http://figobud.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/400367

DATE: January-April 2008 DURATION: 4months (weekly meetings)

ORGANIZERS NAME: Isikwenu Oghenefego

PHONE NUMBER: 08064925906 EMAIL: figobud@yahoo.com

FACILITATOR(S) NAME: Uche Okwulobia

GSM: 08030919704 EMAIL: ucprof2@yahoo.com

FACILITATOR(S) NAME: Ogaga Maxwell

GSM: 08034810869 EMAIL: d2dy@yahoo.com

FACILITATOR(S) NAME: Ogene Timothy

GSM: 08067998880 EMAIL: timmybrowni@yahoo.com

EVENT LOCATION: Asaba Girls Grammar School, Asaba, Delta State

TOTAL NO OF PARTICIPANTS PRESENT: 30 participants

TOTAL NO: 30 MALE: Nil FEMALE: 30


SESSION(S)/TOPIC(S) COVERED:

Session One:
- Life building Skills (Negotiation, communication, values clarification, refusal, goal setting, decision making, assertiveness and time management skills)
- Leadership Development

Session Two:
Information and Communication Technology skill building

THE ISSUES IN THE TOPIC COVERED
In session one, I concentrated on helping the female students discover themselves, build their confidence and necessary skills for a successful life as teenagers. As shown above, the skills acquired are very important especially as girls so they could overcome the hazards of adolescence. During the leadership development part of this project, participants were trained on qualities of an effective leader, leadership for development and participation of women in democracy.

Session two concentrated on equipping these girls with ICT skills to place them at advantage in contemporary times. They went through basic computer classes after which they had practical classes on the computer and internet. They were taught how to use Microsoft word, excel and coral draw. While during the internet classes, they were taught how to open and use an email address. All participants joined the TIG group during the training.

OUTCOMES FROM GROUP WORK/PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK ON THE TOPIC(S):

The first session was a very interesting part for the girls because it had a lot of home work, role plays and exercises. It was a real learning opportunity for them, especially the class on values clarification. For the leadership class, the girls were able to identify problems in their school and discuss possible ways of solving them. There was an election after our classes on leadership for development and participation in democracy; to practically demonstrate a truly democratic system; it was an exciting experience for the girls.
Most of them now belong to different clubs and are holding key positions; about 5 of them are school prefects now.

The second session has had its own challenges since the girls complain of not having money to buy cyber time and most of the time their parents discourage them. A few still use the internet and computers whenever they have an opportunity.


ANY OTHER INTRESTING THING YOU LIKE TO REPORT:

Oh yes! I want to thank THE BRISTISH COUNCIL FOR THIS PROJECT, BECAUSE IT HAS HELPED ME BUILD MY LEADERSHIP, NEGOTIATION AND MOBILIZATION SKILLS. I CAN NOW FUNDRAISE FOR ANY PROJECT; LOOKING OUT FOR RESOURCES WITHIN MY COMMUNITY. The principal of the school was very skeptical when I proposed this project to her, because she felt I was too ambitious. At the end of the 4 months, we had a forum at the school where the participants presented a playlet and their certificates were presented to them. The Principal was very happy and approved that the group should for a club in the school.

Taking IT Global supported the project with materials for the Computer and internet training, certificates, airtime in the cybercafé, transportation for facilitators and refreshment for participants under their Creating Local Connections West Africa (CLCWA) project in Nigeria.
This for me was a big plus. The cybercafé gave us the airtime at very subsidized rates while Oxfam Australia provided some technical support through training on Project management.

Also as a result of the BRITISH COUNCIL YOUTHWORKS project, my organization (Inspiro Communications Media) has formed clubs in ten schools to replicate this project.

Over 200 persons registered their interest for this project, but I had to select a few for maximum impact, I used an essay competition as the criteria for selection. The topic was “THE WOMAN I WANT TO BE”. This has been typed as a journal titled “OUR DREAM, OUR VOICE” and contains the 12 best essays (my way of doing my Top12).









CHALLENGES FACED AND HOW THEY WERE OVERCOME:

The first challenge I faced was acceptability. The School’s Principal wanted to be sure I was not fake since I was talking about the British counsel and YoungStars yet had no identification from them.
I had to get a letter of support from Oxfam Australia, since I have a relationship with them and then presented my International Passport.

The other thing was getting funds for my computer/internet training. I met the TIG Coordinator for Nigeria and discussed my project with him; somehow they were working on similar issues; so they supported me financially, technically and materially.
It was not also easy running such a long project, where I had to meet with the girls every week, some how I was able to equip them to a stage where they could organize meetings themselves and welcome the facilitator for the day by having and elected exco.

NO OF PICTURES OR VIDEOS ATTACHED WITH REPORT:


A lot of pictures and 1 video without audio (sound)

GENERAL COMMENTS
I will really want to thank the initiators of this programme, it has proven to me that young people can contribute to development with the little resources at their disposal. Some how I believe as I contribute my quota in my community, some other persons do theirs in their communities; if you look through, little here, little there, we are having a global impact.
Lives have been touched, these girls are no more the same, and they have been empowered to be what they want to be.







