The African Youth Climate Hub (AYCH) is a youth-led initiative launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa during the 2019 United Nations Secretary General Climate Summit. It aims to foster skill development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and knowledge exchange for young Africans engaged in climate action.Co-constructed by and for youth, AYCH provides a supportive space that addresses the needs of young Africans, empowering them through concrete opportunities in entrepreneurship and employment while amplifying their voices in climate advocacy. AYCH also offers an incubation program, entirely designed by African youth, which is adaptable to the specific needs and maturity of selected projects.
Winners are chosen based on several key criteria, including the innovation and originality of their projects, the feasibility and practicality of implementation, and the potential impact on addressing climate challenges in Africa. Projects are also evaluated on their scalability and replicability, assessing whether they can be expanded or adapted to other regions. Additionally, the commitment and leadership of the individualsbehind the projects are considered, ensuring they have the drive to sustain and lead the initiative.A panel of experts reviews submissions to select the most promising and impactful projects.
AYCH is composed of6componentsaimed at encouraging and supporting youth:
Network: Facilitate connections between youth and across generations to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Incubation Program: A six-month program providing concrete support to up to ten youth-led projects, helping them develop and bring their initiatives to fruition.
Forum: A space to celebrate youth stories, leadership, and innovation, while highlighting green employment and training opportunities for youth, particularly in the context of a just transition.
Knowledge Center: Gather, develop, and disseminate co-constructed knowledge to enrich the understanding of youth-driven climate action.
Observatory: A tool to celebrate and showcase youth contributions and innovations across the continent, particularly within the framework of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Dashboard: Collect and provide data on and for youth, emphasizing important synergies between Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 for sustainable development.
No, there are no associated fees required for submitting projects or applications to the African Youth Climate Hub (AYCH). The initiative aims to remove financial barriers to participation, encouraging young people to engage in climate action and submit their ideas or projects freely.
Yes, you may submit an idea for the African Youth Climate Hub (AYCH) every year. The initiative encourages continuous participation and innovation from young people, allowing them to present new ideas or projects in subsequent application cycles. Each year may offer different themes or focus areas, so it’s advisable to stay updated on any specific guidelines or requirements for each submission period. Checking the official AYCH website will provide the latest information on submission timelines and criteria.
If you encounter difficulties while completing your application, you should contact the AYCH support team, or the designated contact person listed on the official AYCH website. They can provide assistance, clarify any questions, and guide you through the application process. Additionally, you may find helpful resources such as FAQs or application guidelines on their website to assist you further.
Projects eligible for submission focus on climate action, environmental sustainability, and innovative solutions that address specific climate-related challenges in Africa. This can include initiatives related to renewable energy, waste management, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement. AYCH encourages creative approaches that can have a measurable impact on local communities and ecosystems.
Applications are submitted through an online submission form available on the AYCH website African Youth Climate Hub. Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided, filling out all required fields accurately and completely. It may also be beneficial to review any guidelines or tips for submission that AYCH provides to maximize your chances of success.
Your submission should include a detailed description of your project idea, outlining its objectives, target audience, and expected outcomes. Additionally, you should provide background information about your team or organization, including relevant experience and skills. If applicable, include a budget overview, timeline, and any partnerships or collaborations that will enhance your project’s feasibility and impact. The form you will fill to submit your project will guide you through all those steps.
AYCH primarily focuses on empowering young Africans, so applications should be submitted by African youth for projects implemented in Africa.
AYCH is aimed at young people, defined as individuals aged 15to 35.
After submission, applications undergo a review process where they are evaluated against the established criteria. Successful applicants will be notified and may be invited to participate in the incubation program, networking events, or other AYCH initiatives.
The incubation program is a structured initiative designed to support young entrepreneurs in developing and implementing their climate action projects. It provides tailored resources, mentorship, and training over a six-month period, helping participants refine their ideas, build skills, and achieve sustainable impact.
The program is open to young individuals aged 15 to 35 who have submitted an eligible project idea that aligns with AYCH’s goals. Participants should demonstrate a commitment to climate action and the potential to implement their projects within their communities.
Participants are selected based on the evaluation of their project submissions, focusing on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with AYCH’s objectives. A three steps evaluation process is established to identify promising projects for incubation.
The incubation program offers a variety of support services designed to empower participants. This includes mentorship from seasoned professionals, access to training workshops, networking opportunities, and essential resources for project development. Participants benefit from guidance on ideation, implementation, and scaling of their projects, as well as specialized workshops covering diverse fields. Project holders are taken in charge for travel and accommodation to undergo the physical sprints in Morocco.
The incubation program lasts for six months and is organized into five four-day sprints, alternating between in-person and distance learning sessions, accompanied by evaluation activities. Throughout this period, participants take part in structured activities aimed at refining their projects, enhancing their skills, and fostering connections with other youth and stakeholders involved in climate action.
No, there are no fees associated with participating in the AYCH incubation program. The initiative aims to be inclusive and accessible to all eligible young people without financial barriers. AYCH will not request any payment, however for travel purposes, project holders will have to activate their travel insurance on their own expenses.
After the completion of the incubation program, participants are typically expected to present their projects to a panel of experts and stakeholders during the DEMO DAY. Project holders are also granted the status of Ambassador granting them the role to represent AYCH and be supported to participate in international conferences.
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