. One of the strategies is to develop youth enterprise programme by incorporating basic skills and training as well as small scale business management. It also seeks to provide basic skills training facilities (through consolidation of existing skills training centres), infrastructure, finance, business advisory services and extension services to youth entrepreneurs. Another initiative that the national youth policy endeavours to do is the incorporation of basic skills and business training in the school curriculum.
Hi,
In Zambia we are currently using the National Youth Policy of 2006 which was a revision from the 1994 National Youth Policy which was the first. The reason for the revision was because of the changes in Zambia and the rest of the world and emerging challenges of poverty, HIV & AIDS, unemployment and other health and health related issues that have negatively affected the youth.
The guiding principles of our youth policy are • Equity, accessibility and gender inclusiveness • HIV & AIDS, Impact Mitigation • Youth participation • Communication • Human rights
As to whether the youth policy identifies youth entrepreneurship as a key element towards national economic development it can be said to a large extent it does. It can be said that it identifies youth entrepreneurship as one of the key elements. It is believed that youth entrepreneurship development would promote sustainable livelihood among the youth to reduce poverty and enhance living standards. It is through the National Youth Policy that in 2010, the government and cooperating partners set up a youth development fund amounting to 5 billion kwacha, which was released for the youth businesses. Other components on the entrepreneurship components are the skills trainings and resettlement schemes of the youth.
Apart from the national youth policy of 2006, there are other national policy frameworks that complement the youth policy. One such document is the recently launched 6th National Development Plan. This policy framework is supposed to be used for the next five years (I stand to be corrected) and it has a component that addresses youth employment/ entrepreneurship. Another policy framework that is currently being used in promoting entrepreneurship/employment is the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission. This is a fund that has been set up to provide financial resources to business people and it has a component specifically for youth, women, agriculture etc. As to whether these three policies are working in tandem is really hard to tell for reasons of implementation.
--Luckyluka 15:52, 17 February 2011 (UTC)
Nigeria, my country has a National Youth Development Policy.
The key elements in the Policy that promote Youth Entrepreneurship are :
- Youth in Agriculture;
- Youth and Employment;
- Youth Self-employment;
- Vocational Training and Apprenticeship and
- Youth and Information and Communication Technology(ICT)
Hi Colleagues,
My country, Nigeria has a National Youth Policy which was reviewed 2009.The reviewed Policy involved the Youth, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Donor Agencies, Communities and Youth Officers in the ministry. The ministry started the distribution of the policy last year,awaiting the implementation of the content. The key elements in the policy that promote youth entrepreneur are:
- Youth in Agriculture;
- Youth and Employment;
- Youth Self-employment;
- Vocational Training and Apprenticeship
- Youth and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Youth and Poverty
- Youth and Science and Technology
- Youth Sports and Recreation
The Zambian Youth Policy does exist as a document only but lacks implementation on the part of our Government,the following is an extract from the Zambian Youth Policy on Entrepreneurship development:
Youth Entrepreneurship Development is aimed at promoting sustainable livelihood among youth in order to reduce poverty,and enhance living standards.
My comment:The Youth Council is a toothless organ,that cannot speak for the youths of Zambia,even when the Youths have been called to various meetings to discuss ways and means they can work with government to reduce poverty among the Youth,nothing seems to be working for the youths of Zambia,unemployment and poverty levels are still very high.
The Youth Policy also states that entrepreneurship is recognized as an integral component of development,entrepreneurship development therefore can be attained through enterprise training,micro financing,provision of market outlets and advisory services as well as research.
My comment:Not until now when we are going for elections that government decided to move the Youth empowerment funds from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission to the Ministry responsible for the Youths,only a fraction of the youths managed to access the funds when they were administered under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) due to unfavorable conditions that the Youths could not meet.
Samuel,Zambia.
Thanks Samuel, I see an opportunity for advocacy here - to enhance young people's access to the fund
I think the National Youth Development Council for Zambia is doing a lot of good work in pushing for the issues of youth in Zambia. I agree that it was once upon a time a toothless entity, that was when it was still operating under the old act of parliament, but after efforts to amend it, it has now become more active.Although the fact that it is still under government authority, I dont see it being proactive on most issues. It is also hard for it to implement decisions because they have to pass through the government structures which can sometimes be tedious.
