Building the Future WE Want

"Building the Future We Want" - Online global forum

by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) and the Department of Public Information (DPI)

12 to 24 September 2012 (http://bit.ly/ecosocWE).

 

Following the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June, the United Nations is continuing its efforts to promote sustainable development and to prepare a new development agenda that will take us beyond 2015.

 

5 simple steps to support this campaign:

 

1.    Tell your friends and followers.

2.    Visit http://bit.ly/ecosocWE on Facebook and/or use #futureWEwant or #beyond2015 on Twitter.

3.    Participate in the online forum, and ask your friends, and family members to post their questions on what, why, and how countries should deal with sustainable development challenges (rising unemployment, food security, biodiversity, climate change, sustainable consumption and production, land degradation, water, energy, sustainable cities, financing and technology transfer). Selected questions will be answered live on 24 September.

4.    Bring an impact to the campaign by posting the graphic identity, “Building the Future We Want” on Facebook (Profile and cover pictures) and on Twitter with a hyperlink to www.un.org/en/ecosoc/we. Downloadable visuals (Images and promo video) are available on http://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/we/resources.shtml

5.    On 24 September, watch live responses to your questions on www.un.org/en/ecosoc/we ; www.un.org/webcast ; www.livestream.com/ecosoc

 

 

Here are some Tweets you can use before 24 September  

 

-Join the campaign,"Building the Future WE Want". Ask questions! http://bit.ly/ecosocWE  and/or #futureWEwant #beyond2015

-Let's build #FutureWEwant! Help shape conversation #beyond2015 @UNECOSOC. Ask your questions http://bit.ly/ecosocWE  http://bit.ly/RDMvUm 

-Let's build #FutureWEwant! Help shape conversation #beyond2015 @UNECOSOC ministerial meeting http://bit.ly/RDMvUm
-Help shape conversation #beyond2015, building #FutureWEwant! Send your question to @UNECOSOC & watch Q&A session live: http://bit.ly/ecosocWE 
-Get all details on Special @UNECOSOC Meeting here and learn why your input is important for #FutureWEwant! http://bit.ly/ecosocWE 
-To get your question answered by #UN Member States, send them now using #FutureWEwant and #beyond2015! Learn more: http://bit.ly/ecosocWE 
-More efforts are needed to solve challenges ahead & #beyond2015 to build #FutureWEwant! Learn more: http://bit.ly/ecosocWE 
-#UN ECOSOC is taking action. Help shape the agenda you too, building #FutureWEwant #beyond2015! For all details on how to do this: _{http://bit.ly/ecosocWE} 
-Help shape dialogue @UNECOSOC meeting by sending questions using #FutureWEwant & #beyond2015. Here’s why it’s important:
http://bit.ly/RDMvUm

Online Survey Seeking Youth Input for the UN Secretary General's Youth Initiative

Around the world, focus is shifting to the youth. The UN seeks to open up dialogue and resources for strategies, action plans and frameworks that can engage, involve and mobilise youth around the world. This survey will garner ideas and input that could potentially be included in the UN action plan. 

The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon open addressing to youth on the survey form states "This is why I have decided to appoint a Special Advisor on Youth, and why we are developing an Action Plan to guide the whole UN system in our work for and with young people around the world. [...] With young people across the world demanding a voice as never before, the United Nations wants to hear from you. What are your concerns? What are your hopes? What should the United Nations be doing to help?"

The five priority areas identified by the Secretary General on which the action plan will focus are:

• Employment
• Entrepreneurship
• Education, including education on sexual and reproductive health
• Citizenship and protection of rights
• Political inclusion

The survey represents an excellent opportunity for youth and youth organizations to contribute to the making of the action plan and to make sure their opinions, ideas and thoughts are represented. The deadine has now been extended until Tuesday, 21 August 2012. The survey is available in 6 languages [English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese] and can be found on the links below: 

• ·  Arabic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NZLMTL6
  ·  Chinese: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NVJ8PYJ  
  ·  English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BFKH85W
  ·  French: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FMJHN2B
  ·  Russian: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NLGVB83
  ·  Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FJK3P3G

Your contributions and feedback to the survey can really have an impact on the way the UN work on youth issues! Please contribute and spread the word!

Global Youth Service Day 2012 - Just 44 days away!

It's not too late to get involved! Here's how:

Register Your GYSD Project!

How will you change your world on GYSD? Are you planning a GYSD service project or celebration event? Register it today on GYSD.org!

Why register?

