Creative Minds Foundation

Youth Capacity Building

Program Title

EmpowerED: Youth Leadership and Capacity Building Initiative

Program Overview

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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