S/N NAME EMAIL
1 Okocha Gloria glowest@yahoo.com

2 Utomi Jane Jane89utomi@yahoo.com

3 Sunday Blessing Cherishbabe4real@yahoo.com

4 Osita Ijeoma ijeosi@yahoo.com

5 Okolie Nonye coolharnon@yahoo.com

6 Ukwa Lilian Ugochukwu liliangunnes@yahoo.com

7 Uteh Happiness hapigirl@yahoo.com

8 Onowighose Fume fumeono@yahoo.com

9 Sunday Patience pattybabe@yahoo.com

10 Omage Faith lanicares@yahoo.com

11 Oravbiere Ahinomor fdjforreal@yahoo.com

12 Oyegbomwan Precious uyisco@yahoo.com

13 Okafor Calista okaforcalista@yahoo.com

14 Etuwatimi Faith Faith2227@yahoo.com

15 Afugeleya Precious Precibaby4luv@yahoo.com

16 Ejime Florence Florence.ebele@yahoo.com

17 Edeh Ndidi Edehndidi@yahoo.com

18 Uzoka Onyinye ouzoka@yahoo.com

19 Kwentoh Cynthia kwentohcynthia@yahoo.com

20 Oviebu Deborah deborahoviebu@yahoo.com

21 Chukwuemeka Jane Jane4real@yahoo.com

22 Joyce Emeh Staga4real@yahoo.com

23 Eliogu Emmanuella eeliogu@yahoo.com

24 Obiazor Nkem obiazornkem@yahoo.com

25 Uzokwe Chinyere chicovera@yahoo.com

26 Ogbolu Evangelyn ogboluevangelyn@yahoo.com

27 Isikwenu EwomaOghene Done@yahoo.com

28 Azorboh Florence Flozy98@yahoo.com

29 Ngemegwai Jennifer Absent from internet class
30 Osita Tobechukwu Absent from internet class


]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:43:00 EDT http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/400367 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/369065
The Abuja Call to Action was presented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Odimeji Bankole.

Details of this conference can be gotten from the blogspot http//2008youthconference.blogspot.com
or www.jhsph.edu/gatesinstitute]]> Sat, 10 May 2008 04:55:00 EDT http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/369065 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/347629 It is as a result of this expectation that I, Isikwenu Oghenefego carried out a training on ICT basics for 30 young secondary school girls in Asaba.

Location of project: Asaba Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Asaba.
Dates of training: 29th of February, 7th and 13th of March, 2008.
Duration: Each training day had three hours.
The project:
Time was not spent on mobilization and awareness because I already had an ongoing project which had the training of participants on ICT basics as one of its components, so, I incorporated the CLCWA project into my ongoing project.
I want to state categorically that it was the best thing that happened to participants during the school’s second term period. All the necessary introductory formalities were conducted, like the filling of the application forms by interested participants and scouting for available resources within our immediate environment.

The first breakthrough we had was the provision of a resource person (facilitator) for the introduction to the computer basics which was the first day’s component, by a computer business center in Asaba. This really reduced the responsibilities on me as the lead trainer, so I was able to concentrate on other issues. The venue for the first two days was provided by the school while we used a cybercafé for the last day’s training, which had a more practical component.
The participants went through all the training sessions very excitedly since it was the first time they were having an opportunity to use a computer.
Apart from the classes they had, a simplified handout that covered the major topics and issues about the computer, internet and the TIG website. On a general note, the training was a huge success but not without challenges.

On the last day of the training we had a full representation of the CLCWA project team in Delta State in the person of Mr. Timothy Ogene, state coordinator and Mr. Ogaga Maxwell, deputy coordinator. After the keynote addresses by Mr. James Omokiti, a representative of the British Council Youth works project and Mr. Timothy Ogene; participants were set for the business of the day.
We started with a recap of previous lessons before proceeding to the internet where we concentrated on opening of emails, sending and reading messages after which all participants logged on to the TIG website.
It was a very tedious exercise for the trainers because we had cases of technical hitches and slow pace of comprehension by students. Mr. Ogaga Maxwell took charge of the sessions for the day and was assisted by Mr. Timothy Ogene. Miss. Isikwenu Oghenefego was every where, but concentrated more on logistics and participants/trainers welfare. The training ended at about 5.00pm with presentation of certificates to participants by Mr. Ogaga Maxwell after which light refreshment was taken.

The next day which was 14th March, 2008, we formerly closed the project in the host school, with the principal Mrs. Mathy Osaji thanking CLCWA for choosing her school for such a program and empowering young girls on basic ICT skills; she also presented some certificates on the assembly ground after which a group photograph was taken with participants, principal and some members of staff.

Challenges:
The challenges faced were quite minute but very significant which needed urgent responses to save each situation. The major challenge was the late arrival of funds from the supporting organization. Another challenge was the duration outlined for the course; it was too short for students who were learning about the computer for the first time. While the other issue had to do with the change in academic calendar as a result of public holidays; this made us make emergency readjustments.

