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Democracy Series Participatory Learning and Active Youth (DESPLAY Africa), the foremost and consistent annual Youth Democracy Academy in West Africa since 2005 is accepting applications from interested youth. In the past 5 years, DESPLAY Africa admitted youth from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Cameroon, who were educated on different broad based democracy and governance issues.  For DESPLAY Africa Season 6, about 40 youths from Nigeria and other African countries shall come together under a unique learning platform to deepen their knowledge about democracy and also foster youth participation in governance processes in Africa. This program is for young people that are concerned about Africa’s growth and development. It is for those youth who desire to be part of the region’s emerging transformational leaders. It is also for those who believe that as youth we can begin to foster positive change in our continent within our space. It has been professed that Africa is the continent of the new millennium, to achieve this potential, new entrepreneurial and transformational actors must emerge to drive the processes. But most critically is the fact that these emerging new actors require unique platforms for interaction, capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and networking among others in preparation for the huge task of leap-frogging Africa’s development. It is on this background that we offer DESPLAY Africa Season 6 and invite all those who share in this aspiration to participate therein.

 DESPLAY SEASON 6 OFFERS:

• Three different workshop/semesters of 4 days each.

Each workshop shall hold in a different city of Nigeria after 3 months interval. This allows participants better appreciate our national diversities and re-enforce the spirit of peaceful co-habitation among people of different socio-religious backgrounds.

• About 40 different sessions and activities offered.

Each Semester lasts for 4 days and each contain atleast 4 different interactive sessions and activities, including breakout sessions, film shows, debates, panel session, reading class among others. A team of well experienced facilitators ensure quality interactive experiences.

•  Win the “I Debate” Campus debate award.

10 participants of DESPLAY Africa Season 6 shall have the opportunity to each conduct students debate in a higer institution in their state of residence using a template format to ensure uniformity. Finalist from each campus based debate shall be invited to the grand finale during DESPLAY Semester 3 to compete for the “I Debate Prize”.

• Participate in our maiden “ Young Champion for Democracy Challenge”

Knowledge, passion, advocacy etc without Action is like wishing to drive a car but not able to actually drive a car. DESPLAY Season 6 shall offer participants the chance to compete in the “Young Champions for Democracy Challenge”. It is a component that encourages participants to identify a key issue in our democracy and to implement a project to address that challenge. All projects must be completed 4 weeks before semester to qualify for the award.

• Opportunity to vie for President of DESPLAY Republic for season 6.

Every season of DESPLAY offers any interested participant the chance to become the DESPLAY Republic President during an election to be conducted in semester 2 by the participants themselves. The current DESPLAY President is Femi……..

• Gain visibility through Youth Power Weekly Radio Show on Highland FM Jos.

All participants shall enjoy the benefit of featuring on our new weekly radio show Youth Power to contribute to related discussion, give visibility to their projects as well as bring to visibility issues of concern among the youth demography.

• Participate in a self funded Learning Visit to a Democracy in Africa.

Since 2007 every year, a team of DESPLAY participant raise funds and travel to a democracy in West Africa for a 2 weeks learning visit during which they interact with a cross section of the society including lawmakers, youth leaders, NGOs, students etc. DESPLAY Season also offers this unique learning experience after Semester 2 for those who can afford to raise the required funds. 

• Become a DESPLAY Fellow and get a DESPLAY Certificate of Participation among others.

From DESPLAY Africa Season 6, all participants who complete the program shall graduate as DESPLAY Fellows! Moreso, 5 participants shall emerge as Senior Fellows with unique benefits attached to the Senior Fellows status!!

Moreso, DESPLAY allows you meet with youths from different African countries as well as gives you the rare opportunity to join a robust community of young and emerging leaders united in their passion for democracy and good governance in the Africa region.

ELIGIBILITY

Young people from Nigeria and African countries aged between 18 - 35 years.

 

SPONSORSHIP AND REGISTRATION FEE

• 30 persons shall enjoy full scholarship covering feeding, accommodation, conference materials and travel subsidy on paying N5, 000 registration fees per semester/workshop.

 

• While 10 persons shall enjoy  partial scholarship covering feeding, accommodation and conference materials on paying N20, 000 registration fees per semester/workshop.

 

Payment are only made after you have been finally selected and officially informed of your selection.

 

APPLICATION FORM IS AVAILABLE ON:

www.youngstars-foundation.org and also attached to this email. Please fill form and email to us.

 

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:

December 17^th 2010.

