Youth delegates during the launch of the Toolkit!
This Advocacy Toolkit will provide young people and youth-led and youth-serving organisations with the knowledge, practical skills, and resources needed to effectively advocate for their rights and participate in democratic governance processes. As part of the Ignite African Youth Project, this toolkit serves as a comprehensive resource to empower youth and enable them to actively participate in shaping their communities and democratic governance. It will empower them to create positive change in their communities and beyond by providing a comprehensive guide to advocacy.
A. Why This Toolkit
This is a youth-owned Advocacy toolkit developed with a clear purpose in mind — to facilitate and enhance the advocacy efforts in the democratic processes of young people especially young women in Africa. Tailored by and to the needs of young people, it aims to provide actionable guidance, practical strategies, and valuable insights to create a positive impact on democratic processes. By offering a structured approach to advocacy, this toolkit encourages young advocates to champion for youth rights, political engagement, and inclusivity.
B. Who This Toolkit is Meant for
The primary audience for this toolkit is young people in Africa, both individuals and members of youth-led and youth-serving organisations. It also extends its reach to anyone interested in promoting youth participation and engagement in democratic governance. The toolkit's scope is wide-ranging, covering various aspects of advocacy, from communication and networking to policy analysis and campaign strategy. It encompasses the thematic focus areas of the Ignite African Youth Project, which include prioritising youth in governance, supporting youth in government, youth freedom of expression, youth political participation, and human rights among youth.
C. How to Use This Toolkit
Navigating this toolkit is made easy through a youth user-friendly structure. Each section is designed to be accessible and actionable, offering practical guidance and resources. Whether you are new to advocacy or seeking to enhance your existing skills, this toolkit can be your guide. Feel free to explore the different sections and use the toolkit in a way that suits your needs. We encourage you to engage with the content actively, reflect on your advocacy goals, and apply the knowledge gained to create positive change.
Background
In today's rapidly evolving world, youth in Africa are increasingly recognized as a driving force for positive change. They bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a powerful voice to address the challenges and opportunities facing their communities and societies. However, despite their potential, young people often face barriers to meaningful participation in decision-making processes, particularly in political processes and democratic governance.
The Youth Café (TYC) Supported by the European Partnerships for Democracy (EPD) and Powered by the European Union (EU), is implementing The Ignite African Youth Project. The Project aims at increasing youth engagement, especially young women from Africa, in active and meaningful roles in the democratic processes due to strengthened and enhanced political and civic capacities, targeting young people in Africa.
Through collaborative efforts and the sharing of best practices, with youth organizations from Kenya, Zambia, the Central African Republic (CAR) and Ghana, in this project, The Youth Café works with: SOS CIVISME in the Central African Republic (CAR), Leaders for Leaders Champion (Kenya), OpenNet4 for All Zambia, The Amplifiers Youth Organization(TAYO-Kenya), Aim-Higher Youth Cooperative (Zambia), Eastern Visionary Youths (Zambia), Youth Arise Zambia, The Scientific Initiatives for a Healthy, Developed Zambia (SiHDZ pronounced as Seeds - Zambia),Talanta Africa (Kenya) and Gender And Reproductive Health Advocacy Youth network (Ghana) as implementing partners.
Being the first-ever youth-owned and youth-led advocacy toolkit, by African youth it is not merely a collection of information but rather a practical guide tailored to the specific needs and contexts of youth and youth organizations in democratic Africa . It draws on the expertise and experiences of youth leaders and advocates across the region, ensuring that it reflects the realities and aspirations of young people themselves especially in democratic processes.
For any questions or to get in touch, contact The Youth Cafe’s Advocacy Director.