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Youth Making Change

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Empowering the Next Generation to Rise

There are more than 1.8 billion young people alive today. It’s the largest generation of youth in history. The opportunities they get while they’re young will define the course of their lives. Yet for too many young people, conflict, poverty, and marginalization stand in the way of their hopes for a brighter future.

We believe that when young people are empowered and given the right opportunities, they can stand up for their rights and spark change in their lives and in their communities. They can inspire their peers to dream big dreams and create urgency for action on pressing issues that affect their lives.

That’s why we’re committed to empowering young people to be leaders and changemakers. Each year, we work with thousands of Junior Leaders to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to fight for their rights and support their peers to do the same. Through Children’s Rights Clubs, we work with youth and local leaders to make communities safer for young people. In all of our programs, we create supportive spaces for young people to learn and thrive without fear.

Here are the stories of some amazing youth who are making change in their communities.

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Cultivating Creativity: Delice’s Story

Learn how Delice is using her poetry to inspire a love of reading and the environment in her peers in Rwanda.

Read and watch how Delice uses her voice to inspire others

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Finding Hope for The Future: Martha's Story

Martha is leading a campaign with her friends to discourage girls from child labor in Ghana.

Read about Martha and her campaign

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Standing Strong: Kyaw’s Story

Young leaders like Kyaw help families in refugee shelters near the Thai-Myanmar border find a way to cope with the challenges of living as refugees.

Learn how Kyaw helps families stop fighting in Mae La, Thailand

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How Eloisa is Closing the Learning Gap

In Mozambique, Eloisa uses games and fun activities to help children her age practice their vocabulary, grammar, and numeracy.

Be inspired by Eloisa’s story

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How Judith Stood Up to Female Genital Mutilation

When Judith was at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation, she made a brave choice to stand for her rights. Thanks to her leadership, Judith and her sister were protected from female genital mutilation and child marriage.

Read about Judith protecting herself and her sister


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