Results:
At the end of this program, 28 students successfully completed the training and were given certificates out of the 30 students that applied for the program. They all have functional email addresses and are TIG members. This has increased the number of computer literate students in AGGS by 28. It was a successful project.

Recommendation/Conclusion:
The CLCWA project is the best for our time and should be implemented in every secondary school if possible. We recommend that more days be allocated to ICT basics for better understanding for new students of the computer. The participants are happy, they promise to use the newly acquired skills productively after the program. The project has also increased awareness of stakeholders on the importance of ICT in development of every sector.
Appreciation
We want to begin by thanking the National Coordinator, CLCWA in Nigeria, Mr. Jerry Nwigwe for his commitment to bridging the digital divide. The TIG-CLCWA team is not left out, you will not believe the positive impact you have made in the life of 28 girls-thanks a million.
We want to thank the state coordinator and his deputy for their help and assistance on the project. The volunteers of Inspiro Communications and Media were wonderful, thank you.

We want to specially appreciate the Principal and staff of Asaba Girls Grammar School for their cooperation and absolute trust and belief in the project.
The management and staff of Merit computer technology, thanks for your subsidy and technical assistance.

Together we believe we can make this world a better place.

Isikwenu Oghenefego.
Project Manger, Asaba.

]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:30:00 EDT http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/347629 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/336209
On the 18th and 19th of January, 2OO8, the Delta Change Network (DCN) a non-partisan, non-profit-making and non-governmental organization hosted Delta Youth Summit captioned ‘’Exploring the Potentials of Youths in Development’’. This maiden summit, which was flagged-off in Asaba by the Honorable Commissioner, Directorate of Youth Development, Rev. (Mrs.) Omatsola Williams, featured paper presentations, plenary sessions, workshops, and working group sessions.

During the working group discussions, we the young people of Delta State deliberated on key issues on the following thematic areas; the environmental sustainability, infrastructural development, Human Capital Development, Health, ICT and Good Governance. All our discussions were centered on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the -3-Point agenda of the Delta State government; Human Capital Development, Infrastructural Development and Peace and Conflict Resolution.

After this two day process we submit the following:

The Environment
We are aware of the amount of environmental degradation that has taken place in the Niger Delta since oil was discovered. We therefore say that;
- The impact of Oil Exploration on our environment poses the need for the state government to monitor the execution of regulatory polices and laws on gas flaring and oil spillages. More importantly, the state government should play active part in advocating for zero-gas flaring.
- The government should strengthen and effectively monitor the activities of the Delta State Oil Mineral Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC) to ensure that 1) Host communities are recognized for development projects.2) There is transparency in the awards and implementation of development projects. We also recommend that Independent Organizations i.e. Civil Society Organizations, NGOs and CBO be included in the monitoring of DESOPADEC projects.

- The state government set up a special commission to access the impact and externalities of oil exploration on the state since the inception of oil exploration for two reasons 1) To develop a holistic and time-relevant approach to solving the environment problems of the state.2)For documentation and be made available online.
- Policies should be made to stop indiscriminate bush burning and deforestation.


Infrastructural Development
The young people of Delta State are very much aware of the state of existing infrastructure in the state. We are also aware that for the state to attract local and foreign investor, it must pay attention the development of key infrastructure. We therefore declare that;

- The government pat attention to existing road networks within the state commercial centers and growing business districts and open more link roads where necessary.
- The government should pay urgent attention to power supply. We recommend that the state explore other sources of clean energy like solar to support the existing power capacity in the state.

- The government adopts the Public –Private Partnership approach in developing her infrastructure.

- All citizens of the state should respect and protect public facilities.



Health

- Youth vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other preventable diseases calls for government’s attention to providing youth-friendly Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers for free anti-retroviral drugs.

- Sex education should be included in the school curriculum.

- It important to promote the African culture which supports abstinence.
- On the other hand traditional practices like female genital mutilation should be fought against with the instruments of power.

Entrepreneurship
We are aware of the rate of unemployment in Nigeria and Delta State in particular.

Resolving the Unemployment question through Entrepreneurship, calls for both individual and government participation.

- The government should implement policies that are youth-friendly and promote access to bank loans for young people through the microfinance scheme.

- Engaging young people in skills and capacity building programmes towards empowerment.

- Local and Foreign investors should be encouraged to set up businesses in the state so as to create jobs.

- Entrepreneurship Research and Development Centre should be developed in all the senatorial districts and affiliated to the various higher institutions in the state. To teach youth’s business start up skill.
- More publicity should be given to The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and its programmes should be made more attractive to young people.

Good Governance

The role of Good Governance in Accelerating Development calls for the government to foster constitutional enlightenment from the grassroots and create a democratic atmosphere for youths to explore their potentials in governance and development.

