Our Program Areas
Policy and Legislative Advocacy for Children and Youths (PLACY)
Children and youths comprise over half of Africa’s population, living in a rapidly changing world characterized by a growing digital economy, shifting labor markets, conflicts, and climate change. Despite their increasing numbers, young people often remain neglected and underserved. Their rights and needs are frequently compromised, especially in countries like Nigeria, where a large proportion of the population is young.
PLACY (Policy and Legislative Advocacy for Children and Youths) recognizes the significance of empowering both children and youth and implementing policies that protect their basic human rights. Through its advocacy efforts, PLACY aims to provide equitable opportunities for this vital demographic group.
Key Projects implemented under PLACY include:
- Initiation, advocacy and passage of the Akwa Ibom Youth Development Fund Bil (AKYDF)
The Akwa Ibom Youth Development Fund Bill (AKYDF) was initiated to create a sustainable financial framework aimed at empowering the youth of Akwa Ibom State. This bill sought to provide funding for youth-driven projects, education, and skill acquisition programs. Through persistent advocacy and strategic engagement with policymakers, the bill successfully passed into law by the former legislative house, but assent was denied by the Governor. If assented, this law will facilitate the establishment of several youth development initiatives, leading to increased entrepreneurship, reduced unemployment, and enhanced socio-economic stability among the youth in Akwa Ibom State.
- Advocacy for the passage of the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Education Prohibition Law
YAF Africa and partners led advocacy efforts to address the issue of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions. This led to the passage of the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Education Prohibition bill. The law has not been assented by the president. This bill aims to protect students from sexual harassment and ensure a safe learning environment. The advocacy campaign involved collaborations with various stakeholders, including students, educators, and lawmakers. The successful enactment of this law will result in a significant decrease in reported cases of sexual harassment, fostering a safer and more conducive atmosphere for learning and personal development within tertiary institutions.
- Advocacy for the implementation of the National Youth Policy at National and sub-national levels in 5 states and FCT.
YAF and the YDC cluster led the advocacy for the implementation of the National Youth Policy 2019 at both national and sub-national levels in five states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The National Youth Policy provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian youth and promoting their development. Advocacy efforts included organizing workshops, engaging with government officials, and building coalitions with youth organizations. Our work on policy implementation is ongoing.
Increasing Civic Engagement of Youths (ICEY)
It is recognized that involving youth in public decision-making processes plays an important role in ensuring the realization of their rights. However, the demand for recognition of the right of young people to be heard, to have their views considered, and to play an active role in promoting their own best interests is far from respected in Africa. Youths tend to feel that their voices are not heard nor do they have any role in the decision-making process. The reason for this is that governments and societies in Africa and in Nigeria in particular believe that young people are too young to make decisions and to make a difference. Consequently, they are rarely afforded equitable access to opportunities. Among the many other issues facing youth in Nigeria and the African region are high rates of youth unemployment, increased rates of child marriage, lack of gender equality, limited access to health services particularly sexual and reproductive health services, and limited roles in civic participation and engagement. Additionally, investing in youth participation has not been a priority, despite many of these emerging issues.
Key Projects implemented under ICEY include:
- Strengthening Youth Participation in Anti-corruption – 5 states
YPAC was a five (5) year behavioral change intervention that seeks to engage youths to become active advocates in the fight against corruption by mobilizing youth groups nationally through capacity building, social marketing/behavior change communication and civic engagement activities.
The project is implemented in the FCT, Akwa-Ibom, Kano, Lagos and Rivers states. The project targets male and female youth between the ages of 18-35 including youths with disability.
- Strengthening Students Networks for Inclusive Activism in Kano, Akwa Ibom and Lagos States
The project played a pivotal role in empowering students across Kano, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos States. By fostering collaboration, awareness, and advocacy, the project addressed critical issues affecting students and contributed to positive change. The project successfully established student networks that transcended institutional boundaries. These networks connected individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Students found common ground, exchanged ideas, and collaborated on initiatives. The project empowered students to advocate for their rights and interests. Through workshops, seminars, and campaigns, students learned effective advocacy strategies. They engaged with policymakers, demanding improvements in education, social justice, and youth empowerment.
- Increasing Youth Participation in Electoral Processes, 6 States in the South South
Funded by IFES, this project enhanced youth engagement in electoral processes across six states in the South South region of Nigeria. By fostering awareness, education, and active involvement, the project strengthen the democratic participation among young citizens.
- Your Excellency Mobile Game
Your Excellency is an adventure civic mobile game which is designed to be a learning tool for young people on governance: the structures, processes and activities with key highlight on the role of citizens in improving governance and engaging in the governance process. The game is called EXCELLENCY inspired from the words ―Your Excellency‖ which is used to address governors and presidents and to make a statement on aspiring for excellence in governance. EXCELLENCY is designed to have players play the role of active citizens first before playing the role of an executive through the three tiers of government: local government, state government and federal government. Players symbolically run for electoral office starting from active citizen to attain governorship position.
The game was launched in August 2018 with attendance of key stakeholders anchored by a celebrity ambassador. The Commissioner of Youths, Lagos state did the official launching.
