[afro-nets] African Regional Youth Initiative (2)

[Neema Mgana <nmgana@yahoo.com>]

African Regional Youth Initiative (2)
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Dear all,

Below is an update on the work of the African Regional Youth
Initiative in order to (1) share an example of how young people
in Africa and the U.S. have organized and set a structure to de-
sign and implement effective programs and partnerships in Af-
rica, and (2) seek involvement and collaboration with other or-
ganizations to replicate program models in and outside of Af-
rica. Inquiries on partnership or involvement on any ARYI ac-
tivities can be sent to Neema Mgana mailto:nmgana@yahoo.com

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The African Regional Youth Initiative (ARYI) and is a youth-led
organization working with youth and community-based organiza-
tions fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. Formed by Neema Mgana in De-
cember 2002 while a university student, the ARYI is currently
comprised of over a hundred youth and community-based projects
and organizations in Africa. Prior to working on the ARYI, Neema
was the co-founder of an organization in 2000 for HIV/AIDS af-
fected and vulnerable children in Tanzania. This organization
has currently built a community center to provide health and
education services for children in rural Tanzania.

ARYI addresses HIV/AIDS in a comprehensive manner by engaging in
activities that mobilize and empower communities, increase women
and youth participation in national and international dialogues,
facilitate sharing of experiences and lessons between organiza-
tions in different countries, and activities that build capacity
of youth in Africa to work in various social, economic and po-
litical sectors in addressing HIV/AIDS.

The strength of the ARYI is in its national and regional struc-
ture. Programs are coordinated through country and regional rep-
resentatives, liaison officers, program coordinators, committee
members (examples of committees include advocacy, research, and
the media) and other dedicated individuals.

ARYI seeks to empower and provide tools to African youth, women
and community organizations fighting HIV/AIDS at the local, re-
gional and national levels so as to work cohesively and share
resources with other youth and professional groups, thus gaining
youth-adult partnerships. ARYI seeks to build on lessons learned
in the field so as to develop and disseminate comprehensive and
effective program models.

ARYI works in partnership with a number of organizations, most
notably with the HIV/AIDS Program of TakingItGlobal coordinated
by Liz Livelli. ARYI is organized around the following programs
and program objectives.

1. Youth Policy Group:
Objective: To increase youth participation in policy and deci-
sion-making levels regarding issues that affect them, in par-
ticular HIV/AIDS and reproductive health and rights. Organized
in eight countries in Africa, the Youth Policy Group has had
meetings in Ghana and Uganda (where in addition, an advisory
group was formed comprised of youth, women, and representatives
from the government, the United Nations and universities). Next
meetings are planned for Liberia, Sierra Leone and a follow-up
meeting in Uganda.

Youth Policy Groups have national representatives who mobilize
and build capacity of young people in their communities to work
on policy issues on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health and rights.

Previous youth meetings have been held in Kenya and in South Af-
rica in collaboration with the HIV/AIDS Program of TakingIt-
Global.

2. Internship Program:
Objective: To link individuals from around the world to work on
HIV/AIDS and development projects in Africa. In addition to this
continentally-focused program that has been active since 2003,
the ARYI has collaborated with an international exchange organi-
zation to develop a comprehensive internship program focusing on
youth employment, community mobilization and policy advocacy
with 20 organizations in South Africa (from 12/2004-12/2005) and
in other countries in the near future.

3. Community AIDS Forums:
Objective: To discuss with community members first-hand on the
affects of HIV/AIDS within the community, and later design and
implement action plans that address these needs. This program is
coordinated in the Cameroon.

4. Women's Program:
Objective: To work with women (especially young women) and de-
velop networks across the continent to empower them to fully
participate in community, national, and regional debates on
HIV/AIDS and related issues affecting their daily lives. Cur-
rently, the program is in Central Africa and has started in East
Africa.

5. North-South Mentorship Program:
Objective: To promote the mentorship of youth-led projects and
organizations in Africa with national and international experts
in the field of program planning, evaluation, fundraising, net-
working, starting a new project, and much more.

6. The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Youth
Consultancy:
Objective: To raise awareness of NEPAD (especially at is relates
to HIV/AIDS and youth) and build youth participation within its
process. This program began in October 2004 with a focus on
youth in East Africa. A consultancy meeting will be held in Tan-
zania with the development of an action plan before December
2004.

7. Orphans and Vulnerable Children's Assistance program:
Objective: To develop initiatives that specifically assists
HIV/AIDS affected and vulnerable children in Africa. This pro-
gram is coordinated in Tanzania.

8. Leadership Development:
Objective: To nurture leadership skills of young people involved
in (or interested to be involved in) activities in the areas of
health and development in Africa. This program is coordinated in
the U.S.

9. Local Health Data Program:
Objective: To collect and disseminate data on HIV/AIDS at the
community level. Also includes the collection of local stories,
experiences, and updates from individuals and organizations in
Africa. This program is coordinated in Nigeria.

In addition to the above, the organization is working with other
organizations and networks in Africa as program partners on
various activities.

ARYI is also holding separate consultations with individuals and
representatives from youth organizations from different coun-
tries to formulate strategies to spearhead global youth actions.

To be a part of ARYI e-discussions, go to
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/aryi

Neema Mgana
Founder and Director
African Regional Youth Initiative
mailto:nmgana@yahoo.com