- All public office holders be more transparent and accountable to the public.
- Government policies should be subjected to public opinion/debate.
- The issue of corruption and ethnicity in political appointments should be fought against. The state should set up an independent anti-corruption committee and it should include traditional rulers and Civil Society Organizations.
- We recommend that the appointment of key public officers should be subjected to public debate.
- The legislature should effectively play its role not just as a law making body but as a watch dog on the activities of the executive arm.

Gender and Human Rights

Creating a balance in gender and human rights is an issue requiring urgent attention therefore;
- All stakeholders must join hands in promoting awareness campaigns against gender bias.
- All traditional practices that discriminates against women should be abolished.
- Deltans should be educated on their fundamental rights.
- Cases of Indiscriminate arrest, detention and abuse of citizens should be visited by the government. The state Judiciary should also visit the cases of innocent prisoners and those whose term have expired yet they are still in prison.

ICT

We agree that youths in the state are backward when it comes to ICT. Therefore we recommend;
- Computer education be included in primary and secondary school curriculum.
- Those digital centers be established in all local government areas of the state.
- That the activities of Project E-Delta be reviewed and upgraded to reach out to the grassroot. And should be adequately monitored and manned by the right professionals.

General

We the young people of Delta State recommend the following;
1. The establishment of a Youth Task Force to help in the implementing monitoring and evaluation of the 3-Point Agenda.
2. That the state create a special website for the ministry of youths and upload all relevant documents so young Deltans the world over can access them. We also recommend that the same be done to other ministries.
3. The state implement a zero gas flaring policy and kick against unhealthy method of oil-exploration in the region.










MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNIQUE DRAFTING COMMITTEE

Isikwenu Oghenefego-Chairperson
Osakwe C. Wisdom-Secretary
Aigbe O. Samson-Member
Nwibe Ikechukwu David-Member
Eseoghene Dinah Iboribo-Member
Charles Ugbome-Member
Ochem Chidi-Member
Rume Thompson-Member
Okonta Emeka Okelum-Member
Maxwell Ogaga-Member
David Enomah-Member

Reviewed and Edited By Timothy Ogene-Local Organizing Committee Chairman for Delta Youth Summit 2008


]]> Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/336209 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/336207
The summit which focused on the 3-point agenda of the present Governor of Delta state, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the UN Millennium Development Goals and the State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (SEEDS). It was very inspiring to young Deltans from different parts of the Country and even in Diaspora attending the summit.

THE SUMMIT DAY 1
The program started at 9.00am with registration of participants. At about 12noon, the opening ceremony started with an opening prayer said by Mr. Nwibe Ikechukwu and the second stanza of the national anthem sung, led by Mr.Charles Ugbome.
The master of ceremony, Mr. Ogaga Maxwell introduced members of the high table with the Honourable Commissioner, Directorate of Youth Development, Rev. (Mrs.) Omatsola Williams who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ika Chris. Other members of the high table were Rev. Dr. Godfrey Ndukownyeanwuli, Mr. Aghogu Joseph, Mr. Charles Jiduwah Mr. James Omokiti and Mr. Washington Dick.

Mr. Ochem Chidi and Mr. Charles Jiduwah gave a brief history of the Delta Change Network (DCN) and why the Delta Youth Summit was organized.
The Coordinator of CiSHAN, Rev. Dr. Godfrey Ndukownyeanwuli Delta State chapter, gave a keynote address in which he gave a brief background of the HIV/AIDS pandermic enjoining youth-led organizations to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He expressed his excitement being in such a gathering put together by young people, calling on the government to pay more attention on harnessing the potentials of these youths towards the development of the state.
Mr. James Omokiti, who represented the NYNETHA Coodinator, welcomed the participants promising they would have a profitable time without any regrets.

The Acting PS, Mr. Ika Chris who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Directorate of Youth Development declared the Summit open. In her speech the Commissioner expressed her appreciation to members of the Youth Network on Population and Development in Nigeria (NYNETHA) for the great strides that they have made towards the realization of one of the 3-point agenda of His Excellency, the Governor of Delta state in Human Capital Development. She also expressed her appreciation for young Deltans who singularly sponsored themselves from all over the nation to attend the Youth Summit.
Mr. James Omokiti gave the vote of thanks after which participants were split into eight working groups which discussed various issues;

- The Impact of Oil Exploration on our Environment
- Strengthening Infrastructure in Delta State for Development
- Youth Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other preventable Diseases
- Resolving the Unemployment Question through Entrepreneurship
- The role of Youths in Restoring Lasting Peace in Delta state
- The role of Good Governance in accelerating Development
- Gender and Human Rights; creating a balance and
- Bridging the Digital Divide in Delta state; challenges and solutions

After the working group session a representative of each group presented a report of their group’s discussion.
A break was taken at 3.00pm which lasted 30minutes after which Paper Presentations on three topics were taken; two of which had a panel session immediately after the paper. The topics were:
- Politics and Good Governance by Mr. James Omokiti and the panelists were, Maxwell Ogaga as chairman and Rabiu Umaru, Charles Ugbome and Emoefe Kohwo as members.
- ICT for Development by Mr. Washington Dick and the panelists were, Edmund Oshioke as chairman and Asheshe Bome, Ajagbe Gbemi and Sonia Odije as members.

