Youth Forums provide opportunities for youth in residential care facilities, communities and school-based programmes to advocate for their needs and play a role in decision-making on matters that affect them. The forums provide a conducive environment for youth to advocate for issues, to build on self-esteem and leadership skills, and work with others of different ages and positions for social change.
Following the first youth conference in 2003, the NACCW Youth Forums were established. The forums were conceptualized to continue youth participation established from the conference through regular forums in the country. To date, close to 3,000 youth have been members of the Youth Forums, and over 5,000 youth non-members have been reached through forum activities.
Since the forums’ inception, NACCW has partnered with donors, the Adoptioncentrum and UNICEF, to facilitate forum activities nationally.
Youth Forums are made up of the following:
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Youth meet in groups of 10-20 youth monthly.
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Youth Forums are made up of members and non-members, and include committees of 10 youth, a Chairperson, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Deputy Secretary and six other members, mirroring the structure of NACCW executive committees.
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Youth identify priorities for outreach activities guided by a year plan that bring together youth and stakeholders in the community.
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Youth are supported by child and youth care workers/youth coordinators in activities.
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Youth take part in NACCW youth biennial conferences held parallel to NACCW child and youth care conferences and engage with social service practitioners.
The objectives of the Youth Forums are:
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To give youth a voice in planning activities for their communities.
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To enable youth to participate in local, national and international meetings/conferences/plans.
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To provide a safe and secure environment for information sharing.
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To develop youth’s skills in communication and advocacy.
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To promote social cohesion and peer mentoring.
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To raise awareness of and advocate against substance use, violence and other challenges identified by youth.
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To strengthen a culture of active citizenship among youth and help them become responsible adults who care for their peers, families, and communities.
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To initiate youth development activities to encourage participation of youth in their empowerment.
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To maintain relations and advise relevant structures (municipalities/Parliament) on youth matters.