Justice Desk Africa’s Youth Ambassadors Program aims to inspire, educate, and empower thousands of youth across Africa to create meaningful change within their schools and communities. Our Youth Ambassadors are trained to become incredible human rights defenders, using their voices and actions to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.
From 1-3 July 2024, Justice Desk Africa hosted its annual Youth Ambassadors Conference, bringing together 74 learners and teachers from 24 schools across South Africa at the Christian Brothers Centre in Stellenbosch. This year's theme, ‘Building Connections through Activism: Empowering Youth for Social Change’, set the stage for three days of education, collaboration, and empowerment.
The conference aimed to promote awareness and education on human rights and child protection, foster collaboration and networking among youth, and empower young people for action. Participants engaged in workshops and talks that emphasised effective advocacy, the role of activism, and the importance of youth engagement in social justice. The event also facilitated connections between Youth Ambassadors from different provinces, encouraging teamwork and collective problem-solving through group activities and presentations.
Day 1: Building Connections through Activism
The conference kicked off with a focus on building connections through activism. Advocate Thando Gumede, the South African Commissioner for Gender Equality, inaugurated the event with a powerful speech addressing misogyny, intersectionality, and the dynamics of online versus in-person activism. The day was filled with discussions and activities designed to foster awareness, collaboration, and empowerment among the participants.
Day 2: Exploring Human Rights in Cape Town
On the second day, the Youth Ambassadors traveled to Cape Town, where they visited the V&A Waterfront and the Two Oceans Aquarium. They learned about earth and ocean rights and the importance of ocean conservation. Cape Town Councillor Lwazi Phakade shared his personal journey as a young activist, discussing financial barriers to education and the significance of youth activism. The day concluded with a Deaf Awareness Workshop, where participants learned sign language and ways to communicate more effectively with the deaf community.
Day 3: Workshops and Practical Activities
The third day was packed with workshops and practical activities. The Youth Ambassadors participated in Children's Rights Training, learning about their rights and how to protect themselves and others. The Gender-Based Violence Training session helped them understand the differences between gender and sex and recognise various forms of violence. They showcased their understanding through powerful presentations in the form of poetry and songs. The day also included a ‘How to be an Activist’ workshop and Campaign Building Training, equipping the participants with the skills to lead the Justice Societies in their schools. The evening featured a Builders Corner activity that promoted teamwork and communication, followed by a fun ‘Teacherthon’ where teachers and students shared laughs and athletic challenges.
Day 4: Empowerment and Future Plans
The final day of the conference featured a talk by three Lead Ambassadors (former Youth Ambassadors who have graduated from the program) from Holy Cross High School, who shared their experiences and tips for running successful campaigns. The conference provided an incredible opportunity for the Youth Ambassadors to make connections, learn about social justice issues, and develop leadership, teamwork, and advocacy skills.
The Youth Ambassadors Conference 2024 was an amazing experience which truly empowered young people to become active change-makers in their schools and communities. We are excited to see the impact they will have as they apply the knowledge and skills gained during this transformative event.
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