Empowering Youth as SDGs Champions: Voice Africa's Future

    Step Up Youth Initiative proudly partnered with African Monitor on the groundbreaking "Voice Africa's Future" (VAF) project. Launched in 2012, VAF was a pioneering initiative focused on youth engagement in the development of the successor framework to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – the 2030 Agenda for The Ugandan team's journey with Voice Africa's Future (VAF) laid the groundwork for the creation of Step Up Youth Initiative. Initially a loose network of passionate youth champions, their exceptional dedication and effectiveness during VAF propelled them to new heightsSustainable Development (SDGs).

    Uganda's VAF Champions: Building the Foundation for Step Up

    A core outcome of VAF’s success was the “African Youth Call for Action in the Post-2015 Development Agenda” petition. This powerful document, signed by over 77,000 young people across 10 African countries, including Uganda, championed critical youth priorities for inclusion in the SDGs. The petition called for increased youth employment opportunities, improved governance, and access to quality education and healthcare.

    Award-Winning Excellence

    The Ugandan VAF team’s outstanding efforts garnered them the prestigious “Best VAF Partner” award. This recognition served as a powerful testament to the talent, passion, and leadership qualities of Ugandan youth. Their success within VAF became the catalyst for the formalization of Step Up Youth Initiative, channeling their experience and skills into a powerful force for youth advocacy.

    Empowering Futures: Beyond VAF

    The Ugandan VAF team’s success extended beyond the project itself. Several champions like Epa Ndahimana (refugee participant) and Sseguya Hillary Tayilor secured prestigious academic scholarships at Leeds University and Harvard University, respectively. This highlights the transformative power of VAF in empowering young people to pursue their academic dreams.

    Furthermore, Mercy’s appointment as the Youth and Innovation Officer at UNDP Uganda and Agaba Ronald’s role with the Uganda Electoral Commission exemplify the project’s lasting impact. VAF equipped these young leaders with valuable skills and experience, propelling them into successful careers focused on youth development and civic engagement.

    Shaping the SDGs Through Youth Voices

    VAF aimed to amplify youth aspirations for a better future beyond 2015 (MDG deadline). The project leveraged mobile technology and online platforms to collect over 77,000 youth perspectives, termed “Key Asks,” on their desired development priorities. These valuable insights directly informed the formulation of national development plans and country drafts for the SDGs, influencing regional discussions and shaping the final SDGs framework.

    Building Capacity for Youth Leadership

    Step Up, alongside African Monitor, played a crucial role in mobilizing youth champions and equipping them with the necessary skills through resource mobilization and training programs. VAF champions learned data collection, monitoring, and advocacy techniques to actively participate in the SDGs implementation process.

    Holding Leaders Accountable

    VAF fostered collaboration between youth champions and local partners in 10 African countries. Together, they conducted regular monitoring, held high-level policy dialogues with stakeholders, and presented shadow reports highlighting progress, gaps, and recommendations. This evidence-based approach served to hold governments accountable and ensure the SDGs were implemented in a sustainable, measurable, and impactful way.

    A Legacy of Youth-Driven Action

    Voice Africa’s Future served as a cornerstone for Step Up Youth Initiative’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and advocacy. The project’s success in mobilizing young people and influencing the SDGs framework solidified our dedication to ensuring youth have a strong voice in shaping Africa’s future. We continue to champion youth participation in data-driven decision-making and advocate for policies that uplift the lives of young Africans.

    Be a Part of the Change You Want to See

    Join Step Up Youth Initiative in championing youth-driven action and advocacy. By supporting our work, you help amplify youth voices, hold leaders accountable, and shape Africa’s future. Every contribution, big or small, helps fuel our mission!
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