We are excited to announce that the Rural Smiles Foundation has officially become a member of the Youth Democracy Cohort (YDC)! This is a significant milestone for our organization as we continue our mission to empower vulnerable communities and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups, particularly in the areas of youth involvement, civic engagement, and democratic processes.

What is the Youth Democracy Cohort (YDC)?

The Youth Democracy Cohort is a global network of organizations committed to strengthening youth participation in democratic processes. As part of the cohort, we are joining a diverse group of like-minded organizations that work towards fostering democratic values, promoting political engagement, and ensuring that young people have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.

The YDC focuses on advancing youth-led initiatives, supporting youth organizations, and contributing to the ongoing efforts to achieve meaningful democratic reforms. With the global political landscape constantly evolving, it is essential for youth to have the tools, platforms, and opportunities to make their voices heard, and the YDC is at the forefront of this effort.

What Does This Mean for Rural Smiles Foundation?

Becoming a member of the YDC is not just an acknowledgment of our past work, but also an exciting opportunity for future growth and collaboration. Through this partnership, we will:

• Expand our Network: The YDC brings together organizations from across the globe, providing a unique opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on initiatives that support youth empowerment and democratic engagement.
• Access Resources and Support: As a member, we will have access to a wealth of resources, including funding opportunities, capacity-building support, and tools to amplify our advocacy efforts for youth rights.
• Collaborate on Youth-Focused Projects: The YDC emphasizes joint initiatives that can drive change at the grassroots level. This partnership will help us build on our current projects and bring even more impactful programs to Kibaale District and beyond.
• Elevate our Advocacy: The YDC offers a platform for amplifying the voices of organizations like ours, especially when advocating for youth participation in policy and decision-making. Our commitment to ensuring the rights and voices of youth in Uganda will be even more prominent through this collaboration.

Next Steps: Onboarding and Getting Involved

To kick-start our membership, we are invited to an onboarding session with the YDC team. The session will provide a detailed overview of the cohort's mission, our roles and responsibilities as a member, and the tools available to maximize our impact. We are particularly looking forward to learning more about the resources and collaborative opportunities that lie ahead.

The online onboarding session will be held on May 21st, 2025 at 15:00 CET (in English). As part of our membership, we are also encouraged to promote the YDC's goals, values, and upcoming events through various channels, ensuring that we contribute to the global visibility of youth-led democracy efforts.

What This Means for Kibaale District

As an organization rooted in Kibaale District, Uganda, our membership with the YDC is an opportunity to further our mission of empowering local communities and advocating for youth inclusion. Youth in rural areas face many challenges, including limited access to education, economic opportunities, and civic engagement platforms. By joining the YDC, we will bring more attention to these issues and explore new ways to engage young people in the democratic processes that affect their lives.

Looking Ahead

We are thrilled to be part of the Youth Democracy Cohort and look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead. Our participation in this global network will strengthen our advocacy for youth rights and inclusion, and empower us to create lasting, positive change within our community.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to engage with the YDC and amplify the voices of youth in Kibaale District and beyond!

#YouthDemocracy #YouthParticipation #CivicEngagement #RuralSmilesFoundation