Call for Applications
Youth SDGs Corps is seeking applications for its inaugural cohort of young leaders passionate about creating SDG solutions in rural communities. The Youth SDGs Corps program brings together twenty (20) motivated young people between the ages of 15-30 years from Ghana to research, design and implement simple but practical actionable SDG solutions in rural Ghana.
It is a voluntary program and does not require full time commitment. The program is designed such that selected fellows will collaborate with their youth counterparts in rural communities to research, design and implement grassroots activities aligned to the SDGs targeting rural communities. Rural areas cover a greater portion of Ghana’s land area and well as function as home for majority of Ghanaians. It is also these areas that face seemingly intractable socio-economic challenges. The project is built on the principle of “leave no one behind” and in particular to fill the rural development gap. We believe that rural areas are engine of ideas and with the right collaborations, they are able to unleash their ideas into solutions.
Each year, the project will select 20 young people who will receive training, mentorship and support to undertake community action projects aligned to the SDGs. For example, these projects could be addressing sanitation and hygiene in schools, mobilize computers/ICT equipment for rural schools, renovation and painting of old school blocks or clinics, supplying library books, Supply of Exercise Books/Test Books, starting a school yard agriculture garden, undertaking a community campaign on human rights, gender-based violence and empowering rural folks on the SDGs and its opportunities.
The selected Youth SDGs Corps will experience first-hand how to conduct project research, design a community project and work in team to fundraise and mobilize resources from a pool of stakeholders including private sectors & businesses, individuals and from development agencies.
The Corps in turn develop new and valuable skills in problem solving, networking, communication, team work, fundraising, research and project management that can go beyond the project cycle and to enrich their resumes/CVs.
Goal
The goal of the project is to stimulate rural actions on the SDGs by activating the power of young people.
SDG Priority Areas
• Poverty (Goal 1)
• Rural Economy (Food Security-Goal 2)
• Health (Goal 3)
• Education (Goal 4)
• Gender (Goal 5)
• Sanitation (Goal 6)
Our Approach
The selected fellows will undergo training on the Agenda2030 for Sustainable Development, how to conduct project research, project management, fundraising, coalition/alliance building, communication etc. The fellows will then be divided into groups to collaborate with their community counterparts/local youth to conduct Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) at the start of the project. The participatory action research will be carried out using methods such as focus group discussions, community mapping through transact walks and household surveys. The rationale for engaging local youth in their own rural communities is particularly innovative to activate local voices to play active roles in the development of their communities. The local youth understand the issues their communities face and can play an active role as active citizens addressing these issues.
Once a need is identified, the team will map potential collaborators and stakeholders to galvanize support and mobilize resources to fully execute the project.
Collaboration and Partnership
The project will be carried out in collaboration with District Assemblies in the project area. The district assemblies will propose potential communities for visit and validation. The Project will seek collaboration and partnership with other organizations such as professional bodies, philanthropic Foundations, clubs and associations, religious and faith institutions, diplomatic communities and sister NGOs.
Eligibility of Youth Corps
• Application is opened to young people between the ages 15-30 years from Ghana. Applications from other countries will NOT be considered.
• Applicants must demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism. This is NOT a paid position.
• Interested in Agenda2030 for Sustainable Development
• Interested in rural development
• Females are highly encouraged to apply.
• Commitment to complete the 1 year program
Benefits to the Youth Corps
• Training on Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
• Certificate after the completion of the 1 year program
• Recognition and profiles featured on our media platforms.
• Invitation to participate and volunteer in events including the flagship African Youth SDGs Summit
• Mentorship opportunities
• Gain valuable voluntary experience and develop new professional skills;
• Build your network with like-minded professionals from diverse professional and academic backgrounds; and
• Develop a more nuanced understanding of issues related to rural development
Application Process:
Shortlisted Applicants will be contacted for phone interview and final list announced.
Deadline of application: 31ST MARCH,2018 at 17:00GMT
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