 

FOR ENQUIRIES CALL:

Bola                  +234, 8065479817, 07072000256

Emma                        +234 7039634873

Nandak              +234 8065353382

 

EMAIL:engage@youngstars-foundation.org, desplay@yahoo.com, ystar27@yahoo.com

 

 

Youngstars Foundation:       

Intl Office: Chief Botmang House, A.M. Dung Str. Sparkling Junction, Dadin Kowa

P.O. Box 515, Jos Plateau State Nigeria

www.youngstars-foundation.org

engage@youngstars-foundation.org

 

DESPLAY Africais a program of  Youngstars Development Initiative, Nigeria since 2005.

Funded since 2005  -  National Endowment for Democracy USA.

DESPLAY AFRICA ……..building Africa’s next generation good governance actors.

 

Remarks from DESPLAY Alumni

 

Babafemi Oyediran (DESPLAY 2009/10 Elected President): “………DESPLAY is one democracy and good governance program that truly have the capacity to provoke the development we needed and desire in Africa continent. This is one program that should be domesticated across Africa, Asia and even Middle East. I bet you, if you dear attend DESPLAY program, your life can and will never remain the same again. Yes, I’m one of the few but privileged young person(s) to participate in this event of life time. I therefore urge every young person that truly desire change in Africa to participate in this event. ……………

 

Leona Taylor (Liberia):“……….. Just want to say thank you to Youngstars and DESPLAY team for giving me the opportunities to be part of this life changing event in Africa. Though this is the first time of attending any event outside Moronvia and I have already visited 4 different states of Nigeria, but I can categorically say, am glad I did. DESPLAY has truly opened a new chapter in my life and my country and young people in my country a swell are better for it. My only request now from Youngstars is that they should please always give a slot to Liberia to benefit from DESPLAY programs in terms of participations in future. This is because, DESPLAY program can really achieve a lot in term of trust and hope in someone country, and I know we truly need this type of event in Liberia. Once again, thank you NED and Youngstars for making me a better person through DESPLAY program”

 

Muhammed Labbaika (Ghana)“……..i have been attending programs for sometime now, but the idea of DESPLAY is out of this world. It is better to happen to you than to be told, I am sincerely happy to be part of a new generation of Africa in the making. Special thanks to the entire team of Youngstars and NED for this laudable idea. It is obvious that I am now a new and better person, DESPLAY has opened a new chapter in my life…..”

 

Bassey Duke(DESPLAY first elected President)“…DESPLAY program has truly improved in all standard. Though I’m not surprise at all, as Youngstars is widely known for excellence in all they do. More kudos to NED for still identifying with DESPLAY project since 2005. It’s sincerely a program of life time impact, and I’m one of the living testimonies of DESPLAY program. Yes, Naija Youth hails thee NED and Youngstars Foundation”

 

Orakwe Nonso(Anambra State) “……If there is any project in this Country Nigeria that should be recognize by federal government, I believed it should be DESPLAY program. This is a program that empowers young people to become not just change agents, but also to become lovers and preachers of democracy. I was here in 2007/2008, and my life has never remained the same again.  The impact DESPLAY program is having in my life is truly unquantifiable! And I can only say it is a great privilege to be a DESPLAYer. My deepest appreciation to NED and Youngstars Foundation for their doggedness in promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria and Africa as a whole”.

 

Obinna Udenwe (Ebonyi State): “………It takes more than a word to express the impact of DESPLAY in my life. To be honest, there is no adjective that can also explain the impact of DESPLAY in my life. I can only say, am glad this event of life time impact is happening in my time, and I have opportunity to be part of it all through. Action, hope, participations, hard work, integrity, honesty, human feeling among other things is now my watch word. Many thanks to Youngstars and their wonderful team, as well as NED – USA.

 

Motunrayo Momodu (Lagos State):“………..DESPLAY is one program that should be instituted into curriculum at various higher institutions across West Africa countries. Since I have been attending programs, this is one program that have truly challenge my thinking about the growth and development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. May God bless NED – USA and Youngstars Nigeria.