• Registering helps promote your project. We direct media, elected officials, partners, and volunteers to the map to find projects and events in their area.
• Registering helps YSA tell the full story of what's happening on GYSD. All projects registered on GYSD.org are included in the GYSD Final Report.
• Registering is easy! It takes less than 5 minutes.

We'll accept registrations through GYSD, but the sooner, the better! Register your project today at www.GYSD.org/register.

Become a Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) 2012 Blogger!

We're looking for service lovers to blog about their projects to feature on YSA's (Youth Service America) blog. This is a chance to share why GYSD is important to you and to inspire others to get involved in the largest service event in the world. Share project ideas, planning process highlights, creative reflection activities, community impact, and more. Apply by 2/29 if you're interested! http://bit.ly/yXmFxy

GYSD Project Planning Resources Now Available at GYSD.org!

Youth Service America, organizers of GYSD, publishes a set of posters, toolkits, and curricula guides to help you plan your Global Youth Service Day (or Semester of Service!) event. YSA's 2012 Semester of Service and Global Youth Service Day resources are available for download, including:

• 2012 Semester of Service Strategy Guide             
• 2012 Semester of Service Planning Calendar Poster
• 2012 Global Youth Service Day Toolkit
• 2012 Global Youth Service Day Poster

These resources are step-by-step guides to help youth and adult project organizers plan and lead a high quality Semester of Service or Global Youth Service Day projects. All four resources are available for download here.

Get Your GYSD 2012 Apparel!

Are you planning a service project or celebration event for Global Youth Service Day - April 20-22, 2012? Order your GYSD 2012 apparel today!  The deadline to order GYSD 2012 apparel is 8am CST, March 6, 2012. At that time the store will be turned off and production will start. All orders will be processed and delivered to you no later than April 13, 2012.

Are you looking for items that feature your organization or sponsor? All of the items featured in the store are available for customization.  http://GYSD.nationalservicegear.org 

YPWC hopes to see you there! :)

OPEN: eDiscussion on ‘Youth Engagement in the U.N. System’!

With significant increase in youth awareness and participation worldwide, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) is exploring ways to enhance youth involvement in the UN system.

The Global Youth Help Desk (GYHD) is a UN-Habitat initiative, developed in collaboration with partners, to provide up-to-date information on urban youth issues, regionally and globally. The site aims to promote best practices, knowledge sharing and action on urban youth issues.

The forum is open for all!

1st event: Discussion about youth awareness, participation and development during the International Year of Youth (12 August 2010 – 12 August 2011).

A series of online discussions and debates on:

•          youth involvement and development in the UN system
•          creating a framework for this purpose
•          potential challenges in the implementation of such a vast project

To facilitate the discussion, a report has been prepared laying out the various possible ways of involving youth in the UN system.  Read it here!

Register now at http://edebates.globalyouthdesk.org! 

Add YOUR voice to the debate on whether youth should have a greater say in the UN system!

What you decide here will influence international agendas of development in the years to come. 

  

Young People We Care: YPWC –Regional Partner of Youth Service AmericaInv...

Young People We Care: YPWC –Regional Partner of Youth Service AmericaInv...: YPWC –Regional Partner of Youth Service America Invites YOU to join us on Global Youth Service Day Every year, children and youth arou...

YPWC –Regional Partner of Youth Service America Invites YOU to join us on Global Youth Service Day

Every year, children and youth around the world dedicate their time, effort and heart to serving their communities and changing lives.  

Every one of them is a hero. 

Every one of them deserves to be appreciated, supported and respected.

The Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is a time when all these young people with big hearts and even bigger dreams come together to celebrate their efforts and the power of youth to effect change in our world. In the past, youth have undertaken projects ranging from clean-up activities to tree planting activities.

But more than just celebrating, GYSD also provides a platform to bring these youth together, to link projects and build partnerships across the globe.

The strength of a chain is in the strength of its weakest link. 

GYSD aims to strengthen these links. After all, in the realm of advocacy and social change, the smallest community action project is as important as bigger projects.

Young People We Care (YPWC) is proud to be a GYSD regional partner of Youth Service America (YSA). In 2012, we will expand our efforts to promoting and encouraging youth participation and initiatives in serving their communities through our network in Ghana and worldwide. We are a firm partner and supporter of GYSD.

Do you have a burning desire to do something to make the world a more sustainable one? Or do you prefer taking matters into your own hands, becoming a leader and putting ideas into action? Do you want to learn more about what others are doing around the world?

 Itching to do something?

Well, here is something prepared by GYSD to help you get started!

