Youth Capacity Building
EmpowerED: Youth Leadership and Capacity Building Initiative
The EmpowerED initiative aims to equip young people in Eswatini with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to become effective leaders and change-makers in their communities. The program will follow a phased approach, from initial training to alumni engagement, ensuring continuous support and development.
Phase 1:
Recruitment and Orientation (Month 1)
Goals:
– Identify and recruit a diverse group of 100 youths aged 18-35.
– Provide an overview of the program goals and structure.
Activities:
– Outreach Campaigns: Utilize social media, community centers, and universities to attract participants.
– Application Process: Create an online application form and selection criteria.
– Orientation Workshops: Conduct workshops to introduce program objectives, expectations, and the road ahead.
Phase 2:
Skills Development Workshops (Months 2-4)
Goals:
– Build foundational skills in leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
Activities:
– Leadership Training: Workshops focusing on personal development, teamwork, and public speaking.
– Entrepreneurship Bootcamp: Sessions on business planning, financial literacy, and marketing.
– Civic Engagement: Training on advocacy, community organization, and policy shaping.
– Skill Assessments: Pre- and post-training evaluations to measure skill development.
Phase 3:
Practical Experience and Community Projects (Months 5-8)
Goals:
– Engage participants in practical experiences within their communities to apply learned skills.
Activities:
– Volunteer Opportunities: Partner with local NGOs and community groups for short-term volunteering.
– Community Impact Projects: Participants design and implement a community service project addressing local issues (e.g., health awareness, environmental sustainability).
– Mentorship Program: Pair participants with local leaders and professionals for guidance and support during project implementation.
Phase 4:
Networking and Leadership Opportunities (Months 9-10)
Goals:
– Facilitate networking and exposure to leadership opportunities.
Activities:
– Networking Events: Organize forums and seminars with local and regional leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
– Guest Speaker Series: Invite industry leaders to share their experiences and insights.
– Leadership Retreat: A weekend retreat focused on advanced leadership training, team-building exercises, and personal reflection.
Phase 5:
Evaluation and Feedback (Month 11)
Goals:
– Assess the overall impact of the program and gather feedback for improvement.
Activities:
– Surveys and Interviews: Collect quantitative and qualitative feedback from participants regarding their experiences.
– Impact Reports: Prepare a report highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
– Final Evaluation Workshop: Conduct a gathering to discuss findings and peer experiences.
Phase 6:
Alumni Engagement and Support (Month 12 and beyond)
Goals:
– Maintain a supportive network for program alumni to continue their growth and engagement.
Activities:
– Alumni Network Launch: Establish a platform (online forum or social media group) for alumni to connect, share resources, and collaborate.
– Continuous Learning Opportunities: Offer advanced workshops, webinars, and refresher courses on relevant topics.
– Leadership Development Projects: Encourage alumni to initiate or participate in new community projects, acting as mentors for younger cohorts.
– Annual Alumni Gathering: Host a yearly event where alumni can showcase their work, share success stories, and collaborate on projects.
Program Assessment and Continued Improvement:
– Regularly analyze participant feedback and program outcomes to adapt and enhance the program based on the evolving needs of young people in Eswatini.
– Create a strategy to invite suggestions and ideas from participants and alumni for new themes, topics, or skills to be covered in future cohorts.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Enhanced leadership and entrepreneurship skills among participants.
2. Increased community engagement and impact through projects initiated by participants.
3. A robust alumni network fostering continuous learning and collaboration.
This program structure intends to create a strong foundation that not only empowers youth in Eswatini but also builds a sustainable community of leaders and changemakers.

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