Together we can support young people making an impact!
In Zambia, the youth of the Barefeet Theatre organization use theatre as a way to influence and spread information to their audiences. Pictured here are young people who performed in the organization’s street theatre tour. Photo: Barefeet Theatre
4 reasons why young people should make an impact
1. Young people know best about things that concern young people.
2. There are a lot of young people in the world, so together young people have the power to make an impact!
3. Not doing anything is also making an impact – but only by acting you can change things! You learn advocacy best by trying!
4. Making an impact is empowering, even if it’s not always easy. Use your rights and make an impact on yourself and others!
Did you know that
Young people between the ages of 10 and 19 make up about one-sixth of the world’s population. In many of the poorest countries, the proportion of young people is even higher: in Taksvärkki’s program countries, for example, in Kenya, more than half of the population is youth. 90% of all young people in the world live in the world’s poorest countries and only 10% live in the world’s richest countries. No society can afford to ignore its largest population group and their rights.
“When you get to talk to friends and family about things that are important to you, it’s already making an impact and really important. There are many ways to make an impact, everyone will find their own.”
Ella, 16, Finland
“I would like to create change through media projects, such as television, radio and social media. At the moment, everyone uses social media and that is why I consider it very important to use it to make an impact.”
Kutawila, 18, Zambia
“When young people are seen talking and participating in different contexts and places, we stand out from other young people. This is how they will also notice and say “Hey, they are participating like that, I also want to participate and do the same thing they are doing.”
Lesly, 16, Guatemala
“The issue I have made an impact on so far is the importance of everyone’s participation: people with disabilities need to be involved in decision-making at all levels in our communities.”
Mercy, 23, Zambia
“I challenge you to take a stand on things in all the circles where you are involved: No need to be shy about talking about things. Express your thoughts and feelings, because that is how you will be heard.”
Eleazar, 16, Guatemala
“It has always been important for me to leave my own footprint in the world. Advocacy is a way of life for me.”
Lumina, 16, Finland
“I would like to impact the decision makers. They need to invest more in children’s and young people’s well-being.”
Manyi, 16, Guatemala
“Only young people know what’s best for young people. This time is different from the youth of previous generations.”
Simeon, 16, Finland
“An issue that’s important to advocate for is people’s mindsets. For example, people with disabilities can be thought of in the traditional way, through charity thinking or through their rights. The latter of these is the best way of thinking, because then their human rights will also be taken into account.”
Isaac, 20, Zambia
“Young people need to be able to make an impact, because literally young people are the future – we will live here in the future – and that is why it is important for us to advocate for the future we will have.”
Kaisla, 16, Finland
“Children being future pillars of the nation should unite and face these issues and warn about these. If we do this, we can also influence the upcoming generations.”
Banisha, 16, Nepal