Mr. Charles Ugbome did an exhibition of the New Nigeria Club after which Mr. Rume Thompson presented a paper on Human Capital Development, a Key to National Transformation.

The first day’s activities came to an end with a closing prayer after which participants departed at about 6.30pm.

DAY 2

The second day of the Delta Youth Summit came with a lot of expectations in the air, being the last day of the summit. Participants came with a mindset to gather as much information as possible till they have another of such opportunity.
The day’s activities started at 10.00am with an opening prayer after which Mr. Emmanuel Gabari; the master of ceremony led the participants on a recap of the previous day’s activities.

Mr. Ufuoma Omo-Obi started the day’s business with a plenary session on the UN Millennium Development Goals, the 3-point agenda of the new Government of Delta state and Youth Participation.
He through this session drew the attention of Young Deltans to the situation on ground, calling for their active participation in the development of Delta state. This session was followed by a questions and answer session during which recommendations were made by participants.

Mr.Gbemi Ajagbe took a presentation on Real issues in the Nigerian Environment.
A break was taken for 15minutes during which a film ‘Slum Survivors’ was shown. At resumption, the panel discussion on the Environment was next on the agenda with Mr. Ochem Chidi chairing the panel and Mr. James Omokiti, Ms. Iheoma Uwaoma, Mr. Victor Ikoli and Mr. Godwin Ikade as members.

After the panel session, workshops were held on three topics:
- Advocacy by Mr. Ufuoma Omo-Obi
- Entrepreneurship by Mr. Edmund Oshioke and
- Politics and Good Governance by Mr. James Omokiti

The first part of the second day came to an end at 2.30pm and participants were expected to resume at 6.00pm for the second part of the second day which was an exhibition/awards night.

The evening session started at 7.00pm with an opening prayer after which the moderator gave out time for participants to meet each other. Participants volunteered to entertain the audience with jokes and songs.
The business of the evening started with Exhibitions as follows:
- Oxfam International Youth Partnerships by Isikwenu Oghenefego
- Youth Network on Population and Development by Omo-Obi Ufuoma Festus
- British Council Youth Works Project by Omokiti James
- PEEDs by Ochem Chidi
- Creating Local Connections- West Africa by Leke and
- Undergraduate Business School
At the end of the exhibitions, ten outstanding young Deltans were recognized for their contributions to sustainable development in different areas form leadership to entrepreneurship, HIV/AIDS and a whole lot of other areas.

Mr. Charles Jiduwah gave the vote of thanks which marked the end of the Delta Youth Summit with enough to drink and chew and tie out for social networking.

]]> Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:28:00 EST http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/336207 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/336205
Africa as a continent has suffered so many set-backs not because she lacks the ability or resources to be the world’s economic power, but as a result of bad governance and corruption, has left the rich continent a home for the poor. It is of no use complaining or pointing accusing fingers at any ruler or system; therefore, machinery has to be put in place to trace the problem, its root causes and proffer solutions.

We believe at Inspiro Communications and Media that the hope of a prosperous Africa lie’s in the untapped potentials and resources of young people. The only way to activate change in the continent is to first of all activate change in the mindset of the average young African. A change of ideologies and perceptions passed on or inculcated knowingly and unknowingly by the current generation of rulers we have in Africa, is the main thrust of the Leadership Academy.

Inspiro Communication and Media, wants to by the Leadership Academy re-orientate young people on the core values of leadership and motivate them to apply the true principles of leadership and good governance; which should produce nothing but sustainable development.

Oxfam Australia which believes that poverty and powerlessness are avoidable and can be eliminated by human action and political will wants to build the capacity of young people to improve their skills and knowledge and broadening their perspectives about the world and their confidence to take action. Oxfam believes that young people are major stakeholders in development and so should participate in nation building.

GETTING INVOLVED
To be a part of the Leadership Academy, write an essay of not less than 500 words on the topic: ‘My Role as a Change Agent’ and send to inspiromag@yahoo.com.


INSPIRO COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA + OXFAM AUSTRALIA

A brief profile of Inspiro Communications and Media has been given on the first page of this web page.
Oxfam Australia is a charitable organization with her office in Sydney, Australia. Oxfam works to support people to realize their human rights. Oxfam believes that poverty and powerlessness are avoidable and can be eliminated by human action and political will.

The Oxfam International Youth Partnership (OIYP) is Oxfam’s flagship program for young people. The vision of the OIYP network is “youth building a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world”.

