Youth
WACSOF’s Youth Programme endeavours to identify opportunities where young people can have a positive influence on economic, political and social events as they unfold within the sub region. The programme draws its strength from its three years of experience in influencing the work of ECOWAS as a regional actor; from its support to civil society organizations (CSOs) within the WACSOF network; and from its experience in election observations throughout West Africa.
Leveraging on WACSOF’s regional spread and national focus, the Youth Programme shall target three main groups: young people who are out of school and seeking employment; youth leaders who are already part of organized efforts to address issues affecting young people; and elders and decision makers, including educators and political figures, who are looked up to and have an influence on young people.
The overall goals of the Youth Programme are to 1) facilitate the inclusion and participation of young people in consolidating peace and development in the sub region; 2) to maintain close relations with and among youth organizations in West Africa and abroad; and 3) to support youth organizations for the development of young people so that they may contribute more effectively towards development in the sub region.
In support of these goals, the Youth Programme engages in activities that support three main objectives:
1. Depolarize the interactions and debate among young people: Drawing from experiences of its member organizations, WACSOF strives to create platforms for sub-regional youth groups interact and strategize on issues that affect them.
2. Foster inter-generational dialogue though workshops and seminars: WACSOF encourages its member organizations to partner with local youth groups and community-level organizations to organize fora aimed at encouraging youth to become more active in their communities.
3. Empower youth to participate in governance and decision making: The Youth Programme works to strengthen existing youth groups through organizational development, promoting good leadership and consensus building. The programme also identifies and works with target groups based on their ability to address the major issues facing youth within their communities.
Leveraging on WACSOF’s regional spread and national focus, the Youth Programme shall target three main groups: young people who are out of school and seeking employment; youth leaders who are already part of organized efforts to address issues affecting young people; and elders and decision makers, including educators and political figures, who are looked up to and have an influence on young people.
The overall goals of the Youth Programme are to 1) facilitate the inclusion and participation of young people in consolidating peace and development in the sub region; 2) to maintain close relations with and among youth organizations in West Africa and abroad; and 3) to support youth organizations for the development of young people so that they may contribute more effectively towards development in the sub region.
In support of these goals, the Youth Programme engages in activities that support three main objectives:
1. Depolarize the interactions and debate among young people: Drawing from experiences of its member organizations, WACSOF strives to create platforms for sub-regional youth groups interact and strategize on issues that affect them.
2. Foster inter-generational dialogue though workshops and seminars: WACSOF encourages its member organizations to partner with local youth groups and community-level organizations to organize fora aimed at encouraging youth to become more active in their communities.
3. Empower youth to participate in governance and decision making: The Youth Programme works to strengthen existing youth groups through organizational development, promoting good leadership and consensus building. The programme also identifies and works with target groups based on their ability to address the major issues facing youth within their communities.