GYSD Project Planning Resource includes:

·         Information about GYSD

·         Steps to project planning

o   Investigate

o   Prepare and Plan

o   Act

o   Reflect

o   Demonstrate and Celebrate

Rio to Rio + 20 Update_Call for Applications for GEEBIZ Competition : Re-inventing Green Corporation

Greetings Friends,

We just had interesting news from our partner - Peace Child International on the lunch of the Road to Rio + 20 Green Business Competition.

Please follow this link to check it up and apply if you meet the requirements:
http://www.opportunitiesforyouth.org/2011/05/06/the-small-is-challenge-calling-all-young-inventors/

Thank you in advance and don't forget to follow us on our new Facebook fun page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Young-People-We-Care/143440732395259

if you want to still receive regular updates from us on youth and development issues.

Regards

Emmanuel Duker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : YOUNG PEOPLE WE CARE (YPWC) RECEIVES YOUTH SERVICE AMERICA’S DISNEY’S FRIENDS FOR CHANGE GRANT TO HELP KIDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

BUNKPURUGU-YUNYOO, NORTHERN REGION –13TH APRIL 2011– MATTHEW NYANNUBE YOSAH, A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES WA, AND PROJECT OFFICER OF YOUNG PEOPLE WE CARE (YPWC) GHANA IN NORTHERN REGION was one of the selected youth leaders around the world to be awarded a $500 Disney’s fiends for Change Grant from YSA (Youth Service America) to support youth-led projects encouraging kids, families and communities to work together to make a positive change in their world.

One of 20 grants awarded in the United States, Matthew Nyannube Yosah will implement Youth Participatory Environmental Action for Sustainable Development from April 15th to 17th in celebration of Global Youth Service Day, the world’s largest and longest-running youth-led service campaign. According to Matthew, ‘Youth Participatory Environmental Action for Sustainable Development is a community felt, need-based and grassroots approach to a youth-led community action project that seeks to enhance the environmental health of communities. Located in the Northern Region of Ghana, an intervention is needed to enhance the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal 7 (Ensuring Environmental Sustainability) and improving climate change globally’.

Disney's Friends for Change (www.disney.com/projectgreen) is a program created to inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). The grants offer youth needed resources to bring environmental initiatives to life and inspire change within their local communities.

“These grants were extremely competitive, but ‘Youth Participatory Environmental Action for Sustainable Development’ exemplified the goals of the Disney’s Friends for Change program,” said Steve Culbertson, President and CEO of Youth Service America. “Young people in Kinkangu want to make a difference, and Disney’s Friends for Change Grant, in coordination with YSA (Youth Service America), offers them the resources needed to make a positive, measurable impact on their community.”

Now in its 23rd year, Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) engages millions of young people via partnerships with schools, youth development, community, and faith-based organizations. Events are currently planned in more than 100 countries and in all 50 states, addressing the most challenging local, national and global issues facing the world including health, literacy, childhood hunger and the environment.

"Kids and families are at the heart of everything we do athttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Disney. We strive to partner with and inspire the next generation to improve the planet’s future by using creativity, arts and problem--solving to make a difference through Disney’s Friends for Change Grants,” said Leslie Goodman, senior vice president, Corporate Citizenship, The Walt Disney Company.

For more information about Youth Participatory Environmental Action For Sustainable Development visit www.ypwc.org and also join our Facebook fun page. For more information about YSA (Youth Service America) and Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), visit www.YSA.org.

###

Disney's Friends for Change is a multiplatform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 3 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughout Europe, Latin America, Japan, India, and China. Kids can join online at www.Disney.com/projectgreen .

Youth Service America (YSA) improves communities by increasing the number and the diversity of young people, ages 5-25, serving in substantive roles. Founded in 1986, YSA supports a global culture of engaged youth committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership, and achievement. The impact of YSA’s work through service and service-learning is measured in student achievement, workplace readiness, and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.YSA.org.

Young People We Care (YPWC) is a youth led and youth focused organization headquartered in Ghana. Founded in 2005,our mission is to educate and inform youth on global issues, inspire them to take action, encourage their participation in global issues, identify and build sustainable partnerships aimed at youth development and provide young people with tools and resources for effective action. Our vision is to provide a ‘youthful voice’ that seeks to address the numerous challenges facing young people by effectively using young resourceful minds to influence the course of global policy formulation and development in a consistent and harmonized manner. For more information, visit: www.ypwc.org .

