Youth inclusion in socio-economic programs: Potential for fostering social cohesion and violence prevention in East and southern Africa
More than two-thirds of Africa’s population are under the age of 35, making it the most youthful continent in the world. Although this growing youth population can provide an economic and social boom, it is often seen as a source of socio-political concern. There is a debate among policymakers in Africa about the common perception that lack of meaningful inclusion opportunities, including the lack of decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods, can deepen societal problems and lead to deviant behaviour, including gang violence, gender-based violence, and radicalization. More work is needed to engage communities and local policymakers to improve their understanding of youth issues, such as the factors that motivate young people to become engaged and how to develop effective violence-free strategies.
This project examines the potential impact of youth livelihoods and socio-economic programs on preventing and mitigating violence and fostering inclusion, especially programs that incorporate elements of social skills building. Led by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR), the project will assess two specific youth government programs, one in South Africa and one in Kenya, where CSVR will collaborate with the Nairobi-based Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS). The project will generate empirical evidence to examine how these youth socio-economic programs have the potential to prevent, mitigate, and address threats of violence and ultimately contribute to building safer, more resilient communities. They will be assessed in terms of the benefits that have emerged from them and the lessons they provide for the region.
Through CSVR and CHRIPS research collaboration and joint policy engagement, the project will facilitate a community of practice among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in this sector across Africa. CSVR will synthesize information, establish platforms for sharing information, and disseminate research results. They will also host a platform to share project details, publications, resources, blogs, reports, and audio-visual materials. In addition, CSVR and CHRIPS will host webinars to share experiences on research methodology, policy influence, and capacity building processes, among other issues.
Project ID
109160
Project Status
Active
Duration
36 months
IDRC Officer
Martha Mutisi
Total Funding
CA$ 599,600.00
Location
Kenya
South Africa
Programs
Governance and Justice
Institution Country
South Africa
Project Leader
Hugo van der Merwe
Institution
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
Institution Website
Outputs
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Towards social and economic inclusion of youth in a post-Covid era : invitation Training Materials
The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR), the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) and the University of Johannesburg jointly hosted a three-part webinar series to highlight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns on young people’s lives. As well, it considers solutions for their social and economic inclusion in the post-COVID recovery period. The brochure describes the webinar and participating presenters. Author(s): Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, Library Language: English |
Strengthening efforts for greater youth inclusion in Africa post COVID-19 : webinar invitation Training Materials
This is a poster/invitation providing details for attending the webinar hosted by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, and the Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies. The research collaboration features ways of strengthening youth social and economic inclusion in southern and East Africa. Author(s): Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies Language: English |
| Youth empowerment and the potential for fostering social cohesion and violence prevention in East & Southern Africa : draft case study - Kenya Study
The report presents background to the research, the conceptual framework, and methodological approach of the study, which examines the extent to which youth are allowed to express and to voice their opinions in decision-making. It also examines whether Kenya Youth Employment & Opportunities Project (KYEOP) enabled youth participants to engage in activities that helped their overall well-being, enabled them to develop skills, and to identity a sense of self-worth and agency. The study assesses impacts of socio-economic and livelihood support programmes in Kenya that promote social inclusion of youth and aim at preventing violence. Author(s): Wairuri, Kamau Language: English |
Youth inclusion through public employment programmes : a case study of the community work programme in the township communities of Alexandra and Kagiso Study
Community Works Projects (CWP) are not prescribed but negotiated at the local level to include ‘useful work’, which serves the public good and/or improve the quality of community life. The study explores participation of youth within CWP with specific focus on factors that motivate or hinder them from joining, and activities that young people engage in once they join CWP. South Africa entered the COVID-19 pandemic with 29% unemployment, with over 40% living in poverty. The negative economic impact of COVID-19 has worsened unemployment levels. Evidence based, community-level interventions are required to ensure that employment through productive vocations can be achieved, especially for youth. Author(s): Langa, Malose Language: English |
Recovering from Covid-19 through greater youth economic inclusion Article
The newspaper article reports on the rise of unemployment, particularly among young people. COVID-19 has diminished economic growth and many people have lost jobs. The article focuses on Kenya and South Africa and a collaborative study between the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation and the Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies, towards strengthening youth social and economic inclusion in southern and East Africa. Youth are often the most hard-hit by health and economic crises. Author(s): Rabello, Steven, Mutahi, Patrick Language: English |
Youth inclusion in socio-economic and livelihood programmes : potential for fostering social cohesion and violence prevention in East and Southern Africa – literature, policy and programme review Brief
This review integrates recent literature, policy and programming on youth socioeconomic inclusion, to identify key programming and policy recommendations towards greater youth inclusion and violence prevention. Section 6 provides an overview of youth programmes, which often show greater focus on economic than social inclusion. A review of regional and national policies (Uganda, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe) suggests that national youth policies have been strongly affected by ingrained post-colonialism as well as by international and regional policies. Young people are aware that multiple factors influence their social and economic exclusion. Interviewees draw attention to their lack of inclusion within policy making processes. Author(s): Rabello, Steven Language: English |