Santo Andre young stars in a project supported by UN-HABITAT
Santo Andre young stars in a project supported by UN-HABITAT
With funding from UN-HABITAT, the project "Young Urban Environmental Leadership’ will be launched in Santo Andre, Brazil. The project was one of 67 projects selected by the Opportunities Fund for Youth Led Development by UN-Habitat from over a thousand projects in 86 countries, all involving youth leadership for sustainable urbanization. In Brazil we approved a total of three projects, announced today (October 5) as part of the celebrations of World Habitat Day in Rio de Janeiro.
Youth from the Prestes Maia Social Housing complex of Santo André will be engaged through Alma Ambiental, a youth led organization that promotes art education focused on urban environmental issues. Several partners - including the Movimento de Defesa de Moradores de Favela de Santo Andr, Peixes, Pessoas e Água and the- World Fisheries Trust - Canada - seek the involvement of the entire community with environmental issues that affect the quality of life . The proposal seeks to encourage initiatives led by youth of the community through training in environmental education, leadership and project development, so as to improve the management of waste and contribute to the implementation of green areas. After implementing the projects, young people will continue their training and contribute to the city as interns in partner organizations working on environment and social inclusion.
"Environmental issues are very much linked to social inclusion - that is, residents of impoverished neighborhoods should have access to green space, public sanitation and environmental education to the same extent as the inhabitants of the rest of the city" - says the project coordinator and resident Sarah Bryce, 29 years old. The assistant coordinator, Edinilson Ferreira dos Santos, 29 years and resident for 6 years in the set, says: "It is a community of people who came from different corners of the city, largely through projects of slum upgrading. We always seek to strengthen ties between people through community events. We want to harness the dynamism and creativity that young people have to further strengthen this community. "
The project launch will take place in the Prestes Maia, October 12 at 4pm, with workshops in art, drama and video presentations, all focused on urban environmental issues and housing. The project seeks partners to form a network of support to initiatives spearheaded by the region's youth. To follow the actions or contact the project, visitwww.jovensliderancas.org) .
Nairobi, 30 Sept 09
UN-HABITAT has awarded grants from its new Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development to 67 projects proposed by young people from around the world.
The first beneficiaries of the agency’s new Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development were drawn from a pool of 1,116 applicants from 86 countries. Kenya, India, Pakistan and Cameroon generated the greatest number of successful applicants under the programme started with funding from Norway to the tune of USD 1 million annually.
The 67 winning projects from 33 countries, will be feted in Washington at the global celebration of World Habitat Day on 5 October. Many of their ideas are aimed at alleviating poverty, improving employment prospects, education, the environment, health and safety.
The Opportunities Fund awards eligible organizations grants of USD 5,000 to USD 25,000. Those qualifying have to meet strict UN criteria and are required to report on results and effectiveness.
“This application process had two goals, both of which exceeded our expectations,” says Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT. “We
wanted, for the first time, to define the breadth and depth of global youth development in some of our most challenged urban environments. We also
wanted to enhance the successes of innovative youth groups that have proven benefits for their communities. We are amazed at the quality and quantity of applicants.”
Of some 1 billion slum dwellers in the world today, it is estimated that more than 70 percent are under 30. These young people have few resources available to improve their own living environments.
Among the recipients are a Kenyan environmental group recycling plastic waste, a Nigerian HIV/AIDS counseling project for young mothers and sex workers, a Palestinian group dedicated to computer and media training as a platform showcasing human rights, and a Pakistani literacy, job and lifestyle skills development programme. Another is a Brazilian youth organization which trains young people as environmental leaders.
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For more information:
(11) 8846-0746 with Sarah Bryce
jovensliderancas@gmail.com or visit www.jovensliderancas.org and www.almaambiental.blogspot.com.