In a significant move to enhance youth engagement in governance, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has announced the development of a Youth Advocacy Tool Kit. This initiative aims to empower adolescents in Katete and Lusaka districts, enabling them to actively participate in school councils and local governance.
Key Takeaways
- CSPR is seeking a qualified consultant to develop the toolkit.
- The toolkit will be tailored to support youth participation in governance.
- The project includes consultations with adolescents and stakeholders.
- A validation workshop will be conducted to refine the toolkit.
Background of CSPR
Established in 2000, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) is a local network comprising over 70 members dedicated to advocating for the poor in Zambia. The organization focuses on ensuring that civil society plays a meaningful role in the design and implementation of National Development Plans (NDPs) aimed at reducing poverty levels in the country.
Objectives of the Youth Advocacy Tool Kit
The primary goal of the Youth Advocacy Tool Kit is to strengthen youth engagement in governance and advocacy within school councils and junior councils. The toolkit will be developed through consultations with adolescents, ensuring that it meets their needs and encourages their active participation in decision-making processes.
Consultant Responsibilities
The selected consultant will undertake several key tasks, including:
- Reviewing existing standard operating procedures for school and junior council toolkits to assess their effectiveness in promoting youth engagement.
- Facilitating consultations with adolescents, school representatives, local government officials, and other stakeholders to gather insights on the toolkit’s objectives.
- Consolidating the findings into a comprehensive youth advocacy toolkit.
- Conducting a validation workshop to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to the toolkit.
Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
- An inception report detailing the work plan, timelines, and methodology for toolkit development.
- A comprehensive advocacy toolkit designed in a youth-friendly format.
- A final report summarizing the consultancy process, including achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future improvements.
Timeline and Qualifications
The consultancy is set to be completed within 14 days, with no extensions allowed due to the time-sensitive nature of the project. The ideal consultant should possess:
- A Master’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Education, Communication, or related fields.
- Over eight years of experience in developing youth-centered advocacy tools.
- Strong facilitation and communication skills, along with knowledge of Zambia’s educational and local governance systems.
Conclusion
The development of the Youth Advocacy Tool Kit by CSPR represents a crucial step towards empowering the youth in Zambia. By fostering their engagement in governance, this initiative aims to create a more inclusive decision-making process that reflects the voices of the younger generation. The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region, promoting active citizenship among youth and contributing to sustainable development in Zambia.
Sources
- Job – Expression of Interest – Development of a Youth Advocacy Tool Kit tender at Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, Great Zambia Jobs.