Hi everyone
Just wanted to agree with Rodgers Mulenga and Gabriel Konayuma from Zambia that we have a national youth policy which was launched in 2006 after revising the first youth policy of 1994. The colleagues have given detailed provisions of the revised youth policy as regards promotion of youth entrepreneurship.
Of course there are several challenges when it comes to implementation of the policy. More often than not, the budgetary allocation to the Ministry responsible for youth falls far below the requirements. This calls for serious advocacy for the government to "walk the talk'
Hi Nellie, & hi everyone! My name is Susiku Nasinda from Zambia. Its so nice to read through and learn from what the others have posted. Im really enjoying.
Zambia has had a National Youth Policy since the mid nineties. It was last reviewed in 2006. Implementation of the policy however remains a challenge.
Hi Every one,My Names are Paul Sang, my country Kenya does have a youth policy the objectives, The Objectives of the policy are: i. To sensitise national policy makers on the need to identify and mainstream youth issues in national development. ii. To identify ways of empowering the youth in order to exploit their potential. iii. To promote a culture of volunteerism among the youth; iv. To explore and suggest ways of engaging the youth in the process of economic development; V. To identify constraints that hinder the Kenyan youth from realising their potential; vi. To propose ways of mentoring the youth to be just and morally upright citizens; vii. To promote ethos of honest hard work and productivity; among the youth.
hi all, sorry for the lateness in responding to issues, Kenya do have a youth policy, in fact we have a government ministry specifically to address youth issues,this is the Ministry of Youth Affairs.The policy is know as the Kenya National Youth Policy. according to the policy as at 2002 The population age bracket of 30 years and below constitutes about 75% of the Kenyan population. This segment forms the highest source of human resource and therefore the need for a national youth policy. for more on the policy see www.youthagenda.org/pdf/Kenya%20National%20Youth%20Policy.pdf
Class,
Along the National Youth Policy which my colleague from Kenya has already given a link to, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has also developed the Youth Employment Marshall Plan that seeks to create 500,000 jobs for the youth anually. Both the NYP and YEMP give a lot of prominence to Youth Unemployment and Under employment.
Hi everyone. Zambia has a National Youth policy framework as already indicated by my Zambian colleagues. I believe that the key elements that promote entrepreneurship are the provision of skills development, access to financial resources through the CEEC youth product and the Youth Fund.--Smauye 13:09, 14 April 2011 (UTC)
Yes Zambia has a National Youth Policy that encompasses skills development for youths and access to funds/funding as already elaborated by my colleagues
Ghana has a Youth Policy. But the problem is that it is more of providing job for the youth than enabling the youth create and run new venture for themselves. What is more is that it is more of a political policy than social or national policy. I think a youth policy should promote, train and equip the youth to create and run ventures to assist other economically labour force.
Thanks for the lively discussion on key elements in youth policy that promote youth entrepreneurship - I know we could still continue with the discussion however I would like us to briefly focus our discussions on advocacy around youth policy. To kick start the discussion;
- Have you been engaged in youth policy advocacy work?
- what worked well and what did not?
- who were the key advocacy messages and targeted to whom?
Dear Collaeques,
I have been engaged in youth policy work for over 15 years in my country. What worked well was the development of the policy but the implementation was another kettle of fish altogether. T he National Youth Policy for Nigeria over the years have been targeted at the Government. youth Practioners,Donor Agencies, the youth population and all stakeholders in youth development.
Hi Everyone,
My job as a youth development officer involves youth policy advocacy and my experiences over the years have revealed that certain stages in the advocacy cycle are often done with enthusiasm, such stages as identifying the problem, gathering information and actual policy design are done excellently well, but the challenges often arise at the implementation and evaluation stages.
