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YEA!

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Young Education, Environmental, and Empowerment Advocates are known by the acronym YEA. It is a group of enthusiastic young change-makers who want to do their part to improve the world through activism, ground-breaking research, and problem-driven solutions. FlexiSAF Foundation established this community-based program. Join YEA here https://forms.gle/RFXpZxhQPc6GAeWk9
It is no longer a secret that the globe is continually plagued with issues that put human life in danger. Who will act if the leaders of today and future do not?  
  Y- Young This community caters to teenagers between the ages of 13 and 35 or to anyone whose soul identifies as young and is willing to advocate for change. Young people have the energy to advocate for change and carry it out because they are always bursting with ideas. We frequently do not see long-lasting change as a result of communities not being designed to foster and assist young heroes. E-Education The global education situation is always becoming worse, particularly in Nigeria. Asking a young person if they want to become teachers rarely elicits a positive reaction. Many people haven’t had the chance to offer their time to teach disadvantaged kids, which could have ignited a drive to keep working in that field. Additionally, as the world continues to slant toward technology, many brilliant concepts and breakthroughs that will liberate the educational system must be found and fostered. Although formal education is essential for a country’s growth, not everyone needs it because of differences in life stages, mental capacities, and survival needs. Informal education is also covered, including business and entrepreneurship education. E- Environment “What we have in common is the earth.” Wendell Berry The world is constantly confronted with environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, climate change, and others. It has recently gotten worse in Nigeria. The YEA initiative aims to hone and develop young people’s ideas for solving these problems. If no one advocates for climate-change solutions, what kind of world will be left for future generations, and what will be the average human life expectancy? The environment includes not only the earth, but also our soul—our bodies and health. New problems that endanger people’s health emerge on a regular basis. This community also welcomes change-makers in this sector. E- Empowerment To both empower and to be empowered. This initiative aims to teach youths in this community life coping skills, manipulative skills, intellectual skills, communication skills, and artistic skills, with the goal of enforcing change by empowering various groups of people around the world. These will be accomplished through training and collaboration on projects. Life coping skills include survival and behavioral skills, as well as mental health and well-being. Technical, technological, and entrepreneurial education are required for manipulative skills. Critical thinking, analysis, research, evaluation, and problem-solving are all examples of intellectual abilities. Decision-making, imagination, and creativity Digital communications, marketing, and branding are examples of communication skills. Writing and graphic design are examples of artistic abilities. A- Advocates These are many young people who will stand up for change. Teenagers, high school students, Undergraduates, graduates, Corp members, Masters and Ph.D. holders, social workers, social change agents, social entrepreneurs, and civil servants.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE SUPPORTS THE EMPOWERMENT OF 50 YOUTH ACTIVISTS AND CHANGEMAKERS THROUGH THE FLEXISAF FOUNDATION’S YOUTH ACTIVISM WORKSHOP

“This article was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author (FlexiSAF Foundation) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.”
(Abuja, October 6th, 2023) 

The FlexiSAF Foundation is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the “Activism that Yields Results: Building the Future Now” workshop, held from October 4th to October 6th, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria. This transformative workshop was made possible through full funding from a grant provided by the U.S. Department of State, facilitated via the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. The event united 50 passionate young activists and change-makers aged 18 to 35, with the goal of inspiring and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive social change.
Organized as part of the Foundation’s Young Education Advocates program, this three-day workshop was designed to coincide with the United Nations Day, celebrated annually on October 24th. Participants embarked on an engaging journey that included thought-provoking presentations, a panel discussion, critical thinking exercises, and vibrant group discussions. Esteemed activists, development experts, and dynamic professionals, including Amina Abubakar, Executive Director of FlexiSAF Foundation; Fatima Aliyu Magaji, Founder of FAMFuture; Angela Ochu-Baiye, CEO of JELA Development Initiatives; Uche Eyioha, Corporate Services and Compliance Manager at TAFAfrica; Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements (North Central); Chisom Nwankwo, Founder of the Skilled Women Initiative; Amina Usman, Programs Manager at FlexiSAF Foundation; Dr. Brian McHarg, Director of Academic Civic Engagement at Appalachian State University, Boone, USA; Ms. Cecilia Okafor, Clinical Psychologist at The Sunshine Series; and Ms. Maimuna Sani, Community and Youth Engagement and Communications Specialist for the Nigerian Youth Future Funds Project, shared their invaluable insights and experiences, igniting participants’ passion for activism. Topics covered included climate change and sustainability, education reforms and policies, governance and accountability, servant leadership, and a panel discussion on Leveraging the Potential of Youths to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants from diverse backgrounds and regions had the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build valuable networks, fostering a sense of unity among young activists. The workshop also emphasized the importance of history in driving social change, rekindling participants’ appreciation for the past’s role in shaping the future. Through practical exercises and discussions, participants gained essential skills, resources, and knowledge to pursue their activism goals effectively. The workshop’s impact is already evident as participants left with renewed energy and determination to address pressing social issues such as illiteracy and the education crisis, climate change, mental health issues, and discrimination against people living with disabilities, among others. The FlexiSAF Foundation’s commitment to nurturing a network of empowered youth activists has set a promising foundation for future projects and advocacy campaigns. Dedicated to the sustainability of the workshop’s impact, the FlexiSAF Foundation ensured that participants are equipped with the tools to train others, potentially reaching hundreds more across Nigeria. Plans are underway to develop online courses on activism in collaboration with other youth-focused and youth-led organizations, ensuring the dissemination of knowledge continues.
Amina Abubakar, Executive Director of FlexiSAF Foundation, shared her thoughts on the workshop’s success, stating, “We are immensely proud of the remarkable young activists who attended this workshop. They are the future leaders of change, and it’s our responsibility to support and empower them. The workshop is in furtherance of the FlexiSAF Foundation’s objective to empower youths to ignite social change in their communities and beyond.” One of the facilitators, Ms. Chisom Nwankwo, a passionate Climate Change and Sustainability Advocate, expressed her belief that participants are fortunate to have such an opportunity where they can gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their activism. She encouraged them not to limit themselves. The event was graced by special dignitaries, including Ms. Nabila Aguele, former Senior Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning; Rep. Martins Esin, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development; and Mr. Muhammad Dahiru Aminu, Policy Manager for Africa, Clean Air Task Force, among others. All the dignitaries present commended the Foundation for organizing such a groundbreaking workshop as it created an avenue for young changemakers to gain the skills they need to pursue their activism goals and become agents of change in their communities, making the world a better place. The FlexiSAF Foundation expresses its gratitude, first and foremost, to its generous sponsor — the United States Department of State; participants, facilitators, and partners for their commitment to making the “Activism that Yields Results” workshop a resounding success. The Foundation looks forward to witnessing the positive impact these empowered youth activists will make in their communities and beyond.

