Target: William Ruto, President of Kenya
Goal: Allow young people more leadership roles in government.
At the Summit of Solutions, African youth converged to devise and push forward plans of action for food sovereignty on the continent. They see agroecology, which integrates ecology into agriculture, as a crucial cornerstone of fixing Africa’s broken food system. The summit was also notable for its emphasis on other forward-thinking principles like gender equality and widespread digital technology access. The young people of Africa are ready to drive change, if their leaders will give them the opportunity.
More than 60 percent of Africa’s population is under 35 years of age. Despite the ever-growing numbers of young people, leadership opportunities and mutual engagement with governments are sorely lacking. Youth-led protests have broken out across multiple nations – including Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya – but thus far most leaders have remained steadfast in their refusal to listen.
Kenya is an exception, as its leader has reached out to youth protesters. Sign the petition below to urge Kenyan leadership to set a lasting example of how to engage its youth in meaningful dialogue.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Ruto,
Nairobi hosted the African Youth Summit, but this annual gathering should not be a once-a-year platitude. It should be part of a real and ongoing effort to reach young Africans who comprise well over half of Africa’s population. Youth demonstrated the positive contributions they could make with the agroecology-focused Summit of Solutions, and they need a real and sincere voice in government affairs to promote and implement their ideals.
You have made more effort than many of your fellow African leaders in extending a cooperative hand to young people. Please follow through on these words with concrete actions that will instill trust and confidence in a disillusioned generation craving change and reform.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Desmond Gatimu
10 Signatures