CONTACT:
Diane Dray
818-567-5384
The Walt Disney Company
diane.dray@disney.com

Jen Voss
Youth Service America
202-650-5064
jvoss@ysa.org

Matthew Nyannube Yosah
Young People We Care/ Development Education Club
+233-249431332
matthew@ypwc.org

YPWC in Rio + 20 Partners Meeting (UK) & Voice YOUR Opinion in our Global Youth Survey

Dear YPWC's

I hope you all had a good start to the new year! Please see below for some information on what is going on with the launch of the Road to Rio + 20 project and how YOU can get involved:


YPWC Excited about Participation in Rio + 20 Partners Meeting in the UK:
On January 28 - 31 2011, Young People We Care representatives Michael Boampong (Founder and Principal advisor for YPWC) and Johanna Dans (joining the YPWC team in February as the Regional Coordinator for the Road to Rio + 20 Project - West and Central Africa) will gather together with representatives of the 13 Road to Rio + 20 partner organizations in Buntingford, UK, to discuss and plan our exciting involvement in the project.

Road to Rio+20 Global Youth Survey on Sustainable Development
Peace Child International in partnership with YPWC will organize and host an Africa Regional Summit in Accra, Ghana as part of the Road to Rio consultation process to place youth at the centre of the Earth Summit in Rio in 2012. The main theme will be sustainability and the role youth can play in ensuring that governments do not drop the goals of the original Earth Summit held in 1992, as well as identifying what young people can do. We need your input! Please help us gather information for Road to Rio Project by completing a 10 question short survey here.  As a thank you, you'll be able to enter the draw for the participation in one of our Road to Rio+20 regional meetings around the world, in the summer/fall of 2011.

As a recent addition to theYPWC team this coming February, I am also hoping to strenghten the already existing bonds between YPWC that have been linking it with international partners, and especially those in West and Central Africa, to work together in this warm and welcoming atmosphere to work for such an important cause as promoting young people's involvement in sustainable development.

If you have any questions on Road to Rio + 20 project, our would like to become involved, please don't hesitate to contact: Michael Boampong at Michael@ypwc.org or Johanna Dans johanna.dans@ypwc.org

YPWC Thank You 2010

Dear YPWCer:

Five years ago, a group of young people founded Young People We Care to promote youth-led development through building the capacity of young people in Ghana and beyond to be active change makers and to also direct engage young people in development issues such as the Millennium Development Goals, HIV/AIDS and International Migration. We have had tremendous success over the past five years including: hosting more than 60 global anti poverty campaigns, supporting young people on three occasions to have a voice at the Global Forum on Migration and Development and bringing together over 80,000 young people for inter-generational dialogues on development issues with policymakers and people who matter most in development.

Recall, that for the 2nd time we were selected for an award by the United Nations Volunteer in recognition for our innovative voluntary support in the area of youth-led development on International Volunteers Day and also as a as a Regional Lead Agency by Youth Service America. Organizations such as ours, which is supported by volunteers, funds from individuals and some amount of small grants from donor organizations rarely do well in such difficult environment.

As the holiday season approaches, we’d like to thank you for your moral support. The exciting accomplishments would not have been proudly achieved without you.

As YPWC gets stronger, we have innovative ideas on how engage young people in promoting sustainable development. However, we would not be able to realize our noble vision without your support. As the year draws to a close for a new year, please think of YPWC if you are considering supporting a youth organization that aims to create a better tomorrow through the active engagement of young people. We need your help to keep this important work alive!

We have the vision, so having your generous support can ensure that our work is done in a more structured and forward-looking manner. Here’s what your donation will provide:

• With a $5 donation you can support the travelling cost to schools where we have Development Education Clubs.
• With a $15 donation you can buy programs, posters and refreshments for community and school events.
• With a $50 donation you can sponsor an online consultation on a key issue such as poverty and MDGs and Migration.
• With a $125 donation you can sponsor a development oriented campaign such as STAND UP 2011.
• With a $500 donation you can support a Fundraising and Advocacy Training for youth.
• With a $1500 donation you can support a 4 young people to implement innovative activities on Global Youth Service Day in April 2011.
• With a $5000 donation you can support the August 2011, Road to Rio + 20 Regional event in Accra-Ghana.

Please help us move into 2011 with a guaranteed mission of educating and informing youth on key development issues; inspiring youth to take action; encouraging youth participation in global issues; identifying and building sustainable partnerships aimed at youth development; and providing young people with tools and resources for effective action. Your donation can be made easily and securely on our partner’s page (Omprakash) (full link at: https://omprakash.org/DonationForm?go=DonationForm&p=166)

If you need more information on our fundraising strategies please contact Shantell at: shantell.scott@ypwc.org or Tel: +233-3220-52537

Thank you in advance and we look forward to sharing much good news with you throughout 2011 in the spirit of co-development and solidarity.

