Citizen participation is at the heart of democracy. Around the world, a deliberative wave has been growing as innovative ways of involving citizens in policy-making have gained traction with governments and citizens. And Africa has not been left behind: From deliberative participatory budgeting in Kenya, and addressing corruption in Malawi, to risk management in flood prone areas in Uganda, deliberative processes are certainly refreshing democracy in Africa. This piece has been jointly published by The Youth Café and Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
What Progress Has Africa Made In Achieving Sustainable Development Goals For Young People?
A general focus on Africa’s performance reveals that Africa continues to drag behind most of the world in socioeconomic development, despite the widespread adoption and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Promoting participation in the formal peace process creates a safe space for the young people where they participate in inclusive, democratic and structured dialogues. This also gives young people the chance to develop youth-led organizations in peace, security and humanitarian action.
Youth Innovations That Are Transforming Food Systems In Africa
The Youth Café looks forward to commemorate The International Youth Day especially because this years theme “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health” coincides with one of our key thematic areas outlined in our Theory of Change, ‘Environmental Preservation and Climate Change’, where the focus is on increasing climate change literacy programs, advocacy for the creation of more green jobs, and creation of a collaborative platform where young people can actively engage and participate in finding solutions to the environmental challenges such as increased investment in the blue economy.
Our Executive Director's Speech At The Futuremakers Forum ‘Unleashing The Potential Of Young People To Succeed In The Future World Of Work’
On the 13th to 15th July 2021, The Youth Café attended the Futuremakers Forum. Hosted by Standard Chartered in partnership with Business Fights Poverty, the Futuremakers Forum brought stakeholders together to build partnerships and create opportunities focused on young people. In his capacity as a youth business leader in Africa, The Youth Cafés Executive Director, Willice Onyango, had been invited to speak at the panel.
The Youth Café Featured On NGOSIFY And AllAfrica.com
The Youth Café was featured on Forbes Magazine last year and this year we have been featured on two more websites-NGOSIFY and AllAfrica.com. The Youth Café is featured on both these articles for the projects we work in under our eight priority areas featured in our Theory of Change, in this case, mainly ‘Governance and Political inclusion-Accountability & Remittances’ and ‘Business, job Creation and Entrepreneurship.’ , as well as the ways in which we empower the youths in Africa.
Attending LEAP Africa's Youth Day Of Service Press Conference
The Youth Day of Service press conference that was held on the 22nd July 2021, aimed at providing deeper insight into the inspiration and strategic planning of the annual week long event held from 12th August to 18th August, to coincide with the International Youth Day. Representatives from The Youth Café attended the virtual press conference to show support as implementing partners for this years YDoS event.
Attending The Shape The Net Zero Conversation Report
On Monday 19th July 2021, representatives from The Youth Café attended the Shape The Net Zero Conversation, since one of our key focus areas at The Youth Café, as highlighted by our Theory of Change is Environmental Preservation and Climate change. Meeting attendants were divided into three groups where each discussed the following three main themes of the event: First Session: Climate Science & Implications, The second session, Visions of a Climate Resilient & Net-Zero Future, The Third Session: Paths to 2050, Co-Benefits and Trade-Offs.
FAO and AUC Virtual Technical Validation Workshop: Investment Guidelines For Youth In Agri-Food Systems In Africa.
Through multi-stakeholder engagements and in-depth country case studies, a draft Investment Guidelines for Youth in Agri-Food Systems in Africa has been produced by FAO in partnership with the AUC. The goal of this handbook is to serve as a resource for governmental and private sector partners, including financial institutions, civil society actors, youth-led organizations, and enterprises across the region, who want to encourage more investment in job creation and agricultural growth in rural areas of Africa. On this note, FAO and the AUC are co-organizing a virtual technical validation workshop aimed at providing a platform for participants to share views and provide final recommendations towards the finalization of the Investment Guidelines for Youth in Agri-food Systems in Africa.
African Youth As Drivers Of Decent Job Creation In Sustainable Food Systems
Although youths who are situated in farming communities have some, if not all resources at hand for the production of food, more still needs to be done in the development of youth farming. A high population of global youth are found in Africa and Asia and through increased urbanization, the act of food growing in these areas leaves food security and nutrition in jeopardy. According to reports from the World Bank, the share in food manufacturing and services is on the increase. The inclusion of women and youth into food systems can raise productivity and improve social peace, which as a result makes the migration to urban areas or even developed counties, a choice instead of a necessity.
The Youth Cafe - Strategic Plan 2021-2023 Launch Report
The Youth Café is excited to announce the official launch of the strategic plan for the years 2021 to 2023! The theme of this plan is “Investing in the youth for accelerated inclusive growth and sustainable development”. The event took place virtually on Friday the 28th of May 2021. We were so humbled by the amazing turnout, with our partners and stakeholders attending from all over the world.