Creating a better world: Youth leadership in SOS Children's Villages
“We young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the partners of today,” says 25-year-old Rose, explaining her motivation for joining the SOS Children's Villages Youth Council in Uganda. She advocates for issues like youth engagement and mental health with her peers.
Empowering youth worldwide
SOS Children’s Villages supports over 89 national and 200 local youth councils worldwide to empower young people from vulnerable backgrounds to drive change and strengthen their communities.
“I came to understand that my voice represents many young people and has an impact on our society. Now, I confidently amplify youth voices on key issues, driving meaningful change,” says 21-year-old Nadira from Bangladesh.
Safe spaces for youth voices
Peer support and a safe space for exchange are at the heart of these councils. Young people there gather strength and motivation to speak up on topics they care about, like early and forced marriage, climate change, and effective youth services.
In Bogura, Bangladesh, Khurshida is determined to find effective solutions to environmental issues:
“As members of the SOS Youth Council, we’ve been distributing jute bags as sustainable alternatives to plastic and engaging in tree plantation initiatives.” Just 100 km away, in Rajshahi, the local SOS Youth Council is running an awareness-raising campaign on early marriage.
Building influence is the road to success
Getting organized and gaining influence requires commitment, expertise, resources, and time. Out of the 89 national SOS Children's Villages Youth Councils, more than half are well-established, while the others are in the early stages of development.
Connecting SOS Youth Councils globally
SOS Children’s Villages International Youth Coalition connects these youth councils through a virtual platform. Kalilou, 23, a member of the national SOS Youth Council in Gambia and the SOS International Youth Coalition, explains:
"I believe that by supporting each other, SOS Youth Councils can develop and become even more powerful. Virtually connected, we are joining forces, supporting each other, claiming our voices and votes in decision-making forums,” he says.
Join us in supporting youth participation
Supporting youth participation structures is at the heart of SOS Children’s Villages' work.
“SOS Youth councils are shaping the future, but they can’t do it on their own. To truly amplify their impact, we must make space in decision-making forums and support the platforms that empower young leaders to influence decisions and drive positive change,” says Angela Rosales, Chief Program Officer at SOS Children’s Villages International.
In Benin, young people participating in SOS Children's Villages programs hold 15% of the votes at the National Board and have a radio station that amplifies their voices.
The National Director, Salimane Issifou, says, “It is today that we should create the conditions for meaningful participation of children and young people, and we will live in a better world.”
Youth leadership at the forefront
The International Youth Coalition, representing young people globally in SOS Children’s Villages, is the highest body of youth leadership within the organization. Kulsun, 17, from Kirgizstan, one of its 22 members, urges support for their mission:
“Join us in standing with SOS Youth Councils to ensure that young people are heard and actively leading the way, creating the policies and programs that will affect their lives. Let’s turn their leadership into action and build a world that values the power of youth participation,” says Kulsun.
How you can help
You can help amplify the voices of young leaders and support their efforts to drive meaningful change in their communities by donating or by exploring partnership opportunities.