Key advocacy messages are mainly issues emanating from challenges of young people in Nigeria, issues such as employment, health, HIV/AIDS, Education, Crime, access to ICT, etc. The messages are targeted at Young people, Government, Civil Society, Development partners, and faith based organizations.
Hello Shining star,
It looks like you have a lot of experience in this area. Kindly share some of the advocay messages you developed on HIV Aids and Education. --Smauye 06:49, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
Well, about HIV/AIDs advocacy, the experience I have was working on a Youth Resource Centers Project in two communities in the oil producing area of Nigeria for the years 2003-2004. Three issues were identified as major youth challenges in these communities and so UNICEF in collaboration with my office (Ministry of Youth Development) decided to do something about it, the issues identified were HIV/AIDs, Human Trafficking and Youth Violence. The end product was the development of two Model Youth Resource Centes in each of the communities. The actual advocacy on HIV/AIDS occurred during the project development process, and we advocated to various stakeholders, including the youth, community members, faith based organizations, government etc.
The advocacy plan was designed in such a manner to suit the target group; for the government officials, we paid visits and discussed the issues we have identified as problems and informed them about the intervention project we have designed, we also sought their input and support. A project steering committee with representatives of government and civil society was the end product of the visits to government.
For the young people, a number of youth were also selected and trained to be part of the process and they participated in a number of focused groups discussion with other young people and community members, during the project process. They were also involved in developing of youth friendly messages for Information Education and Communication materials on HIV/AIDs, Human Trafficking and Violence, some young people were also on the Need Assessment team, which was part of the information gathering process.
A number of community members(civil society, faith based organization and other members of the communities ) had representatives on a project community committee which we also established as part of the process, these community members were also informed on the issues of concern and their input and support sought.
At the end of the process, we had gathered information on HIV/AIDs, Human Trafficking, and violence, from the perspective of all stakeholders in the communities, and we had their input to complete the intervention project design. After the advocacy process, construction work on the Youth resource centers began, incorporating most of the suggestion and input arising for the advocacy process
In summary, today the two model youth resource centers in Benin-City , Edo state and Amukpe Sapele, Delta State of Nigeria have been completed and serve as centres were youth friendly information on HIV/AIDs is available. Life skills training and livelihood skills training also take place at the centers as a way of keeping the youth engaged to discourage them from being involved in violence and Human Trafficking. The management of the centers has also been handed over to the communities.
On Education, we have identified the need to mainstream entrepreneurship education into the school curriculum. Presently, a mainstreaming plan has been developed incorporating all issues that are challenges to young people, entrepreneurship education inclusive. However, like I stated in my input on advocacy yesterday, implementation is a challenge. For now, representatives of other government agencies that are relevant to the youth mainstreaming process have been sensitized during a 5day long sensitization/training session. However, the Ministry of Youth Development is working on these challenges.
Thanks for elaborating on your advocacy experiences. I note that your advocacy campaigns led to development of youth resource centres - an excellent way of utilising advocacy to realise an outcome. It is important that as we plan around an advocacy strategy we anticipate what we wish to realise as an end product.
Hello Colleaques,
I have ten (10) years working experienced as a Youth Development Officer. Yes, I was involved in the recent Policy Development.In the last reviewed , i was part of the advocacy visit to 2 Geo-political Zones out of 6 Zones. The youth were mobilized from the zones with their leaders. There was reasonable turned out of the youth with a lot of contributions from them but there was not enough time to deliberate on the points. The key advocacy messages were: Employment for both graduates and Out- of -School Youth, HIV / AIDS, Youth Health, Youth in Crime, the Out - of - School youth. It was targeted to Youth, Donor Agencies and Government of Nigeria.
Thanks for sharing experiences from Nigeria. I note that your advocacy process involved making contact with a range of the key stakeholders including young people which is an important point. Were a majority of the young people happy with the Youth Policy - that it represented their views?
Goodmorning, Yes, majority of the young people were happy because their views were considered in the policy. Nigeria Youth are not homogeneous group and that differences were captured. The policy contains provisions that addresses the specify and special needs of each several identified target groups.