With very best wishes,

Michael Boampong

Founder and Advisor, Young People We Care

michael@ypwc.org

Shantell L. Scott

Executive Director, Young People We Care

shantell.scott@ypwc.org

Volunteer in Ghana, West Africa

Image by zug55 The Manhyia Palace was built by the British in 1925 to receive Asantehene (ruler of the Ashanti people) Prempeh I when he returned from a quarter of a century of exile in the Seychelles to resume residence in Kumasi. It was used by the Ashanti kings until 1974. It now serves as a museum, containing a range of items relating to the Ashanti Kingdom, particularly Prempeh I (ruled 1888-1931) and Prempeh II (ruled 1931-1970).

Have you ever thought about volunteering in a developing country like Ghana? Ghana is one of the most stable nations in Africa and voted as the 2nd most peaceful nation in Africa on the Global Peace Index.

Thousands of volunteers visit Ghana every year and spend anything from a few weeks to months working in different parts of the country to help make a difference. Some volunteer projects are based in Accra, the capital, and others can be located in rural areas spanning the breadth of Ghana.

YPWC's volunteer projects are based in and around Kumasi which is in the historical Ashanti Region in the centre of the southern half of Ghana. Kumasi is an excellent and central base from which to explore the whole country too.

The beautiful Rainbow Garden Village at Lake Bosumtwi (another resort) is just an hour outside of Kumasi on public transport. Once you arrive it's hard to believe such lush and beautiful surrounds are so close to the bustling city centre.

Some of the things volunteers will do at YPWC:

• Newsletter and website marketing and regular updating;
• Proposal writing;
• Running the Book Project series;
• Youth Migration and Development projects;
• Youth MDGs Programme;
• HIV/AIDS sensitisation in schools and community groups;
• Connecting North and South Schools/Youth Groups.

Read about just a few of the opportunities available in 2010.

Check out YPWC on Idealist.org.

A diverse range of images from Kumasi

Image by zug55

Kumasi's huge central market by Hugues

YPWC: DISNEY’S FRIENDS FOR CHANGE GRANT ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Where: BUNKPURUGU-YUNYOO, GHANA
25TH SEPTEMBER, 2010

Mr Jakperuk Judges Bilanmah of YPWC’s Development Education Club was one of 75 international applicants to receive a Disney’s Friends for Change Grant worth $500. The grant is administered by Youth Service America for youth-led environmental initiatives. A major project component occurs on International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 25.

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is a program that encourages young people to take steps together with their friends to help the planet. The grants, administered by Youth Service America (YSA), offer youth the resources they need to bring environmental initiatives to life for their local communities, including the new Friends for Change project guide providing youth with helpful tips on contacting local media and public officials.

The Greening Ghanaian Child and Youth For Sustainable Development project engaged 100 children and youth in an environmental improvement initiative which was led by YPWC Development Education Club at Najiong No.1 Kings and Queens International School in the Bunkpurugu Yunyoo District of Northern Region in Ghana.

The project embarked on a cleanup exercise at the school, street, market, public toilets, urinal pits and capacity building workshops where young people were trained as “Green Child for Sustainable Environment Advocates”. Participants also discussed issues including, but not limited to, the MDGs, with emphasis on the MDG 7: Importance of Clean environment, Time Management. The group planted 20 mango trees on the school compound.

Waste collection and disposal bins, brooms, detergents and other items were also presented to the School Head Mistress, Madam Amuquandoh Hawa, who expressed her gratitude for such need-based intervention.

The PTA Board members present were Mr. Laamong Burika (Chairman), Mr. Elijah Laari-Bugri (Member), Mr. James Chapoli Suuk (Secretary). They expressed gratitude during a community impact assessment forum for such an intervention in their community--one of a kind ever realized in their community.

Matthew Nyannube Yosah,YPWC Project Officer, said “the Greening Ghanaian Child and Youth For Sustainable Development project was a grass-roots, child-led community service intervention responsive to the current environmental needs of the community as far as filth and climate change is concerned”.

He encouraged the community to involve children in decision making and in community developmental processes so as to showcase their aspirations and concerns in order to influence change. He again pledged the commitment of Young People We Care (YPWC) in sustaining the project even as the service dates are over since it helps achieve its mission as a youth led, youth serving organization”

“Youth around the world care a great deal about the environment,” said Steve Culbertson, YSA president and CEO. Disney’s Friends for Change grants provide thousands of young people opportunities to address the issues that are the most pressing in their communities.

National Public Lands Day is on September 25. Last year, 150,000 volunteers participated in local activities to improve and enhance America’s public lands.