Introducing OIYP
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships is a global network of young people working with their communities to create positive, equitable and sustainable change.
The OIYP network is made up of 300 young people, aged 18-25 from around the world. As young people committed to a positive and equitable world they are working for change in a range of different contexts. Many are working in partnership with their own communities. Many are agitating for change institutionally. All are likely to be challenging existing structures that create inequality in their communities, countries and regions. The majority of young people in the network are working in their own communities in the Global South. OIYP has a focus on young people from marginalised communities but includes diverse young people working in different ways to achieve change. OIYP works in all regions.
OIYP works with 300 young people through a 3 year process of learning and action. Since 2000, OIYP has worked with 550 young men and women. While from 2007-2010 the focus of Oxfam’s’ work will be on the new 300 young people, Oxfam actively works to build partnerships across the generations of action partners. In addition to action partners themselves members of the OIYP network work in partnerships with many other organizations and communities around the world – creating a powerful force for change.
Purpose of the OIYP Program
OIYP has two aims:
1. To enable action partners to develop their capacity to effect positive, sustainable and equitable change; and
2. For action partners to contribute to positive, sustainable and equitable change in their communities.
Oxfam contributes to the aims of OIYP by providing a Program to build the capacity of its partners to be effective facilitators of change. The OIYP Program is the vehicle through which Oxfam creates opportunities for dialogue, learning and challenging for its partners around the world. Over time, personal change in action partners will translate into social, economic and political change within individual communities, in regions and across the globe.
The OIYP Program seeks to address four areas:
a. Capacity building of action partners: through developing skills and knowledge and broadening their perspectives about the world and their confidence to take action.
b. Change in communities: support action partners to continue with existing programs, change or begin new programs to strengthen their communities. Changes will be seen at the local, national and global levels.
c. Network: the OIYP network will be strengthened as a global force for change.
Through intergenerational; regional and thematic based linking the network will foster learning, exchange, collaboration and support for young people across the world.
d. Broader influence: Oxfam will create spaces for young people to contribute to the broader social movement for change. It will also share lessons of its work with young people on a range of issues to contribute to the work of others and dialogue on strategic issues.

Past Outcomes of the OIYP Program
Since 2000, 550 young men and women in over 100 countries have contributed to OIYP’s vision of a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world through their work with their own communities. Through the programs of the OIYP these young women and men have exchanged their ideas and experiences, built their skills and knowledge and widened their perspectives of the world in order to make their work in their communities more effective.
OIYP measures its impact around its two aims:
i. To enable action partners to develop their capacity to effect positive, sustainable and equitable change; and
ii. For action partners to contribute to positive, sustainable and equitable change in their communities.

Capacity Development
There is clear evidence that the OIYP network facilitates capacity development for many
action partners. Key areas of capacity development are in increased confidence, the ability to take action, networking and the development of skills and knowledge. Another key area is attitudinal change, where action partners’ view of the world has been broadened through their interactions with other young people from across the world, or through engaging with issues of gender equity or trade justice.
For many, capacity was most effectively built through interactions with other action partners within their own region of the world (eg. the Pacific), on specific themes (eg. Trade) or in the process of acquiring specific skills (eg. project management). They apply their new insights and skills to making their work for change in their communities more effective.
Janice from Bougainville (Papua New Guinea): The most significant success from my
engagement with OIYP was the confidence I gained. I was able to strengthen my youth work. Although working with my organisation for a long time as a Gender and Youth Development Officer there was no effective youth programme. But during OIYP the organisation has seen a big change with my work. I organise youth workshops, visiting youth groups developing gender manuals, all this happened through OIYP. Sharing and exchanging ideas with other action partners has given me the ability and confidence to effectively carry out my work.

Change in Communities
The majority of action partners have continued to take action in partnership with their communities all around the world. In some cases, the evidence of change is concrete. For most action partners they have continued, changed or started programs to strengthen their communities or share the skills they have learnt. The longer term impact for individuals and communities of these projects remain impossible to determine within such a short timeframe and Oxfam will continue to work with action partners to learn from this work.
Guruparan from Sri Lanka: The first sitting of the Sri Lankan Youth Parliament had brought together 225 young people from all over the country representing all ethnic and religious compositions such as the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities in the country. These young people interacted, discussed and brain stormed actions for social change on various issues. For the first time perhaps Sri Lanka saw a purely youth led and youth run initiative and it was definitely a new chapter for youth activism in Sri Lanka. One prominent civil society activist noted that “the first sitting of the Sri Lankan Youth Parliament was the most significant event that took place in Sri Lanka in 2005”.
Chukwumuanya from Nigeria: In collaboration with some people living with HIV/AIDS in my community we formed a ‘local access to treatment coalition’, to lobby the government. We undertook a lot of advocacy visits to government officials in the state capital 4 hours away. We met with the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner of Health, parliamentarians and other top official of the ministry of health, making our case for the government to actively get involved in clinical care and support for PLWHAs. To our greatest surprise, the government announced that they will be committing themselves to providing 1000 PLWHAs with ARVs on the occasion of World AIDS day 2005 (dec. 1). Our little effort yielded tremendous success.

