Slogan
“Be A VOICE, not an ECHO”
Background
Youth for Sustainable Development (YSD) – Machakos Chapter is a women and youth-led community-based organisation in Machakos County, Kenya.
We foster inclusive youth empowerment by promoting active youth participation and social accountability.
Est. in 2018, YSD has worked closely with Local and International partners to cultivate youth leadership & amplify youth voices. We focus on marginalised youth, young mothers, youth with disabilities and minority groups. Through youth engagement platforms, we apply; Community-Driven Systems Change & Human-Centred Design approach to create impactful solutions.
Our initiatives include; organising youth forums, workshops and dialogues, as well as offering training and skill-building opportunities. We also advocate for policies that support youth empowerment while working alongside communities to
dismantle systemic barriers.
YSD’s efforts have empowered marginalised youth to take active roles in their communities, nurtured emerging youth leaders, strengthened youth participation in decision-making, and promoted social accountability among local authorities & service providers.
YSD is committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable future and continues to champion youth-led development in Machakos County and beyond.
Values
1. Inclusivity
Inclusivity as a core value signifies a commitment to embracing diversity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, identity, or perspective, feels welcomed and valued. It involves creating an environment where different voices are heard, and various perspectives are considered. In an inclusive culture, every individual is recognized for their unique contributions, and efforts are made to remove barriers that might hinder participation or engagement.
2. Teamwork
Teamwork is a value that emphasises the importance of collaboration and synergy within the organisation. It involves individuals working together towards a common goal, leveraging each other’s strengths, and supporting one another. Teamwork fosters open communication, shared responsibility, and a sense of unity. It acknowledges that collective efforts often lead to more creative solutions and greater overall success than individual endeavours.
3. Innovation
Innovation as a value encourages a culture of creativity, adaptability, and continuous improvement. It involves embracing new ideas, exploring novel approaches, and being open to change. An innovative mindset seeks solutions to challenges, encourages experimentation, and values learning from both successes and failures. This value recognises that staying relevant and effective often requires a willingness to explore uncharted territories and embrace emerging trends.
To have active, resilient, responsible, and empowered youth envisions a future where young people are not just passive observers, but actively engaged participants in various aspects of society.
“Active” implies that youth are not only aware of their surroundings but also proactively involved in shaping their communities and the world around them. They take initiative, participate in civic activities, and contribute to positive change.
“Resilient” suggests that youth are equipped to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. They possess the strength and adaptability to overcome obstacles, enabling them to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and perseverance.
“Responsible” highlights the importance of ethical and accountable behaviour among the youth. They understand the consequences of their actions, make informed decisions, and contribute to the well-being of their communities. This responsibility extends to environmental, social, and economic aspects.
“Empowered” signifies that youth have the necessary tools, knowledge, and opportunities to realise their full potential. They are confident, self-reliant, and possess the skills to make informed choices, enabling them to actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
This vision, therefore, paints a picture of a generation of young individuals who are not just beneficiaries of positive change but are actively shaping and contributing to a better, more sustainable future for themselves and the broader society.
1. Social Empowerment
This aspect of the mission aims to enhance the social fabric within which young people operate. It involves providing them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to build strong interpersonal relationships, foster inclusivity, and contribute positively to their communities. Social empowerment also includes promoting mental health, emotional intelligence, and a sense of belonging.
2. Political Empowerment
Political empowerment seeks to enable young individuals to actively participate in civic and political processes. This involves promoting civic education, encouraging youth involvement in decision-making, and equipping them with the skills to advocate for their rights. By fostering political awareness and engagement, the mission aims to create a generation of informed and active citizens who contribute to the democratic process.
3. Economic Empowerment
The economic empowerment aspect focuses on providing young people with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities to thrive economically. This may involve skills training, entrepreneurship programs, access to financial resources, and mentorship. Empowering youth economically not only enhances their individual well-being but also contributes to the overall economic development of communities and societies.
4. Sustainable Development
The overarching goal of the mission is sustainable development. By empowering young people in social, political, and economic spheres, the aim is to create a foundation for long-term, environmentally conscious, and inclusive growth. This approach ensures that the benefits of development are not only immediate but also enduring, positively impacting current and future generations.
In summary, our mission is to empower young people socially, politically, and economically for sustainable development. We are committed to fostering comprehensive growth and well-being among the youth, recognising the interconnectedness of social, political, and economic factors.
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