For more information about the Disney Friends for Change Grants, visit Disney.com/projectgreen. To learn more about Youth Service America, visit www.YSA.org.

Disney's Friends for Change: Project Green is a multiplatform initiative that helps kids help the planet. Through the program, kids can learn practical ways to help the environment, get their friends involved, track their collective impact and have the opportunity to help Disney decide how $1 million in donations to various environmental causes will be made over the course of a year. Kids can join online at www.Disney.com/projectgreen, where they'll commit to taking simple everyday actions, such as turning off the lights and switching to reusable water bottles, and find out more about why these actions matter. To date, kids have taken 1.5 million pledges that stand to prevent more than 70,000 tons of carbon emissions per year, save nearly 122 million gallons of water per month and prevent close to 200,000 pounds of trash from entering landfills every month.

Youth Service America (YSA) improves communities by increasing the number and the diversity of young people, ages 5-25, serving in substantive roles. Founded in 1986, YSA supports a global culture of engaged youth committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership, and achievement. The impact of YSA’s work through service and service-learning is measured in student achievement, workplace readiness, and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.YSA.org.

Young People We Care (YPWC) is a youth led and youth focused organization headquartered in Ghana. The organization is operated by young people (ages 15–30) and adult allies working on youth and development related issues worldwide. Our mission is to educate and inform youth on global issues, inspire them to take action, encourage their participation in global issues, identify and build sustainable partnerships aimed at youth development and provide young people with tools and resources for effective action. Visit us at: www.ypwc.org

CONTACT: Lily Bedrossian
818-553-7292
The Walt Disney Company
Lily.Bedrossian@disney.com

Brandon Gryde Youth Service America
202-296-2992 x 128
bgryde@ysa.org

Matthew Nyannube Yosah
Young People We Care
+233-249431332
matthew@ypwc.org

Mango tree planting image by treesftf

Stand Up, Take Action 17-19 September 2010

Many citizens across the world are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the slow progress being made towards achieving the MDGs and are taking action by petitioning and talking to their elected representatives. In 2009 more than 173 million people gathered at "Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now!" events, setting a new world record for the largest mobilisation of this kind. Visit http://standagainstpoverty.org.

This year, the United Nations held the Millennium Development Goal Review Summit from 20th to 22nd September.

 YPWC's Programme's Director involved in radio phone-in in Kumasi

Meanwhile, YPWC held its own Stand Up events in the days leading up to the UN Summit. This is how it went:

DAY 1: SUTA @ SEA SCHOOL, 17TH SEPTEMBER, 2010

The first day of SUTA activity took place at Sea School at Kwadaso Community in Kumasi.

One student said, ‘We want our government to be committed in ensuring that the MDGs are well-achieved for a better life for all Ghanaians’.

The Proprietor of the School, Mr. Atta Badu, read the STAND UP PLEDGE to the hearing of
the student populace and the entire staff at the assembly ground. Both students and
teachers stooped down and STOOD UP whilst making noise for the MDGs. Students then
proceeded to the dining hall where they continued making noise for the MDGs by banging
spoons on metal plates as a way of illustrating hunger.

DAY 2: RADIO DISCUSSION @ KFm 103.7, KUMASI, 18TH SEPTEMBER, 2010

The Programmes Director of YPWC, Francis Koomson and the Development Officer, Stephen
Acheampong had a fruitful discussion live on KFm 103.7 with Nana Gyantuah, the host of
the popular ‘Entertainment Edge’ in Kumasi.

 Francis Koomson, YPWC's Programme's Director, on air in Kumasi

Discussion centered on MDGs, the need for localizing the MDGs, citizens participation and monitoring at the grassroot level, recommendations on what Government must do in order to realize the MDGs by 2015, and why SUTA 2010.

After the discussion they held a phone-In Segment during which callers requested information on MDGs, how they can participate in the annual STAND UP call, and how to be involved in ensuring they hold government accountable.

YPWC staff ensured that the message was passed on to callers during the phone in session. 


DAY 3: MAKE NOISE FOR THE MDGs AT CHURCH SERVICES,
19TH SEPTEMBER, 2010

YPWC took the SUTA activities to the Pakyi No. 2 and Ahenema Kokoben Assemblies of
the Church of Pentecost respectively.

In both locations the Presiding Elders read the pledge to the congregation after the Programmes Director had done the yeoman job of explaining the SUTA 2010 to the congregation.