OIYP Program Strategies
Throughout the program, OIYP will use a range of strategies to achieve its aims including building skills and knowledge, supporting action, facilitating networking, engaging through cultural expression and assessing impact.
a. Building Skills and Knowledge
Oxfam will coordinate projects on both thematic and practical skills, each being an opportunity for action partners to develop their knowledge to apply to work in community. There will be 4 thematic based projects, one for each of OIYP’s strategic issues areas as well as projects for practical skills such as project management, creative tools for social change and monitoring and evaluation. In the Orientation period, action partners will be provided with introductory materials and be able to join online discussions around strategic issues and skills areas. At Kaleidoscope 2007, all action partners will gain basic knowledge and skills in the key areas and select those to engage with further. Action partners will select further opportunities for learning and development throughout the program.
OIYP Strategic Issues for 2007 – 2010:
1. Economic justice
2. Gender
3. Peace and conflict
4. Access to essential services

b. Supporting Action
At Kaleidoscope 2007, action partners will be facilitated through a process of reflecting on their future plans to contribute to change. This process will focus on their communities and on the dynamic nature of the change process.
From 2007 until 2010, action partners will be supported to develop their existing work, collaborate with others and initiate new projects through both financial and non-financial support from Oxfam. The Grants Program will be designed to support the development of new projects initiated by 2007 Action Partners. It aims to address the gap in funding for projects developed by young people around the world and foster an environment for innovation, creativity and empowerment. Oxfam will also support the work of action partners’ through linking with other support networks and organisations, ensuring access to materials and individual support.
c. Facilitating Networking and Mentoring
Throughout the OIYP program, action partners will have opportunities to build networks with each other on a regional, country and skill area basis. The focus of networking will be on learning and exchange to contribute to their work. A range of strategies will be used such as regional meetings at Kaleidoscope, some face to face Regional Workshops in 2008 and 2009, online discussions and distance communications tools.
Oxfam will work closely with the OIYP Facilitation Team (comprised of 2000 and 2004 action partners) to provide mentoring and support for the 2007 action partners. This will be designed to prepare the new action partners for participation in OIYP Kaleidoscope 2007, broader involvement in OIYP as well as facilitating the movement building of the OIYP network.
d. Engaging through cultural expression
Cultural and artistic expression will be a vehicle for building the OIYP community; inspiring ideas and creativity and for effecting social change. Strategies will include performances and communications tools at Kaleidoscope 2007. There will be a focus on skill development in using creative means to engage communities and bring about change.
e. Assessing our impact
Oxfam will work to create a culture and develop the skills for ongoing learning and accountability by Oxfam and action partners to assess the impact of people’s work in community and of the work of OIYP.

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR DEVELOPMENT
The 8th UN MDG is aimed at achieving a global partnership for development by 2015. Oxfam Australia is at the fore front of achieving this goal through the OIYP program.
Since a member of ICM is an Action Partner in the OIYP 2007-2010, ICM is automatically in a global partnership with Oxfam Australia. This is an example of a global partnership for development.

BE A PART OF INSPIRO COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA
We believe in partnership and collaboration so our doors are open to interested partners. ICM is a membership organization and so you can be a part of this fast growing initiative.

CRITERIA
- Should be a young person between the ages of 14-35 years.
- Should have passion for development
- Should be ready to make sacrifices and use talent positively
- Should be ready to be called upon at anytime to render services
- Should be ready to project the image of ICM every moment
- Should be ready to pay a commitment fee of N500 and an annual renewal of N200 to ICM.
Hope to get in touch with you some other time!

…changing lives positively.
]]> Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:23:00 EST http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/336205 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/313081
PROJECT TITLE: LET’S LIVE TOGETHER



Sometime in January/February 2007 I applied to participate in the LEAP Africa Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) and was selected. According to the programme design, I will have to carryout a change project in my community in line with the Millennium Development Goals. So, this project was implemented as part of my YLP focusing on the 7th goal in the MDGs which is “to ensure environmental sustainability”.

The project was to organize a meeting of all my neighbours and equip them with useful information on our role in achieving the MDGs concentrating on practical steps to be taken to ensure our environment is clean and secure. It was planned to be participatory in the form of a discussion forum with resource persons to facilitate sessions. To promote participation and community ownership of the project, I conducted a pre-project survey using a questionnaire to serve as information dissemination and study the attitude of my neighbours to the idea.
I got very positive responses from them; it was obvious they would support the project since some indicated they had always wished for such an activity to bring them all together in the neighbourhood. This motivated me to go on with plans to implement my project in my community.

Project “Let’s Live Together” was proposed to cover five (5) streets in my community (Direct Labour Area at Asaba in Delta state). A meeting date which was convenient for most of them but for a few according to their response to the questionnaire was fixed for Sunday, 25th November, 2007 and communicated to all intended participants. One of my neighbours a Pastor, volunteered to provide his church hall as the venue for the meeting and provide light in the case of PHCN failure.
A week before the meeting date, there was an event organized by a neighbour so I used this opportunity to remind them of the program coming up the upper week.
The meeting was designed to hold in the five different streets to attain the effect and impact and for population control considering the fact that I was to be in all the meetings.

