The Youth-led Action Initiative in East and Southern Africa
Meet some of the changemakers and learn about the work being done
UNICEF has long recognized the power of young people to drive positive change, and one of the main ways it supports young people is by providing platforms that empower them to speak out on the issues that matter most to their lives. This is at the heart of UNICEF’s mission and mandate.
The transformative 5-day Youth-led Action Training of Champion Trainers brought together 11 UNICEF staff and 38 young advocates from youth-led networks across the Eastern & Southern Africa Region to help them build the skills and confidence they need to influence policies, decisions, and actions in their communities, countries, and the region.
The training was designed to equip these young champions with the tools to become leaders in their communities. Through the training, young people gained valuable knowledge in policy engagement, advocacy, research, and media communication strategies, allowing them to speak out on critical issues such as climate change, mental health, children’s rights, gender equality, and HIV/AIDS. What’s even more inspiring is that the impact of the training did not stop there. These young advocates have gone on to share their knowledge and skills through cascade training, reaching over 10,000 other young people, empowering them to become agents of positive change as well.
While many countries in Eastern and Southern Africa have supportive policy environments for youth, formal structures for meaningful engagement remain underdeveloped. The Youth-led Action Initiative provides a foundation for bridging this gap, creating an essential link between youth-led advocacy, government structures, and partner organizations. It strengthens the capacity of both UNICEF staff and government/partner organizations to support the meaningful participation of young people in policy and programmatic processes. By continuing to support these youth champions with tools like, capacity-building, and access to key decision-makers, UNICEF is supporting these young advocates to turn their ideas into powerful actions.
Meet the Changemakers!
