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No child, when asked what they want most in this world should have this as an answer.
Unfortunately, it is one we hear too often.
Justice Desk Africa believes that all children should have access to their fundamental human rights.
We aim to educate, equip and empower young people from across Africa to stand up against human rights violations within their schools, communities and countries. We do this with our Youth Ambassadors Program.
"I want to be safe."
What is the Youth Ambassadors Program?
This transformative program was designed to empower and engage young individuals as advocates and leaders within their communities. It focuses on cultivating leadership skills, fostering advocacy, and promoting activism among participants. Through a series of training sessions, campaigns, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, the Youth Ambassadors Program equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address human rights issues and contribute to positive change.
The program actively encourages community engagement, involving youth ambassadors in organising and participating in events, awareness campaigns, and local projects that address pressing issues. As part of the program, ambassadors have the chance to network with peers, mentors, and professionals, creating valuable connections and broadening their perspectives.
At the heart of the Youth Ambassadors Program is the implementation of hands-on initiatives. Ambassadors actively contribute to planning and executing projects that align with Justice Desk Africa's goals, providing them with practical experience and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The project also emphasizes the importance of global citizenship, fostering an understanding of international issues and facilitating connections with youth from diverse cultures.
The Youth Ambassadors Program currently works in 9 countries across Africa, with 53 Justice Schools, 96 Advocacy Teachers, and around 212 Youth Ambassadors. The countries we currently work in are South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Tanzania, Kenya, The Gambia and Ghana.
What is a Youth Ambassador?
A Youth Ambassador is a young person who has been chosen by their school to partake in the Youth Ambassadors Program. When a young person is appointed as a Youth Ambassador within their school, it means that they have taken up a position of leadership. These Youth Ambassadors are the face of youth activism within their school context.
The Youth Ambassadors, alongside their Justice Society, are required to complete a Justice Curriculum, which covers important topics that every young person should know when standing up for human rights.
These topics include:
· Human rights
· Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
· Information about their country-specific legal systems
· Campaigning
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What is a Justice School?
A Justice School is a school that Justice Desk Africa has partnered with in order to introduce prospective young students to the Youth Ambassadors Project. The teachers and principals within the Justice School will work alongside our Youth Ambassadors during their time in the project. Each Justice School will set up a Justice Society that will work alongside and learn with the Youth Ambassadors.
What is a Justice Society?
Each Justice School is supported to set up a Justice Society that is guided by the Youth Ambassadors. These societies will allow numerous students across the school to run campaigns and other human rights focused initiatives.
What is an Advocacy Teacher?
An Advocacy Teacher is a teacher that has been appointed a mentorship and leadership position within their Justice School and Society. These teachers guide our Youth Ambassadors on their campaign journeys and further equip them with the necessary skills needed to be an everyday activist and human rights defender.
What is a Lead Ambassador?
Once graduating from the Youth Ambassadors Program, exceptional students will be given the opportunity to become a Lead Ambassador. To become a Lead Ambassador, a Youth Ambassador would have to show immense potential and dedication, as well as a considerable interest in human rights and achieving justice. These Lead Ambassadors will inspire the current Youth Ambassadors in their journey of social justice, as well as serving an example for the impact of justice work.