Members numbering 250 and 425, respectively, stood up and made noise for the MDGs. The congregations sung and played musical instruments, vuvuzelas and whistles.
OTHER YPWC ACTIVITIES
1. Isaac Twumasi Ampofo, the Executive Director of Richbone Initiative Foundation (RBI)
in Accra, organized the STAND UP event successfully at Sarfoa Memorial School by
kicking out poverty through a football competition involving students, teachers and
staff of RBI. It drew a crowd of 250 people.

2. Matthew Yosah, a Project Officer of YPWC for the Northern Sector of Ghana, in
collaboration with his MDGs Support Club, held a SUTA 2010 event at
University of Development Studies. Check this link:
http://www.ghananewsagency.org/s_economics/r_20523/

3. Samson Nimako, an MDGs advocate, organized a STAND UP event at Church of
Pentecost, Assin Sibinso Assembly, with a church population of 100 people. Members
openly declared their stand against poverty and made noise with the musical
instruments to that effect.

4. Abdul Hasim, an MDGs advocate, organized the STAND UP event at Bunkprungu
Senior High School in the Northern Region through a football match. 270 people
including students and the public partook in the event kicking out poverty.

What Did YPWC Learn From This?
During the activities it became clear that there was little knowledge of what the MDGs are. We identified a need to educate and inform the citizens on MDGs and more especially on global development issues.

YPWC would want to strengthen its Development Education Unit by opening more development education clubs at various first cycle and second cycle institutions in the country to train students on MDGs and how they can be involved in development issues.

YPWC would like to collaborate more closely with the media, especially the radio stations, to cover a larger spectrum of people in the MDGs education process, and also on global development issues.

What were the Challenges?

The main challenge was that the media showed little or no interest in the event and in development issues, generally. such as MDGs. They appear to be more interested in political issues than social issues, even though the MDGs are both political and social.

The public has little awareness of the MDGs indicating that better communications is needed to raise public awareness of the MDG campaign itself, and then on tangible strategies to try and meet the MDGs.

Actions Going Forward

YPWC believes that MDGs/GCAP Ghana, in collaboration with partner organisations, should take on the task of reminding Government of their pledge to realize the MDGs by 2015 through press releases, letters to Members of Parliament, planned peace protests and through any other appropriate medium.

MDGs/GCAP Ghana together with its partner organisations should seek ways of
monitoring progress at the grassroot level and encouraging citizen participation in the
realization of the MDGs.

We recommend that governments should adopt a reliable scoring model to enable them assess the trend of progress made in realizing the MDGs by 2015.

To raise awareness, YPWC will produce a Youth Community Action Guide on the MDGs to guide young people in taking more action on the MDGs at the grassroot level.

YPWC: ‘STAND UP, TAKE ACTION AND MAKE NOISE’

With funding from the United Nations Millennium Campaign, Africa Office (Kenya), on 17th September 2010, YPWC held an event to mark the International Day Against Poverty as part of activities towards making the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) reality.

The event was developed to give religious youth groups in the Pakyi community the platform to urge government and the international community to fulfill the MDGs promises they made in 2000—through football! In Africa (and Ghana is no exception) football offers youth an excellent forum to unite, have fun and show support for causes.

The objectives were to:

• Create awareness about the MDGs;
• Remind government to implement MDGs-based development strategies;
• Maintain the focus on poor and vulnerable groups, particularly children, youth, physically disabled people, and women’s groups;
• Demand increased transparency, accountability, monitoring and evaluation on MDGs related government programmes.

The event was attended by a Chief Imam, Pastors, community elders, YPWC staff and volunteers, Hon. Abieku Ahin (who stood in for Hon. Grace Addo, MP for Amansie West), Assemblyman for Pakyi No. 2, Mr Seidu Abdulai (who was representing Hon. Charles Oti Prempeh, the District chief Executive for Amasie West District). Mr Robert Hagan, former Sekondi Hassakas player, was the technical director for the day.

The main event was a game of football at Pakyi no2 Presby School Park between teams comprised of different faiths from the Pakyi area in Ghana. The competition was designed to send a symbolic message of unity from Muslims and Christian youth to Ghanaians that peace, especially among tribal and religious groups, is essential to reduce poverty and achieve the MDGs.

The five teams were named after the MDGs (with the name of the faith following):

• Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger (Ghana Apostolic church)
• Achieve Universal Primary Education (the church of Pentecost)
• Promote Gender Equality and empower Women (Presbyterian church)
• Reduce Child Mortality (Muslim Youth Team)
• Improve Maternal Health (Global Believers church)

Before kick-off, Elder Bismark Asaere, who served as Chairman for the event, addressed guests. He observed that poverty poses real challenges to raising young people in Ghana and that it denies many children quality education, health care and employment. He added that it was important that citizens hold the government accountable to its pledge to eradicate extreme poverty by 2015 and explained that the youth have an important role to play in this. He urged churches to take advantage of the day’s games to learn more about the MDGs and to also help monitor progress towards achieving them. Finally, he cautioned the players to play fair!