Hi All I am a lecturer by profession and i have nor been so much involved in youth advocacy apart from disseminating knowledge to the youth at the university level. it good to see that most of the participants have been engaged in Youth advocacy and i am already learning a lot.The discussion is quite interesting.
I have been engaged in youth advocacy work ever since I was a student leader far back in the Teacher Training College. I have tried to sensitize young ones and especially the youth to be assertive and to aspire for better lives through education. As a student leader, I joined and lead groups that sought to empower the youth to promote sustainable development through education in the following areas: Environmental sustainability, higher education and making informed decisions. Now as a worker, I continue to promote the same sustainable development message by encouraging and assisting young people to choose courses and educational institutions according to their abilities and interests since education is the key to sustainable development. I have seen a lot of my mentees go high the academic ladder. I have also seen change in attitude towards the environment by most of my mentees. Others have followed me to chat this path but some of these mentees unfortunately, have fell apart on the way due to peer pressure, financial problems beyond our handle. My key advocacy messages varied based on the group but it mostly included parents, educators, and most especially young people and the youth. --Kafuiaheto 18:38, 17 February 2011 (UTC)
Thanks Kafui Aheto for your contribution. I note you have progressed on your advocacy campaigns...from student days to present as a worker. You have rich experiences that can benefit us. What would you say has worked well and not worked well throughout your experiences? I note that you have provided ongoing support to your mentee's which is very valuable in erms of understanding how far reaching the advocacy message has 'lived'
Hi Everyone,
No I have not engaged in specifically youth policy advocacy work but I have done different kind of advocacy work on gender related issues and other national development related issues. From 2007 to 2009 I worked for a Non Governmental Organization that was in Gender and Development and on many occasions we would advocate on issues related to gender based violence, land issues, the rights of children, gender equality and human rights. We would also work in solidarity with other organization. There were two campaigns I had worked on. The first was a campaign where we were advocating for the constitution of Zambia to be amended through the constituent assembly and not what government was proposing. The campaign was called the ‘Red Card Campaign’. The second was an advocacy campaign was against a Member of Parliament (MP) of a particular constituency had uttered degrading remarks about the use of women in a parliament session. This rose dust and anger in the gender activists
The methodologies during the two campaigns of getting the people involved by advocating with and for them worked well even though government still did what they wanted. The campaigns were well advertised and attended. There was a lot of attendance by the public. The method of confrontation especially over the issue of the MP did not work well our pleas were ignored completely.
One of the advocacies engaged in was targeted at the President, Vice President and the policy makers or should I say the office bearers.
This discussion is very enganging and practical. I have been involved in youth policy advocacy work in various ways: When I was a student at university on issues regarding student loans and grants provision by the government. What worked well.. is that there was wide participation by the students. What did not go well is a demonstration by students before the matter could be addressed. This further delayed the process as some students were expelled. The key advocay message directed at the school council and central government was to increase the university grants.
A second situation was policy advocacy regarding implementation of the girl children re-entry policy in Zambia. What worked was gathering evidence on the prevalence of the issue in the focus districts. The key advocay messages were directed at parents/husbads to allow girls back to school, to schools to change their attitudes removing stigma and taking the girls back. --Smauye 06:46, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
Smauye, I think we share somethings in common-Advocacy by Student leadership. It's unfortunate some of your people faced the full rigors of the law through their expulsion following a demonstration.--Kafuiaheto 07:58, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
Thanks for your contribution - I note student life is full of opportunities for advocacy campaigns. It may be worthwhile to enhance skills of students in advocacy, your thoughts?
Students need to develop better advocacy strategies than the traditional running battles they have. In most campuses including in Europe, students are good at rioting to get their messages across. But if we are looking for a future of leaders who use diplomacy and peace to have their way, we need to help students begin to appreciate negotiation for advocacy
I agree with you intoto. I have coached students to use diologue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts rather than confrontation with the powers that be and the result has always been positive. Sometimes because of youth exuberance, some of them have rioted to get their messages across, but the consequencies have been dissastrous. Indeed if we really believe that the youth are the future leaders of this beautiful planet, then we've got a lot to do with youth advocacy.