 

Ogaga Maxwell (DESPLAY 2008/9 Elected President) ……the impact of DESPLAY program can not be quantified in my life and career. The exposure, knowledge deepening, and the entire democratic values among others has really made me tick and powerful. Thanks to Youngstars of this world and NED – USA

 

Danladi Erisa (Gombe State) …….. DESPLAY program has inputed in me those knowledge and values that can’t be gained or taught in the four walls of a class room. Today I am a better person compare to before I enrolled in DESPLAY program. Thanks to Youngstars Foundation for this laudable idea, and of course NED for funding

 

Prince Christian Ajong (Cameroon)…..this is the first time I will be participating in a year long program that involve other nationals. DESPLAY project should be endorse and incorporated by Africa Union for large numbers of people across the Continent to benefit. Today, I am better informed than few of my contemporaries back home in Cameroon. Big thanks to Youngstars Foundation and NED – USA for this wonderful initiative

 

Frank Mensah (Ghana) ……DESPLAY program has really impacted me as a young democracy advocate. Believe me, more people should be encouraged to participate from Ghana and other West Africa Countries. Thanks to Youngstars and NED for helping to develop the growth of good governance, accountability, rule of law in Africa Continent……….

 

The National Coalition of Nigerian Youth in Social Developmental is composed of Nigeria young men and women aged 18-35years working to bring about social development change. Members are individual youths or members/leaders of youth organizations/young changemakers addressing a social issue. Both circular and non circular youth organizations are welcome as members so long as their development work promotes growth and fosters peace, defends the intrinsic right to life, nurtures the family, and fosters a social climate favorable to integral development, solidarity, and mutual respect.

The coalition philosophy is based on the following:
We recognize that the foundation of every society and sustainable development is hinged on the youths of the nation, thus making youths strategic stakeholders in nation building process.

We believe that youths have positive mindsets, patriotism, creativity, energy, determination, national vision and are working in every facet of Nigeria sector to contribute to nation building.

We believe that as emerging leaders, today offers us the best opportunity to begin to sow seeds of good works, selfless service and empathy through our freedom to belong to or own a youth organization for social change.

Whilst we acknowledge that youths are faced with many social challenges, we are convinced that by actively getting involved and networking together as emerging leaders, we can unite to bring more visibility to our isues and our works, and also form a formidable force to reckon with in nation building.

We believe that the Nigeria nation needs to scale up its investment and priority on the youth sector by steadily consulting with young people on their felt needs and partnering with youth organizations in meeting such challenges.

We affirm that Nigeria is country blessed with enormous endowment and that it is time for serious minded youths to organize and push for change, development and prosperity, not only for us but for coming generations.
We invite all those who share these convictions to join us in affirming them and give them effect in public life at all levels.

To join the coalition, visit www.youngstars-foundation.org

nigeria, youth, coalition, charter, social, development, youthworks, nigerianyouth

Preamble:
“My Vote Fit Change Naija Video Project” is designed to be a 10minutes video showing how a life experience can be made different and a lot better where there is good leadership and good governance. Thus provoking the simple logic that if leadership affects our personal life and leadership is a direct result of an election, then we owe ourselves the full responsibility of identifying good leaders, vote for them and also ensure that our votes count during the elections.

It is obvious that the 2011 Nigeria general elections remains a transformational election for Nigeria. This will not be achieved by government and INEC alone, every major stakeholder needs to get involved, especially young people who represent a large section of our population, including the bulk of first time voters. It s against this background that Youngstars Foundation in partnership with National Democratic Institute and Julius Agwu Foundation are collaborating to package this media resource to mobilise young people to actively participate towards a credible, peacefull and acceptable election in 2011, using My Vote Fit Change Naija Video project.

The 10minutes Video shall be produced both in English and Pidgin English versions to reach a wide range of youths and society at large. A title musical track shall also be produced for the video which shall be circulated free of charge to young people nationwide. Partner electronic media houses shall be engaged to periodically broadcast the video and the song, while different online portals and social media like Youtube and Facebook shall also be used to widen its access and reach.

Getting Involved:
There are different exciting levels of involvement open to you
a)Story Script Competition for the 10 Minutes Video
Young Nigerians aged 18-35years of age are welcome to write a short story script capturing a life experience Nigerians encounter regularly and how this experience may have been made a lot more different and better where there is good leadership and governance.

Scripts must reach us by mail or by post on or before October 22nd 2010 through the following avenue:
engage@youngstars-foundation.org, ystar27@yahoo.com or
Youngstars Foundation P.O. Box 515, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria.

Only Story Script with the Cv and contact details shall be valid.

Benefit
Best Story Script gets a token N25,000 only and a chance to feature in the 10minutes Video with Julius Agwu.