“Actions and Passion to Kick Out Poverty and Win the Trophy”

YPWC donated jerseys that were branded with the goals to each team who selected their MDG in a ballot just before kick-off. The first match was officially “kicked off” by Hon. Abeiko Ahin.
Four(4) churches and a team from the Muslim community played together for the trophy. Each team vowed to kick out poverty in their friendly match with their opponents.

The final winner was Ghana Apostolic Church (Eradicate extreme poverty and Hunger), beating the church of Pentecost 2-1 in the finals.

The teams and the dignitaries enjoyed refreshments after the short presentation and closing ceremony.

At the end of the day, ‘Games against Poverty’ gave participants, guests and dignitaries a chance to truly understand what the MDGs stand for and to ‘STAND UP, TAKE ACTION AND MAKE NOISE’ themselves. A total number of 3002 people raised a loud voice and made noise against poverty, many signing onto the campaign.

Read more about our activities at YPWC's main web site.

ViewChange Films and Youth Olympics

What are people doing to help end poverty, disease, hunger, conflict, inequality, and illiteracy? ViewChange Online Film Contest showcases powerful films that tell stories of progress in developing countries. Films can win $20,000. Contest closes: 3rd September.

On 23rd August, 2010, we discovered UN enables athletes to know their carbon footprint at Youth Olympics.

The Youth Olympic Games are being held in Singapore, now, and aside from the honour of competing at the highest level in international sport, young athletes will also learn about climate change.

The United Nations Environment arm will hold workshops and activities with the young athletes to educate them about climate change—and their role in it.

“Some of the activities that UNEP is coordinating during the inaugural Youth Olympics include the bicycle generator, which entails the riding of a bicycle connected to a dynamo that produces electricity. By riding the bicycle the athletes will gain a sense of how much effort is needed to produce enough electricity to run a CD player and heat a mug of water.”

“Another activity is the carbon footprint calculator—an interactive computer software enabling the athletes to calculate their personal carbon footprint and learn the exact environmental impact of their activities.”

Youth Film and Climate Change

Youth Change 180: An International Film Festival for Youth by Youth

This is a short film festival for youth to allow youth to show themselves positively impacting their community, “telling a story of leadership and social justice.”

The organizers say that they are more interested in story than cinematic craftsmanship. Entries are open to youth 18 years and younger.

We came across another interesting, youth-led article on Mon Aug 16, 2010. African Youth Raise their Voices on Climate Change edited by Esther Agbarakwe, Founder and Coordinator of The Nigeria Youth Climate Coalition.

“Already young people in Africa are recognisin that climate change will undermine efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve the Millenium Development Goals. This raises serious questions about justice and equity. The present generation of African youth will spend the next 40 years of their lives de-carbonising the environment even though they have not been the ones responsible for climate change.”

The article explained that young people in Africa are uniting to be heard under the umbrella African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC), with a regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, and connected with The Nigerian and Ghana Youth Climate Coalition groups.

They ask, “What do the wealthiest nations that have grown rich by polluting the environment owe to the young people in regions that are hit hardest by climate change?”

This is a huge question and one we will continuously try to address at YPWC. You can read more at our site by clicking the link.

Youth Camps and Conferences

You may not know that YPWC has an online volunteer programme with the UN, called UN Online Volunteers.

Another organisation in Ghana is also part of the program. On the 11th August, 2010, Pajaf released news on the UNV site United Nations Volunteers Organizing a Youth Conference in Ghana

“Paajaf is a Ghanaian foundation that serves underprivileged children, youth and women. Youth leaders in the communities that Paajaf serves have expressed the desire to share knowledge with other youth around the world. In response, Pajaaf is working to hold an international youth conference in Ghana on the theme “youth engaging youth on the MDGs.” Online volunteers are helping Paajaf make this ambitious project happen.”

And on the 13th of August, 2010, the Asia Pacific Climate Youth Camp was announced.

The Asia Pacific climate Youth Camp to be held from Nov 3-6 2010 is designed to allow participants to understand and take action on climate change as an issue of indigenous rights and self determination. The camp will be held in Baguio City, Philippines Apply to jenawingan@yahoo.com.

If you're interested, why not email and find out how you can get involved? After all, "be the change you wish to see!"