Thanks for your contribution. I like the fact that you mentioned what worked well and what didn't, that is very critical information when we get to evaluating how successful an advocacy campaign is/was. I note you mention there was wide participation of the people affected by the issue (students) - this helps a lot it confirming that it is/was a real issue. In advocacy strategies it always works well when the affected group is part of the process. Of course you mention too that the demonstration spoiled the gains you had earlier made - it is always important to make a plan on how best you want to proceed with an advocacy strategy as well as making the participants of the campaign aware of actions that may not be helpful towards achieving your advocacy goal, that way, each one of us takes responsibility of our actions. I know that in a number of instances, unexpected circumstances make it difficult to realise your agreed plan, but it becomes manageable to identify with the people and actions that should not have happened.
I note that in your second advocacy campaign, it was key to gather as much evidence as possible on the matter to constructively develop a key message around the issue. It is important to do your evidence based research before an advocacy campagn
We once did did an advocacy campaign in Zambia on Sex Education in schools, we did in the rural areas of Central Province. What worked was mapping the stakeholders in 4 categories: Supporters, Opposers, Neutrals and Infulencers. We needed to know who was on our side and who we would work with. That mapping helped us have a lot of wuick wins within the communities. However what didnt work was that we engaged, lower level stakeholders like head teachers and not higher government official, so even after having support from the locals, it was hard for change to come coz approval was needed from higher offices. And that meant starting afresh.
Greetings everyone, I have not been engaged in any youth policy advocacy work. I am a trainer by profession and I have not been involved in such at the moment. But by looking at the various comments being expressed, I am being motivated to be a part of this. Our organisation deals in peer education and the young people and so certain key advocacy messages would help us in our line of work.Farai-Zambia
Thanks Farai for your input - in many instances advocacy helps raise the profile of an issue so that it can be addressed. There are various advocacy strategies that can be utilised depending on the circumstance. I believe our discussions will help you identify the different strategies and formulation of key messages. You can make reference to my discussion paper to get tips on steps towards realising an effective advocacy campaign (advocacy cycle)
Dear all,
I found the discussion is very lively and insightful . For youth advocacy work, in 2002, I was assigned for a special package program for rural youth and ultra-poor, UNDP/ South Asia Poverty alleviation programme. While I was working on this special package program I was able to cluster the various issues of rural youth and ultra-poor people and suggested for special credit facility with special interest rate and other kind investment package. Finally the local implementing body decided to provide special credit facility and kind investment to the rural youth and Ultra poor members of the community.
In Nepal I was actively involved on Entrepreneurship Development network (EDN) and contributed my thoughts on youth entrepreneurship and skills development. It was a national network and did a lot of advocacy at various issues on private sector development and youth employment .
Beside that while I was working with IEDI/Rural Enterprise assistance programme , SNV and ICCO supported programme; we were able to advocate special youth entrepreneurship programme for conflict affected youth in Nepal
In Zambia case I am not involved directly on such direct campaign on youth advocacy . Al the national level , we have a regular meetings at CEEC office on youth entrepreneurship programme where we use to discuss various youth enterprise related issues to make the program more youth friendly.
Thanks, I note that you have been involved in an advocacy project in Nepal, it will be interesting to understand what worked well and what did not work well in your advocacy strategy so that we can learn from your experience. Any particular message in your advocacy strategy?
Hello Ekanath,
I find your contribution very intresting especially the aspect on the Entrepreneuership Development Network(EDN), i am very interested in that. Please can you discuss more about the EDN in Nepal and your advocacy efforts, and also discuss the issues on private sector development and youth employment.
Thanks for sharing
Hi! Everyone
I have been engaged in the youth policy advocacy work in my country , but it wasn't the National Youth Policy but rather specifically on HIV/AIDS and young people , these workshop was organized by UNFPA. What worked well was the development of the policy but the implementation is still on going but so far I would say is going well. In the past I would say in my country most of the youth policy where on paper but not on implematation , where there was implementation there will be no continous monitoring and evaluation of on these . When now I go back to Youth Policy's on Entrepreneurship which I have not been engaged on , I would say currently most of it is being implemented , especially that our government is trying by almeans to encourage young people to venture into business.