Terms and Conditions
Ownership Waiver:
Please note that by sending your story script to Youngstars Foundation to use, the author or sender hereby accepts to forefeit his or her right to the story script. Although the author of the story script shall enjoy credit as author of the story script used for the video, Youngstars Foundation is at liberty to use the story for any purpose it deems neccessary without prior consultation or consent from the script author.

Aside from the advertised N25,000 token to be given to the winner of the best script and a chance to feature in the 10minutes video, the author shall not recieve any other kind of compensation be it monetary or otherwise from the organisers. Everyone who sends in an entry is bound by this Waiver Policy.

b)Compose the Video Project Song
Young Nigerians in music are welcome to apply to compose the project song. From the pool of applications, Youngstars shall determine how to select the suitable artist(s) who shall be given the video script to compose the theme song for the video on a pro-bono service (pro-bono means free of charge service).

Benefit
The song composer finally selected shall feature in the theme song be it audio or video. Moreso, Youngstars Foundation shall bear the full cost of producing the theme song for the video and the composer shall enjoy the credit as the composer of the song.

Terms and Conditions
Ownership Waiver:
Please note that a composer looses the full right to a song which Youngstars Foundation selects to be used for the video theme song and it thus becomes the full property of Youngstar Foundation. While Youngstars Foundation agrees to acknowledge and give credit to the composer of the song, Youngstars Foundation shall be free to use the song for whatsoever purposes it deems proper without prior consultation or consent from the song composer. Moreso, Youngstars Foundation shall be under no obligation to pay any monetary compensation or otherewise to the composer of the theme song.

c)Acting in the 10minute Video
More details about acting opportunities for interested artists in the 10minutes video shall be made public soon. Check the Youngstars Foundation website www.youngstars-foundation.org from end of October 2010.

For General Inquiries | Sponsorship
Call Bola Abimbola through 0703 5535 876, 0806 547 9817 or
Email engage@youngstars-foundation.org or ystar27@yahoo.com
Or visit www.youngstars-foundation, www.julius-agwu.com

My Vote Fit Change Naija Video...
An initiative of Youngstars Foundation in partnership with
National Democratic Institute and Julius Agwu Foundation

myvote, naija, nigeria, juliusagwu, youngstarsfoundation, videoproject, 2011elections

Once again Democracy is about to give us a chance to choose the leader of our dream in the coming general elections. No nation can grow beyond the quality of its leadership. Nigeria is loaded with huge potentials, all we need is the leader who can harness all these potentials and move us into a nation of peace and prosperity. The time to identify that leader is NOW!

Interestingly in the history of our great nation, there has never been such a time when young people are mobilising and gathering to actively engage in the processes that shall produce leaderships both at the local and national levels come the 2011 elections. From online social networks to real time rallies and conferences, the heat is on. Young people are coming around and coming in to say that they are stakeholders in the political space. Afterall they possess a huge chunk of the votes that shall determine the next leadership, and the policies and programs of any leader always has telling impact on the lives of our youths. There are many ongoing efforts by young people to ensure that Nigeria gets it right this time, and this essay contest is one of such efforts.

So in your own words, write a 2 page essay on the topic “The Qualities and Values My President in 2011 Must Have and WHY”.

The Prize

The Best Essay Author wins a 10days all expense paid trip to a West African country operating a Democracy.
The 2 Runners-up alongside shall recieve consolation gift items and would as well be presented alongside the Winner to The Hon. Minister of Youth Development of Nigeria, and members of the press in Abuja.
Send in your essays today through engage@youngstars-foundation.org

Eligibility 18-35years old Nigerians. Only 1 essay entry is allowed per individual.

Entry closes June 30th, 2010.

Call line: GSM +234 703 553 5876

Website: www.youngstars-foundation.org

democracy, essaycompetition, leader, leadership, nigeria, opportunities2010

Are you a young person who cares about what is happening in your community and Africa at large? Are you committed to working with others to overcome injustices? Do you want to learn from other young people working with their communities all around the world?

If you answered YES to these questions, would you consider registering to become a member of Youngstars Foundation?

Our new website offers lots of new features like posting for competitions, opportunities for you to share stories you like, you can create blogs, join different forums, and much more, we shall begin to offer youth focused courses which you can register to improve your work. We also envisage that many national events shall happen this year, so we can run polls for you to make comments as well as conduct campaigns. So much excitement awaits you in the new website. All you need to do is to register and it will take you about 3 minutes! www.youngstarsfoundation.org

Sincerely,

Emmanuel Idika

Team member - Youngstars Foundation

opportunity, youngstars, member, stories, africa, wealth