The meetings held as scheduled and neighbours participated as planned, the facilitators were available and all went well at the end of the day.
The agenda for the meeting was as shown below:
• Opening prayer
• Introduction by participants
• Why we are gathered-the project
• Our role in achieving the MDGs (Talk)
• How we can keep our environment clean and secure (group discussion)
• Fulfillment in life; the role of parents (talk show)
• Practical steps and comments
• Refreshment
• Vote of thanks
• Closing Prayer.

Each item was followed accordingly with a neighbour volunteering as the moderator, another to coordinate the children and youths forum.
At the end of each meeting, evaluation forms were filled out by participants and suggestions made for more of such initiatives in the community.
During the group discussion, one group came up with an idea to dig a composite pit for dumping refuse in the neighbourhood which could be covered up at interval; this was new to most participants and they decided to implement that strategy. The young people were not left out since they had their own forum and made a commitment to come out every environmental sanitation day for street clean up.

CHALLENGES
- It was not all roses for me especially because of the GRA setting of my neighbourhood where I had to knock on big gates, be barked at by dogs, walk round and sell the idea to people who can help in the project implementation.
- Most of my adult neighbours did not come because they felt it was just for young people since I fall into that category.
- I also had financial challenges especially due to the fact that I did not get the first half of the financial support from LEAP Africa early enough. This made me change my plan of having one meeting for all neighbours to splitting meetings by streets.
- Power failure increased my expenses on printing and photocopying materials needed for the project like questionnaires, invitation letters, agenda and letters of appreciation.
- Due to fear and insecurity most participants did not write their names on the participant’s list only those who were my immediate neighbours (on the same street).
- I fell ill after the project so I could not take part in the street cleaning or take photographs of the event.

LESSONS LEARNT
- I learnt that strategies to make the community own the project are very important for the success of any project.
- I observed that people have ideas to share and will support opportunities to share them.

CONCLUSION
It will be a lie of the century to say this project was not profitable and timely for my community because the comments on the evaluation and actions taken after the project attest to its success and impact. Neighbours exchanged phone numbers and got to interact on a one-on-one level most of them for the very first time and most bushes have been cleared off in the area. They also decided to restart the street meetings which had stopped for sometime.

I am very happy to say it feels good to bring about change in your community; it makes others respect and build a level of confidence in you. I appreciate the initiative by LEAP Africa and hope it be sustained for younger generations. I believe that with our local contributions to development we are making global impact, together we can make this world a better place.


]]> Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:46:00 EST http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/313081 6.1833333 6.756.18333336.75 http://figobud.tigblog.org/post/336199 I started my preparations to attend this event which was tagged “Kaleidoscope 2007”. Part of my preparations was fundraising to support my trip to Sydney. Being the first time I was carrying out such an activity, most disappointments hit me very hard but never killed my spirit to try some other avenues.

Although I only received less than 5% of the actual amount I was trying to fundraise, I got a lot of technical support from friends and family.
Oxfam Australia took up the responsibility of sponsoring my international travels so I could attend the program in Sydney.
Kaleidoscope started on the 30th of September and came to a close on the 8th of October, 2007 at the Kings School, North Parramatta, Sydney, Australia.
The experience I had in Sydney is one I have vowed never to forget; it was inspiring and challenging. I met young activists from all over the world, we shared experiences, we started networks and hope to continue collaborations to achieve a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world.

There were a lot of activities, from the welcome ceremony by the Daraug people (an indigenous tribe) of Australia to the learning marketplaces, the storyboards where art (painting and drawing) was used as a strategy to send messages, the plenary sessions, regional meetings where I met colleagues from other African countries and the homeroom which provided a space for mentoring and motivation. It was indeed an experience of a life time.
The learning marketplaces were workshops and short courses on different areas; the list of short courses I attended is on Appendix 2. I was able to get contacts of other young people who are into similar issues/areas as I am and plan a collaboration strategy to achieve global impact using local solutions.

LESSONS LEARNT

-I have learnt that although we are from different parts of the world we have similar challenges manifesting in different shades and colours but we could gather global ideas with locally designed solutions which can result in a global impact.

-I also learnt that young people are not just beneficiaries of development but can be partners in development.

-I learnt that entertainment and arts can be used as strong instruments for social change.
-I have built my skills on project management, advocacy and campaigning.

CONCLUSION

I have gotten a lot of experiences but until I put these experiences to work in my community it will be of no benefit or importance to the aim of my participation in this program. So, I have decided to work to achieve a better world in my little space, but this I cannot achieve without your support. I grave your indulgence to see young people as partners and together we can make this world a better place. A world free of HIV, poverty, environmental hazards, gender and economic injustice, denied access to essential services and so on; it is possible if we work in partnership.



APPENDIX 2
LIST OF LEARNING MARKET PLACES I ATTENDED

1 Project Management
2 Youth Action on HIV/AIDS
3 Role of the Private Sector in Sustainable Development
4 Introduction to Advocacy and campaigning
5 Tips on writing a Grants proposal
6 Women’s Access to Decision-making
7 Trade, Aid and Human Rights





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