Because I was not involved in the policy advocacy work for the Entrepreneurship one nor the National Youth policy one I can't comment much on them.
CHao!!!
I I have not been engaged in the policy Advocacy work before, am really learning a lot on the advocacy from my fellow participants, the topic is quiet informative.
Of late my organisation, and me being the Coordinator of the ICT programmes at Chawama Yoth Project, had to Identify the Policy component that is YOUTH & ICTs, we had to meet the Ministry of sport, Youth and Child Development's Department of Youth Development to highlight more on the need to implement the ICT Policy in Vocational Training Centres in Zambia. and we also had to involve some external partners in order to do this and at that time the ministry did not have a budget for the programme I and my colleague in Youth Work we had to help put up a budget that was presented to paliament for approval and am happy, to also learn that the ICT budget was approved and this would help to cutter for the underprevalaged youths. besides I have been in one DGroup known as E-brain Forum of Zambia have been in the fore front to advocate for National ICT Policy and we contributed to that. From the Look of things ICTs in Zambia is beggining to get a Grip even in schools especially in urburn.
First appologies for non-contribution since the online discussions and training started. I have either been traveling or sick. My name is Simon and I work for Abusua FOundation based out in Cape Coast Ghana. Following the discussion, I can say that Ghanaian Youth have had a very difficult climate to positively get their voices heard in the development of the youth policy. After over a decade the policy was launch in August 2010 during the world youth day. The policy had no action plan, neither did it have a budget. So we do not know how it will be implemented, how mauch it will cost among others.
The NYC and the sector ministry promised that the concerns raised will be addressed in 2weeks and 6months has since passed.
How is the youth policy advocated? In Ghana, my experience has been that the policy issues have been carried by civil society rather than government.
Advocacy: the advocacy for and of the policy has been limited to Accra the Capital. And the key discussants have been politicians. Which means that the people that really work with and for youth are largely ignored or just heard locally. As the case has been, local advocacy in Ghana does not count if your voice is not heard in Accra.
What has been my experience? I use facebook and a media tool for scope and reach. I have used my space on the social network to point, support, criticise on issues that concern youth. So have I posted opportunities that target young people
Thanks Simon for your contributions. You raise very pertinent issues that link policy development and advocacy that is necessary. You mention that youth participation in developing the policy was challenging coupled by the fact that there isn't an action plan nor financial resources to support implementation of the policy: I see a huge opportunity here for advocacy work, that should lead to developing an action plan as well as identifying resources to implement the plan. Before we get to the implementation process - would you say that a majority of Ghanaian youth can relate to the issues identified in the policy? I believe it was sustained advocacy work that led the Government launching the policy - how were the advocacy campaigns organised?
I note that you use social media for your advocacy campaigns - has this channel worked especially if the message has to reach Government?
Dear Nellie arising from Simon's observations above and what I have observed in my experience, I note that usually a lot of efforts are directed towards having a very well written policy document and when it is launched usually there is insufficent funding or lack of proper implementation and monitoring mechanism. Would it be helpful to ensure that these concerns are addressed before a Youth Policy is launched?
Thanks Simon for your contributions. You raise very pertinent issues that link policy development and advocacy that is necessary. You mention that youth participation in developing the policy was challenging coupled by the fact that there isn't an action plan nor financial resources to support implementation of the policy: I see a huge opportunity here for advocacy work, that should lead to developing an action plan as well as identifying resources to implement the plan. Before we get to the implementation process - would you say that a majority of Ghanaian youth can relate to the issues identified in the policy? I believe it was sustained advocacy work that led the Government launching the policy - how were the advocacy campaigns organised?
I note that you use social media for your advocacy campaigns - has this channel worked especially if the message has to reach Government?