“Young Advocate of the Year"Contest: Empowering Young Changemakers

The “Young Advocate of the Year” contest aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional efforts of young advocates who have been actively involved in creating positive change within their communities. This contest provides a platform for young individuals to showcase their skills, passion, and dedication to advocacy, while inspiring others to take action.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Educate and enlighten trainees strictly on the primary objective of the Activism that Yields Results workshop training which is  to equip young activists with the requisite tools and insights to influence policies and effectively engage decision-makers. Your unique step down training should enable your trainees to amplify their impact, amplify their voices, and create a significant imprint on the world around them.
  2. Recognize and honor outstanding young advocates who have made a significant impact in their communities.
  3. Encourage and empower young individuals to continue their advocacy work and inspire others to join the cause.
  4. Foster a culture of youth activism and social responsibility.

CONTEST COMPONENTS:

  1. Step-Down Training: Participants will be required to deliver a step-down session, sharing the knowledge and skills they acquired during the Activism that Yields Results: Building the Future now Workshop Training. The sessions will be evaluated based on content relevance, presentation clarity, audience engagement, and creativity.

 

  1. Social Media Impact: Participants will be tasked with spreading the word about their step-down sessions and their impact on social media platforms. The reach, engagement, message clarity, and call to action in their posts will be considered.

 

  1. Report Writing: Participants will submit a 3-page report detailing their step-down session. The report will be assessed based on clarity, depth of content, insights, and impact assessment.

 

  1. Foundation’s Assessment: Our Foundation will evaluate the participants’ step-down sessions by joining either physically or virtually. They will assess the effectiveness of the sessions and their alignment with the goals of the Youth Activism Workshop. The participants’ session conduct and contribution to advocacy will be considered.

 

  1. Prizes and Recognition: The top three participants with the highest scores will be acknowledged, with the first-place winner receiving the title of Young Advocate of the Year, and the remaining two as runners-up. They will receive plaques, cool prizes, and the opportunity to serve as ambassadors for youth advocacy in the eyes of the world.  A cash prize will be won by the WINNER. This recognition will further amplify their voices and provide them with a platform to inspire others as they get to network with partners that will be present on that day.

CONTEST TIMELINE:

  • 2nd November 2023: Application Opens 
  • 4th November 2023: Application Closes at 11:59 pm.
  • 5th November – 5th December 2023: Observing contest online, following up with contestants and opening a form for submission of reports by participants.
  • 5th December 2023: Submission of report by participants.
  • 6-7th December 2023: Foundation’s assessment of reports and social media impact of the step-down training carried out by contestants.
  • 8th December 2023: Invite winners to the Walk for Education 3.0. 
  • 9th December 2023: Talk about the contest, recognize all participants, present awards to winners and present the prize. Give the winner an opportunity to address the public (30 seconds) 
  • THE END

FAQS:

  1. Can the step down training be to other staff in one’s organization?

ANS: Yes, it can be any group of people. What is most important is that your step-down training aligns with the objectives of the Activism that Yields Results workshop training.

  1. Can we work in a group or it has to be a one-man thing?

ANS: No, you cannot. It is an individual contest. 

  1. Must the step down be for 3 days as well?

ANS: No, it does not have to be for 3 days.

  1. Must it be on all the sessions we were taught?

ANS: No, it must not be. Choose what you are comfortable with and whichever session you think would be of benefit to your trainees.

  1. Can we send the organization a concept note before the training?

ANS: Yes, you are to share a plan with us while filling the form of interest.

  1. Is there like an age range for the people we should train?

ANS: Yes, 18-35 is the age range.

  1. Is there a deadline?

ANS: Yes, the deadline is 5th November, 2023.

NOTE:

Participants should inform the community manager on when they will be having their session, so the organization can plan to join either physically or virtually.

CONCLUSION:

The ” Advocate of the Year” contest is an incredible opportunity for young individuals to showcase their advocacy skills, make a tangible impact, and inspire others to create positive change by educating them on what they learnt during the course of the “Activism That Yields Results” workshop. By recognizing and celebrating their efforts, we aim to foster a generation of empowered young changemakers who will continue to drive social progress.