The West African Youth Network (WAYN) has been actively working over the last few years to enhance the participation of young people in issues relating to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, governance, accountability, youth development and human rights in West Africa. It was set up in March 2001.

Image credit: WAYN

The creation of the organization was in direct response to the rise in violent activities and the continuous marginalization and exploitation of young people in West Africa.  It grew from the felt need to effectively mobilize the mass participation of young people to get off their fence and work constructively for the building of a culture of peace, human rights, governance and transparency in West Africa.

Since its inception in 2001, WAYN has continued to initiate and implement a number of projects in line with its Mission Statement. From a modest beginning in March 2001, the organization has grown over the years and has captivated the attention of governments, regional organizations, civil society groups, the media and the donor community.  It has extended its membership from five to thirteen countries and has implemented a number of programmes in line with its objectives.

Main objectives

The programme objectives of WAYN are to mobilize young people across the sub-region at the national and regional levels to participate in all spheres of national and regional development. The activities seek the holistic involvement of young people as key actors in democratic processes and social transformation in West Africa.

Image credit: WAYN

The strategy the programme pursues in order to realize these objectives is to strengthen the capacities of youth leaders and to advocate and lobby to influence policies promoting and main-streaming youth participation in national and regional processes.

• To empower young people to serve as an effective catalysts for social transformation in West Africa.
• To help promote a culture of peace, human rights, governance and open societies.
• To promote the participation of young people in decisions that affects their future.
• To serve as a public policy voice and advocacy mechanism on behalf of young people and influence policies promoting and mainstreaming youth participation in national and regional agenda .
• To serve as an umbrella organization of youth groups in West Africa.

Programmes Strategies

WAYN uses the following strategies to implement its programme activities:

• Training workshops
•  Consultation and Dialogues
• Advocacy and Lobbying
• Research and Information Dissemination
• Social Mobilization
• Networking
• Partnership and informal contacts