Welcome, I hope you are now stable and fit. The discussions have been so enjoyable but, all along I have been a lonely Ghanaian sharing the Ghanaian experience. I am happy you are now around.I agree with you that in Ghana,the policy issues have been carried by civil society rather than government. But in any case I perfectly go with Nellie as she says that there is a big opportunity for advocacy work. Thanks--Kafuiaheto 15:20, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
1. I have been engaged in youth policy advocacy work since 1992.
2. What worked well was development of policies e.g. overall Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) Policy, Disability Policy for TEVET, Gender Policy for TEVET and Mainstremaing of HIV & AIDS in TEVET.
What did not work well was implementation of these policies and monitoring and evaluation of the same.
3. The key advocacy messages were to do with mainstreaming of gender, disability and HIV & AIDS issues in TEVET. These were mostly targeted to youths regsitered in the 300+ TEVET institutions in Zambia.
Thanks for your input. It seems a majority of us have identified policy implementation as a challenge, this therefore presents opportunity for advocacy work around policy implementation. Can we provide suggestions on how we can develop an effective advocacy strategy to address policy implementation challenges? Broadly, what are the actions we would take, what would be key message, whom would we target to relay the message to?
To develop an effective advocacy strategy may require setting up Information, Education and Communication (IEC) units or departments in organisations dealing with youth work. This unit which has to communicate with the outside world on policy implementation will need to advocate that departments responsible for policy implementation are funded adequately.
It is true that most countries have beautiful policies but implementation remains the biggest challenge. Advocacy is very important to ensure the policy makers implement the policies. We need to form stratgic alliances around a particilar issue, and work closely with the media
Dear Nmunala
I think one major challenge/problem of implementation of policy is the non involvement of the youth in fomulating policies. That constitute a violation of their right. I think we shall be making progress in implementation of policy if we begin to involve the youth. Would you agree?
Hi Everyone,
As a youth development officer, with my little experience i have not really been involued in youth advocacy apart from a visit to a geo - political zone, were the youth was moblized from six different state of the country with their leaders to delibrate on the key advocay message on Engaging political parties for youth participation and sensitization against electoral violence.
i have never been involved in youth policy advocacy but I think this is a very interesting discussion.
Greg, it is very interesting to partake in youth advocacy, I know that you will soon enjoy it when you start it. I am also convinced that this workshop will equip you further for the job.--Kafuiaheto 15:13, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
Sorry for commenting on this subject late,,,Better late than never
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Our organization has been involved in the Social justice fight from the advocacy perspectives. Overtime with the review of our organization, strategies we have been engaged in advocating for resilient social structures that embraces holistic approaches towards enhancing both inform and formal social protection schemes. We have been also involved in the formulation and development of social protection projects together with the Help Age UK on behave of the Aged people living with HIV/AIDS. Advocated for the strengthening of the Labor Ministry institutional capacity handle this social vice that has ravaged both the young and the old population of Zambia. Our organization has also been involved in strengthen the social structures of the vulnerable communities especially with respect to climate change. We have encouraged many to embark on improving their social safety nets by encouraging them to grow climate resilient crops. Having been involved in the championing of MDGs attainment, our organization has put social justice fight at the center stage of our organization’s mandate. This include advocate for gender friendly policies, equality in terms of health service provision and education among other important operating themes for our organization Encouraging social cash transfer as well as pass on the gift programs has been one such clear cut examples that have sent precedence of our work in Zambia either direct or indirect. - Participated in the formulation of the Climate change Civil Society Network organises by World Bank - Participated in the planning and designing of Kick out Poverty Zambia Campaign - Advocating for the enactment of Child birth registration as birth right
Messages developed include STAND UP Against poverty every October, 17th No Woman should die well giving life Fair Play Campaign , Kick out Poverty in Zambia in Zambia Gender for Sustainable Development All children should go to school No one should die of hunger We should all work towards developing one community with out trade barriers and descrimination These constitute MDGs in simple terms
What didn't Work 1. Kick out poverty Campaign didnt meet the intended objectives 2. The National strategy Document for Advocacy and Fundraising on MDGs by Zambian CSOs didnt materialize beyond consultative meeting meant for Designing and planning for clear implementation plan 3. Student charter on MDGs not formulated as planned and agreed
These and many other things i may have left constitutes my advocacy experience beyond uNIVERSITY LIFE
Dear Greg
Trust me, youth advacacy is very interesting and you will enjoy it when you start as Kafuiaheto said. The youth are very interesting to work with and you'll learn a lot from them if you have an open mind and you will forever be a hero to them. Share your success stories as well as challenges with as and when they come in the future. Best wishes.
