The European Union Delegation to Uganda launched the second cohort of the Youth Sounding Board (YSB) in a vibrant ceremony at the EU Residence in Kololo. The event also doubled as a farewell to the outgoing cohort, who were honored for their impactful contributions to shaping EU-Uganda Development Cooperation.

The EU-Youth Sounding Board aims to ensure that EU Development Cooperation is inclusive, participatory and relevant to the needs of young Ugandans. It also provides a platform for youth to share insights, offer recommendations and co-shape EU external action on its priority areas including Green and Climate Transition, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth and Jobs and Democratic Governance and Social Inclusion.

In his remarks, H.E Jan Sadek, EU Ambassador to Uganda commended the outgoing Youth Sounding Board members for strengthening the links between grassroots youth and the EU, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration and youth-led development.

“The EU has a long history of supporting youth participation in Uganda through grants to a tune of 8.5 million Euros, since 2022 to civil society organisations addressing critical issues such as Youth participation in policy, teenage pregnancy and economic empowerment. Notably, the EU through the German Cooperation and Faraja Africa Foundation has supported the National Youth Parliaments which bring youth representatives from village to national level to discuss youth issues” H.E Jan Sadek

Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, expressed gratitude to the European Union Delegation for its strong and respectful partnership with Uganda through its continued support to trade, civil society peacebuilding and refugee response. She emphasized that initiatives such as the Youth Sounding Board, Ugandans give Ugandans a chance to co-create solutions that respond to their needs. Hon. Amongi also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga which have equipped many young Ugandans with the skills and financing to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.

Dr. Jemba Micheal, the incoming Chairperson of the Board urged the new YSB members to use their voices creatively and relentlessly to share their lived experiences. He thanked the EU for believing that youth participation is not an obligation but a strategic choice and called upon EU representatives and the Board to co-create a space that is inclusive, brave, supportive and relevant to the needs of young Ugandans.

This year’s call for applications attracted an overwhelming response, with over 1,217 applications received from across Uganda. After a rigorous selection process, 20 outstanding young individuals aged between 18 and 30 were chosen to form the second cohort. The newly inaugurated board reflects a rich diversity of backgrounds, regions and expertise, ensuring broad representation of Ugandan youth. The European Union remains committed to fostering meaningful youth engagement and ensuring that young people are empowered as key stakeholders in the country’s development journey.

APPLY FOR EU YSB-UG CALL HERE

The European Union (EU) recognizes the importance of youth engagement, participation, and inclusion as a key aspect to its external action and international partnership agenda. As part of this commitment, the EU seeks to amplify the voices of young people and ensure their perspectives are integrated into the design and implementation of EU policies and programs in partner countries such as Uganda. To advance this agenda, the EU Delegation to Uganda established a Youth Sounding Board (YSB), composed of twenty Ugandan youth. This initiative aims to provide a platform for youth to actively contribute to shaping EU-Uganda relations, fostering a more inclusive and responsive approach to development cooperation.

The YSB is a platform aimed at ensuring the EU development cooperation is more participatory, relevant, and effective for young people in Uganda. The YSB seeks to create opportunities for young people and youth organizations to express their views, connect with each other and the EU Delegation and EU Member States in Uganda. Ugandan youth between 18-30 years are eligible for this call for applications to the Season Two YSB after which a selection will be made that ensures gender, thematic and geographical balance among others.

Check your Eligibility

The European Union (EU) considers engagement with youth and youth participation and inclusion essential for its external action and international partnerships agenda.  The aim is to ensure that the voices of young people are heard and taken into account, including when shaping and implementing EU programmes and policies in partner countries like Uganda.  To advance this agenda, Faraja Africa Foundation, with support from the EU Delegation to Uganda, aims at setting up the Youth Sounding Board Uganda (YSBU) with a membership of twenty Ugandan youth.  Perspectives and needs of young people will be considered during the EU and Member States’ decisions making processes; in their policies, programs, and services that affect them within the programming of the European Union and member states.

Furthermore, the YSBU seeks opportunities for youth networks, organizations, opinion leaders, and more to express their views and connect the EU Delegation and EU Member States in Uganda.  Ugandan youth between 18-30 years are eligible by this call for applications to the YSBU, after which a selection will be made that ensures gender, thematic and geographical balance, among others.

Therefore, Faraja Africa Foundation, with support from the European Union, is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Youth Sounding Board in Uganda.  We are looking for young people between the ages of 18-30 who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities and eager to have their voices heard on important and topical issues across the sector.  The Youth Sounding Board members will be selected based on their commitment to community service and willingness to work collaboratively with others.

To APPLY, please take note of the following;

1. Should be a Ugandan (female or male) between 18 – 30 years of age.
2. Should have a demonstrated interest in the sustainable development of the country and the sustainable development goals
3.  Should be part of an organization (optional)
4.  Should have an active social media presence.
5.  Should distinguish between what is a must from what is an advantage.
6. Follow Faraja Africa Foundation; Twitter – @EUinUG, @FarajaAfricaFdn | Like Page on Facebook – Faraja Africa Foundation | Follow on Instagram – @farajaafricafdn and on LinkedIn-Faraja Africa Foundation

• Submit a completed online application form (CLICK TO APPLY)
• Submit your resume or CV

The deadline for applications is 18^th April 2023 at 11 pm.  We will be in touch with selected applicants to schedule an interview.  If you have any questions about the application process or the Youth Sounding Board in general, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] +256 (0) 39-488-4176.

We look forward to hearing from you and working together to impact our communities positively!

CLICK TO APPLY