Time for power sharing

YOUTH PARTICIPATION - 12 December 2024

Time for power sharing

'We young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the partners of today,' says 25-year-old Rose explaining her motivation for joining the SOS Children's Villages Youth Council in Uganda. Together with her peers, she advocates for issues like youth engagement and mental health.

To empower young people from vulnerable backgrounds to drive change and strengthen their communities, SOS Children's Villages supports over 89 national and 200 local youth councils worldwide.

'I came to understand that my voice represents many young people and has an impact on our society. Now, I confidently amplify youth voices on key issues, driving meaningful change,' says 21 year old Nadira from Bangladesh. Peer support and a safe space for exchange is at the heart of youth councils. Young people there gather strength and motivation to speak up on topics they care about, like early marriage, climate change, effective youth services and many others.

In Bogura, Bangladesh, Khurshida is determined to find effective solutions to environmental issues: 'As members of the Youth Council, we've been distributing jute bags as sustainable alternatives to plastic and engaging in tree plantation initiatives'. Just 100 km away, in Rajshahi, the local youth council is running an awareness raising campaign on early marriage.

Getting organised and gaining influence requires commitment, expertise, resources and time. Out of the 89 national youth councils in SOS Children's Villages, around a half are still in the early stages of development, while the other half are well-established.

The International Youth Coalition connects the youth councils through a virtual platform. Kalilou, 23, is part of the national youth council in Gambia and a member of the International Youth Coalition. 'I believe by supporting each other youth councils can develop and become even more powerful. Virtually connected, we are joining forces, supporting each other, claiming our voices and votes in decision-making forums,' he says.

Join us in supporting youth councils

Supporting youth participation structures is at the heart of SOS Children's Villages' work. 'Youth councils are shaping the future, but they can't do it on their own. To truly amplify their impact, we must make space in decision-making forums and support the platforms that empower young leaders to influence decisions and drive positive change,' says Angela Rosales, Chief Programme Officer at SOS Children's Villages International.

In Benin, young people participating in SOS Children's Villages' programmes have 15% of the votes in the National Board, and a radio station that amplifies their voices. The National Director Salimane Issifou says: 'It is today that we should create the conditions for meaningful participation of children and young people, and we will live in a better world'.

The International Youth Coalition is the highest body representing young people in SOS Children's Villages International. Kulsun, 17, from Kirgizstan is one of the 22 members that tirelessly support their peers and strive for a world where young people's voices are heard. 'Join us in standing with youth councils to ensure that young people are not just heard, but actively leading the way, creating the policies and programmes that will affect their lives. Let's turn their leadership into action and build a world that values the power of youth participation,' says Kulsun.