Safeguarding Against Abuse, Violence and Exploitation of Girls and young Women (SAVE)
The protection of children and youths from all forms of violence is a fundamental right. Unfortunately, violence remains a harsh reality for millions of young people in Africa. Violence is associated with serious economic costs for society, reducing human capacity and compromising social development. This includes physical violence encompasses a wide range of human rights violations, including sexual abuse of children, rape, domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, structural violence, e.g. poverty and deprivation of basic resources and access to rights; oppressive systems that enslave, intimidate, and abuse the poor, powerless and marginalised such as trafficking and cultural violence, e.g. the devaluing and destruction of particular group identities and ways of life, the violence of sexism, and other forms of moral exclusion that rationalise aggression, domination, inequity, and oppression. YAF aims to prevent and respond to violence against children and youth, especially girls and young women, and promote their right to live free from violence.
Key Projects implemented under SAVE include:
- National Campaign to prohibit sex for Grades in secondary and tertiary institutions. #Sex4grades
- SAVE- 19 Online Network to support survivors of Violence during the Covid 19 pandemic.
- Advocacy for the passage of Anti Sexual Harassment in tertiary institutions Bill
- Strengthening the implementation of Legislation to reduce Gender Based Violence in four states and FCT
- HIV/AIDS Education Project
This project was funded under the Akwa Ibom State World Bank Assisted HIV/AIDS Programme Development project IDA Credit No. 3556. YAF Africa organized campaigns, and activities that informed youths about the dangers of HIV/AIDS empathizing more on abstinence in order to delay the onset of sexual activity. The project worked on the formation of Anti-AIDS clubs in schools across the country.
Under this project YAF produced an HIV/AIDS drama titled PROLIFERATION as an audiovisual tool for our sensitization exercise. PROLIFERATION is a thirty-minute Documentary Drama. Its central theme was on transmission modes and on how careless choices can proliferate the Virus. The story is a simple dramatic illustration of the various ways by which the deadly HIV/AIDS pandemic is spread.
- Eradicating Cultism and Youth Violence Project
YAF worked with reformed former cult members across the country to take the message of youth violence and cultism to the secondary schools, and universities. They shared personal stories, emphasizing the dangers of cultism and youth violence. We covered several institutions in Cross River State, Calabar, Akwa Ibom and Lagos State. We organized interactive sessions where students could openly discuss the impact of these issues on their lives and communities. Former cult members served as relatable role models, inspiring students to reject violence and embrace positive alternatives.
Over 4,000 secondary school students and undergraduates were reached as at the end of the project and more continue to receive the benefits long thereafter.
Youth Inclusive Employment and Livelihood Development (YIELD)
Youths are Africa’s greatest asset. Africa’s youth population is rapidly growing and expected to double to over 830 million by 2050. If properly harnessed, this increase in the working age population could support increased productivity and stronger, more inclusive economic growth across the continent. But today, the majority of youth in Africa do not have stable economic opportunities. Of Africa’s nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, one-third are unemployed and discouraged, another third are vulnerably employed. Youth have double the unemployment rate of adults, with variation by country. In Nigeria, about 53.40 percent of youths are unemployed, according to the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) 2022. Fifty-three percent of 151 million Nigerian youths are over 80 million unemployed. There is therefore an urgent need to create employment opportunities for youth, with tremendous potential impact. YAF aims to create employment and economic opportunities for youth and increase their participation in the green economy. Our focus is on creating digital jobs, green jobs and facilitating youth entry into agricultural value chains.
Some Programs YAF has implemented in this area are:
- Implementation of the Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEF) in Akwa Ibom State
Funded by PIND Foundation, YAF implemented the Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEF) project in Akwa Ibom State aimed at addressing the high youth unemployment rate in the region. This program focused on equipping young people with market-relevant skills in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and ICT. Through a series of training sessions, mentorship, and job placement opportunities, the NDYEF project successfully enabled many youths to secure gainful employment and start their own businesses. The program’s success is evident in the increased employment rates and the growing number of youth-led enterprises contributing to the local economy.
- Financial management training for Youths with Junior Achievement Nigeria
In collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria, financial management training was provided to youths. This initiative aimed to enhance financial literacy and management skills among young people, preparing them to make informed financial decisions and manage resources effectively. The training covered essential topics such as budgeting, savings, investment, and entrepreneurship. As a result, participants demonstrated improved financial behaviors, with many starting to save regularly and invest in small-scale businesses. This program has played a crucial role in promoting economic independence and stability among the youth in the state.
- Digital Skills training for 500 women and women owned businesses in Akwa Ibom State
Funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with Stakeholder Democracy Nigeria, this training program has successfully trained 300 women so far. The impact of this training is already evident, with many participants reporting increased online visibility and sales for their businesses. Additionally, the initiative has fostered a supportive network of female entrepreneurs who continue to collaborate and share knowledge, contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive digital economy in Akwa Ibom State. The ongoing training for the remaining participants promises to further strengthen the entrepreneurial landscape and promote economic empowerment among women in the region.
- Google skills training for 506 youths
Google skills training was provided to 506 youths, focusing on enhancing their digital literacy and employability. This training covered a range of digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and web development. The program aimed to equip participants with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital age and improve their employment prospects. The outcomes have been remarkable, with many participants securing jobs in tech-related fields and others using their new skills to boost their entrepreneurial ventures. This training has not only increased digital literacy among the youth but also contributed to the overall economic development of the state by fostering a more skilled and competitive workforce.
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