New Virtual Program Generates Wealth of Opportunities for Youth Across Africa
UNICEF backed initiative BetterTogether Africa set to reach 1 million youth across the continent
KHARTOUM, 23 November 2020: Recognising that Covid-19 and the resulting global economic crisis have brought unprecedented challenges to youth across Africa and the simultaneous need for the emergence of new, innovative learning and earning opportunities, a host of organisations including UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, African Union, Atingi, Yoma, Scouts and social enterprise network Goodwall have co-created the BetterTogether Africa program.
Building on a successful first global iteration of the program which ran from August - September this year, BetterTogether Africa will take place from 23rd November - 11th December 2020. By driving key skills development and entrepreneurial thinking, the program continues the shared mission to empower young people to reach their full potential and enable them to lead the change for both their personal futures and their communities.
It is estimated that due to the Covid-19 pandemic nearly 20 million jobs across Africa are under threat, disproportionately affecting young people (15-24 years), whose level of unemployment is twice that of older adults.* Created as a direct response to this challenging economic environment, BetterTogether Africa meets the urgent need for expanded education and employment opportunities for young people, via a series of inspiring challenges, top speakers, community content, awards and prizes.
Mohamed Fall, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa says, “Our young people need skills that can help them succeed in the marketplace. They also need opportunities, which is why collaborations with the private sector and other partners are so important. This is a challenge all sectors of society need to come together to solve.”
A series of four challenges in total will run over the course of three weeks and are uniquely designed to tap into Gen Z’s motivation to better themselves, whilst also bettering the world and raising awareness for global issues. Themes include Mental Health & Wellbeing, Women and Girls’ Empowerment, Employment and Entrepreneurship. Participants submit their response to each challenge via a 60-second video, image, or textual description and on completion receive an accredited digital certificate.
In line with these themes a diverse set of speakers including Sanda Ojiambo (Executive Director of United Nations Global Compact), Sobel Aziz (Executive Director - Social Change Factory), Efe Ukala (Founder of ImpactHER), Nhial Deng (Refugee Peace Ambassador), Adebola Williams (Co-founder and Group CEO of RED I For Africa) will be sharing their insights with the community.
To support program participants further and provide a gateway to new opportunities, prizes are also on offer to multiple winners of each challenge. These include up to $1,000 from HUS Awards, as well as a number of exclusive fellowships with UNICEF, coaching and mentoring opportunities with CEO of private companies and Senior leaders..
Taha Bawa, CEO and Co-Founder of Goodwall says “Since the outset of the BetterTogether initiative we have been working to leverage technology and our unique ecosystem to recognise and address the pressing issues affecting young people across the globe due to Covid-19. We’re excited to bring a regional version of this program to Africa and connect young people across the continent together while connecting them to new opportunities.”
Roberto Benes, Director of Generation Unlimited says "GenU is excited to be a part of this initiative as we believe that transformational change for youth and young people will only be achieved through programs like BetterTogether where actors from all sectors rally together to improve the lives of youth."
Get involved and register for BetterTogether Africa now by visiting www.goodwall.io/bettertogetherafrica, or by downloading the Goodwall app (iOS and Android)
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Notes to editors:
● Sources: *African Union report: Impact of Coronavirus (Covid 19) on the African Economy
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org. For more information about COVID-19, visit www.unicef.org/coronavirus
Follow UNICEF in Africa on Twitter and Facebook
About Generation Unlimited
Generation Unlimited is a global partnership working to prepare young people to become productive and engaged citizens. It connects secondary-age education and training to employment and entrepreneurship, empowering every young person to thrive in the world of work. www.generationunlimited.org. Follow GenU on Twitter and Instagram
About Goodwall
Founded in 2014, Goodwall is a global community that levels the playing field for young people so anyone can connect and discover professional opportunities from scholarships to jobs. With over 1.5M members in more than 150 countries, the mobile-first platform features over 5M jobs & opportunities, more than $1.5M in scholarships & awards and thousands of volunteer events.
About World Organization of the Scout Movement
Scouting is the world’s leading educational youth movement engaging 54 million young people, adult leaders and volunteers in 224 countries and territories worldwide. As a growing Movement, Scouting is deeply embedded in local communities, responding to the diverse needs and aspirations of young people. Since its founding in 1907, Scouting has engaged young people in transformative education, training and learning opportunities. Scouting offers young people a unique non-formal educational experience that directly contributes to their growth and development. Find out more on scout.org.
Contact
UNICEF: Patsy Nakell | pnakell@unicef.org
Generation Unlimited: Andrea Apolo | aapolo@unicef.org
Goodwall: Rachel Sewell | rachel@goodwall.org
SCOUTS: Nelson Opany | nopany@scout.org
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