Education South Africa Project #55774

Empower 20 Young Africans as Agents of Change

by Afrika Matters Initiative

Empower 20 Young Africans as Agents of Change

Summary

The African narrative has been that of a dependent continent and its arising problems have put the future of the African youth in despair. The Africa Matters Ambassadors Program (AMAP) tries to break the programmed curse affecting the future of Africa. AMAP is a one-year virtual African leadership development program which provides successful applicants with skills development, cross-continental networks, mentorship from industry leaders and the implementation of community engagement projects.

$100,000
total goal

$99,785
remaining

5
donors

0
monthly donors

11
months

Challenge

Africa has the world's youngest population and with such a large youthful population the dire employment situation continues to douse their potential. According to the African Development Bank in 2015, one-third of Africa's then 420 million young people between 15 and 35 years were unemployed, and another third were vulnerably employed. The need for effective youth leadership development, enhanced employability and skills development in Africa has never been more of a priority.

Solution

The Africa Matters Ambassadors Program empowers 20 young African leaders with critical tools to address the gaps in leadership, accountability and transparency in their communities. AMAP consists of both an online skills development component and a hands-on Community Engagement Project (CEP). The online component consists of 15 core modules, including Soft Skills Building & Career Development, African Leadership & Youth Activism and Global Citizenship.

Long-Term Impact

This program will provide 20 young African Ambassadors in 8 African countries (Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania, Kenya, Algeria, and South Africa) with leadership and transferable skills to unlock their potential as effective African leaders and change agents in their communities. The Ambassadors' CEPs will effectively impact a minimum of 50 people in their border community. Thus, impacting over 1,000 community members across sub-Saharan Africa.