The Youth Transformational Empowerment and Mentorship (Y-TEaM) Program is an initiative launched by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) to empower the youth of West Africa to play a leading role in promoting peace, security, and governance across the region. The program focuses on young graduates, providing them with the necessary tools, mentorship, and exposure to gain practical experience in peacebuilding.
With the support of the African Union’s recommendations, this program addresses the gap in sustainable youth capacity development and aims to build a new generation of youth peacebuilders capable of driving positive change in their communities and countries.
Eligibility Criteria
The Y-TEaM Programme is designed for young individuals who meet the following criteria:
Age: 18 – 35 years
Education Level: Fresh graduates, preferably with a demonstrated interest in peace, security, development, or community engagement.
Commitment: Applicants must have a strong commitment to peacebuilding, social change, and community resilience.
Geographic Focus: This program is open to youth from West African countries.
Applicants should have:
A demonstrated interest or experience in peace, security, and governance issues.
A passion for community development and a desire to become leaders in the peacebuilding field.
The ability to commit to the full duration of the program (nine months).
Program Details
The Y-TEaM Programme will run for nine (9) months and includes a structured series of activities designed to build the participants’ leadership capacity and provide them with hands-on experience in the field of peacebuilding.
Key Components of the Program:
Training Sessions:
Duration: Monthly training sessions, each lasting 2 to 3 days.
Focus: Topics include conflict prevention, conflict management, leadership, governance, policy influencing, and more.
Format: Interactive sessions with readings, social networking, and field trips.
Internship:
Part-time job opportunities for students
Duration:Six (6) months internship with WANEP’s National Secretariats.
Commitment: At least two days per week throughout the internship period.
Goal: Provide hands-on experience in peacebuilding and enhance professional development.
Mentorship:
Each Mentee will be paired with an experienced peacebuilding practitioner or institution.
Frequency: Monthly mentorship sessions, either virtually or in person.
Goal: Ongoing professional development and guidance throughout the program.
Visibility/Spotlighting:
Mentees will be featured on WANEP’s website and other online platforms.
Opportunity to attend regional or international peacebuilding events, depending on resources.
Objectives:
Equip young people with leadership skills, critical thinking, and innovative solutions to regional peace and security challenges.
Foster youth engagement in community resilience efforts.
Build a network of youth leaders for experience sharing and best practices in peacebuilding.
Application Process
To apply for the Y-TEaM Program, follow the steps below:
Prepare your application by ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria.
Submit your application through the official WANEP portal.
Application documents may include:
A current CV
A statement of interest or motivation
Any relevant certificates or references
Submit to the Y-TEaM Coordination Team at [email protected] or call +233 (0) 302 411638 for further inquiries.
No Programme Fees: There are no application or participation fees for this programme. However, depending on resource availability, WANEP may provide sponsorship for some Mentees to attend relevant regional or international peacebuilding events.
The Y-TEaM Programme offers a unique opportunity for young individuals across West Africa to enhance their peacebuilding skills, gain real-world experience, and connect with a network of like-minded youth leaders. By empowering the next generation of peacebuilders, WANEP is helping to create lasting peace and security in the region