Hi everyone
Aplogies for joining the discussion late.
I have been involved in youth policy advocacy work for some time at various levels. While serving as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Caucus (2000-2003), we odvocated for meaningful and active youth participation in the Commonwealth Secretariat programmes. One outcome of the advocacy was that the myself and 3 other Youth Caucus members were nominated by the Commonwealth Secretary General to be part of the Commonwealth Observer Group which observed Zimbabwe's Presidential elections in 2002. We were also part of the Commonwealth Observer Group which observed Ugandá's 2006 elections. The trend has continued for other Commonwealth countries elections. Messages were targeted at Management and governance structures.
The Youth Caucus also advocated for the development of national youth policies in all Commonwealth countries. Most countries today have national youth plicies.
At national level, working with various youth organisations, we advocated for the speedy development of Zambia's National Plan of Action for youth after the review of the National Youth Policy of 2006. The Plan of Action was launched in 2009. Messages were targeted at government, specifically the Ministry of Youth and development agencies to support the process.
Hi Colleagues Sorry for late contribution,i have just seen this message in my spam box,in my involvement with young people,i have not had an opportunity in advocacy related issues,my role mainly is to do with trainings in Entrepreneurship,i like the contributions given by many on this subject what worked for them and what didn't work.
Samuel.
Well, from my small experience in youth work compared to most of the participants, I have not been involved in actual policy formulation; but for sure I have observed policies being developed that relate to youth work but implementation always proves to be the hard nut to crack. It would thus be interesting to learn from participants from other countries on their experiences.
I have been involved in youth advocacy work around youth reproductive rights and responsibilities. What worked well was the involvement of the young people in the issues especially the girls. What did not go so well is that some of the young people continued engaging in unprotected sex leading to unplanned pregnancies. This compromised the message.
The key messages were: know your body know yourself
I have a future I have a life
My life is my responsibility.
The messages were targeted at young people to take responsibility for their own sexuality by getting to understand themselves and what they needed to do to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Other messages were targeted at older persons who were abusing girls.--Smauye 13:06, 14 April 2011 (UTC)
I had a similar experience in youth advocacy work in connection with youth reproductive rights and responsibilities. Indeed the participation of the youth was very encouraging. But just like your experience, I think the message did not go down well. When the programme was evaluated after six months, the report we got was that condom was the preferred choice for protected sex, but the tip of the condom was cut off because it disturbs during sex. Hmmm! Miscommunication.
Youths are the most marginalized in many communities yet they are the backborne of every economy since they possess lots of potential- mental, physical and emotional. Giving them support to have a voice in issues affecting them will give them the opportunity to contribute positively in national development. In kenya, we have enabling environments like, "kazi kwa vijana"-meanig work for the youths. In this rural roads manual jobs and tree planting exercises are given to the young.
"kazi kwa vijana"-meaning work for the youths sounds very interesting to me. I hope the Kenyan youth take advantage of this.--Kafuiaheto 07:15, 19 February 2011 (UTC)
Hello,
In Zambia, the youth constitute for over 60% of the population, these are the future leaders. For this reason, we need create a enabling environment that deals with issues that affect the would be leaders by creating jobs, dealing with issues of entrepreneurship, HIV & AIDS and poverty as well as other problems related to the youth.
That's some great work from Kenya. How is the political interference in those jobs? In Zambia it is more about which political party you belong to for you to access such jobs.
HI Remmy, of course politics in Africa interferes with almost everything, in Kenya we are lucky though, given that we have a coalition government of two major political parties which in a way act as check a balance to ensure equity in sharing the jobs. this jobs however are menial with payment based on piece rate or daily rate, and no other benefits attached to the job.
