Somto BisinaThe USAID Youth Well-Being Prize Competition has ignited a search for young visionaries who can craft inventive solutions to address the pressing challenges facing today’s youth.
These solutions are not only aimed at ensuring the availability of educational resources and essential information but also emphasize inclusivity and accessibility.
The competition seeks to foster comprehensive knowledge, granting all young individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or identities, equal access to educational materials that resonate with their life experiences.
The central objective is to amplify comprehensive knowledge and accessibility, equipping young people to safeguard their well-being, bolster their security, and exert a positive influence on their personal lives and the communities they are part of.
Successful entrants will have the opportunity to receive a substantial cash prize of $50,000 to propel and expand their innovative concepts.
The Underlying Need for this Initiative
Today’s youth grapple with an array of challenges, including mental health pressures, digital threats, exploitation, violence, and the far-reaching effects of climate change. In response to these issues, USAID unveiled its updated Youth in Development Policy in 2022.
This policy places a premium on empowering youth as catalysts and collaborators in the effort to enhance their access to secure services, information, and economic prospects.
Furthermore, the policy emphasizes the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes and strengthening their collective impact.
Targeted Areas of Innovation
The USAID Youth Well-Being Prize Competition is particularly interested in young individuals aged 29 or below who possess digital ideas in the realms of mental well-being, digital safety, protection, gender-based violence, and the challenges posed by climate change.
Mental Health: Ideas in this category revolve around the psychological well-being of children and young adults. Innovations might include tailored support, psychotherapeutic approaches, or initiatives that alleviate stress and enhance the overall quality of life for young individuals.
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Digital Safety: This category focuses on responsible use of digital platforms and ensuring online security. Solutions could address digital risks originating from internet platforms and digital interactions, including cyberbullying, hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation.
Safeguarding: Entrants in this category are encouraged to propose solutions to prevent or address child and youth abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence. This encompasses responses to sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence.
Gender-Based Violence: Innovations here combat harmful behaviours directed at individuals or groups based on gender identity or expression. Competitors are urged to address gender equality, equity, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Climate Change: This category seeks initiatives related to climate awareness, sustainable practices, renewable energy, and climate adaptation projects. Efforts to alleviate climate-related anxiety among children and young individuals are also welcomed.
Exemplary Innovations and Possibilities
The competition envisions a range of innovations driven by youth and intended for youth:
A website offering guidance for enhancing mental health and overall well-being.
A social media initiative visualizing strategies to mitigate digital risks.
A digital-based training program addressing child and youth violence.
An online interactive game raising awareness of gender-based violence.
Digital organizing through petitions or social media drives, linking youth to community-cantered initiatives for environmental conservation.
Applications opened on July 27, 2023, and will close by 5pm ET on September 29, 2023. To apply, fill out the application form and submit.
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