UNICEF co-develops programs with adolescents

29 adolescents from 10 provinces of Burundi gathered in Bujumbura to  discuss the best strategies to address the empowerment challenges of their peers. The workshop is part of UNICEF's planning process and aimed to provide a platform for these adolescents to express themselves in the development of UNICEF's interventions in Burundi.

In his welcoming remarks, UNICEF Representative in Burundi John Agbor, highlighted the central role of adolescents in the development and implementation of UNICEF's programs. Participants discussed challenges related to UNICEF's programmatic priorities, including early childhood development, skill development for transition to employability, climate change and the engagement of adolescents in the development of their communities (accountability).

"Having the necessary knowledge of early childhood development is an incredible opportunity that we benefited during this workshop organized by UNICEF", says Amie Neila BIGIRIMANA, 21.

On this matter, the vision of these teenagers for their country by 2024 is clear, they want: A Burundi where the 0 to 8 years-old children enjoy all their rights and grow up without malnutrition. A Burundi where health care for pregnant women is guaranteed, including psycho-social support, as well as a zero tolerance to men who abuse their women”.

Workshop participants were identified through their engagement in their community and in UNICEF-supported programs. They are adolescents active in solidarity groups, beneficiaries of UNICEF's capacity-building programs. To enlarge the perspectives and the exchanges, young representatives of large youth organizations whose activities have an influence at national level such as the Scouts of Burundi, the Guides and the child journalists were also invited to the workshop.

This dialogue between and with adolescents is an integral part of UNICEF's intervention planning process in Burundi as it allows the direct beneficiaries to co-create solutions to address their real challenges.

Thanks to teamwork and brainstorming, Amie Neila realizes that “with a proactive and innovative attitude every situation can be an opportunity for us to create a job, for ourselves and for others". by working together, they identified and provided solutions to employability & entrepreneurship challenges. For these young people, the acquisition of practical skills to allow them to create jobs for themselves and to develop a spirit of curiosity to explore trainings that match their passions is vital.

On the issue of climate change, all together exposed their vision for 2024 about this matter "a green and clean Burundi, without hunger by promoting modern agriculture and farming, which has environment-friendly businesses and where if you cut a tree, you plant two more".

UNICEF's global strategic plan includes supporting youth and adolescents as agents of change in its strategies for change. In addition, the 2019-2021 Global Communication and Advocacy Strategy affirms the important role that young people can play for a successful achievement of the UNICEF's mandate, and emphasizes the importance & necessity to listen, co-create and collaborate with youth and creating significant engagement opportunities for them to make a difference.

In this regard, "the workshop helped me to open my mind and expand my thoughts. We identified the problems observed in our community and proposed solutions. Our opinions on each theme were well received by the organizers and I am grateful for that because we were able to see our future in our own hands" reflected Obède NGEZAHAYO, 20, at the end of the workshop.

After all workshops, UNICEF will compile all the ideas from the different consultations and submit the plan to the Government of Burundi through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for validation and implementation.