1. What is the mission of the Jolt Youth Initiative?

At Jolt Youth Initiative, we are passionate about empowering young people to become catalysts for positive change and sustainable development. We believe that investing in the potential of young people is essential for building a brighter future for all. Through our innovative programs, initiatives, and partnerships, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every young person can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

2. Who can participate in Jolt Youth Initiative programs?

Generally, the Jolt Youth Initiative programs are open to young individuals between 14 and 24 age range, typically between adolescence and young adulthood in in the districts of Butambala and Mpigi,

3. What are the districts of operation and why?

Jolt youth Initiative operates in the confines of Mpigi and Butambala with it’s operational office in Mpigi and the head office in Kampala – Kamwokya

4. Why those districts.

These districts were chosen because of their proximity to the country's central district, Kampala, and their significant youth populations, accounting for about 19% according to the 2014 National Housing and Population Census. Notably, Mpigi alone has a dropout rate of 79% among teenagers, and the youth illiteracy rate ranges around 14%. Additionally, many youths in these districts perceive cities as offering better prospects for employment, education, and personal growth, leading to challenges associated with urban bias syndrome. Relocating to cities poses economic, social, health, housing, educational, and discriminatory challenges, exacerbating vulnerability among youth. Jolt's mission directly addresses these challenges by instilling confidence, skills, and resilience among youth through self-efficacy. By focusing on skills development, leadership training, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, Jolt aims to equip youth with the tools to thrive locally, reducing the pressure to migrate to cities while fostering sustainable development and well-being in their home communities

5. What are some of the planned initiatives?

Limited Access to Education:

In Mpigi, Butambala , districts, many youth face challenges in accessing quality education only 39 % of the youth are attending secondary school in Mpigi district due to factors such as distance to schools, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources. For example, some rural schools have few or poorly equipped schools, making it difficult for youth to access education beyond primary level. Additionally, the cost of school fees, uniforms, and textbooks is prohibitive for many families, leading to high dropout rates among youth.

Jolt Youth Initiative:

The "Education for All" initiative for the Mpigi, Butambala districts aims to improve access to quality education for youth, providing some scholarships and bursaries to disadvantaged students, and implementing community-based education programs. This initiative also focuses on promoting girls' education and addressing barriers such as early marriage for both boys and girls and teenage pregnancy.

Unemployment and Under employment;

The decision by the Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports to scrap diploma and certificate programs from universities could potentially limit access to higher education for individuals who would have pursued these programs for various reasons, such as financial constraints or academic preparedness and those who may not meet the entry requirements for degree programs, thereby impacting their employability and career prospects. Because majority of the parents may not afford university tuition , a number of youth are likely to drop out. The school drop out of youth in Mpigi is at 79% rendering them unemployed. Many youths engage in informal sector activities such as agriculture, petty trade, and artisanal work, which may provide low incomes and little job security.

Initiative:

The "Youth Economic Empowerment Program" will contribute to supporting youth entrepreneurship and job creation initiatives. This program will provide training in business financial literacy as access to microfinance, Vocational training and startup capital. By empowering youth to start their own businesses and become self-employed, this initiative aims to reduce unemployment and poverty in the region.

Limited Access to Healthcare:

Youth in the 2 districts often face challenges in accessing quality healthcare services, including reproductive health services, Malaria, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and mental health support. Initiative: The "Youth Health Outreach Program" the initiative aims to improve access to healthcare services for youth through mobile clinics, community health education sessions, and outreach activities. This program focuses on providing youth-friendly services, including confidential counselling, family planning services, and mental health support. By bringing healthcare services directly to communities, this initiative seeks to overcome barriers to access and promote the health and well-being of youth in the region.

Limited Civic Engagement Opportunities:

Youth also face barriers to meaningful civic engagement, including limited access to information, political marginalization, and lack of opportunities for youth leadership and representation. Many young people feel disempowered and disconnected from formal decision-making processes.

Initiative:

The "Youth Leadership and Advocacy Program" in districts of operation will empowers youth to become active participants in local governance and community development initiatives. This program will mentor youth in self efficacy high lighting leadership, peace and conflict resolution provides training in leadership skills. By building the capacity of youth to advocate for their rights and priorities, this initiative aims to foster a culture of youth-led development and social change in the region.

7. What types of activities does the initiative offer?

The Jolth Youth Initiative offers a variety of activities aimed at empowering youth, including skills training, educational sessions, community service projects, leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy campaigns and creation of training centre (Centres of Excellence)

8. How can I get involved with the Jolt Youth Initiative?

You can get involved with the Jolt Youth Initiative by reaching out to their organization through their website; (joltyouthinitiative), social media platforms@ joltyouthinitiative, or contacting their office directly in Bugolobi. They may have opportunities for volunteering, internships, participation in programs, or collaboration on projects

9. Are there any age restrictions for joining the initiative?

While specific age restrictions may vary depending on the program or activity, the Jolt Youth Initiative typically targets individuals within the youth demographic, 14 to 24 years often ranging from adolescence to young adulthood.

10. How does the Jolt Youth Initiative support youth development?

The Jolt Youth Initiative supports youth development by providing opportunities for skills development, fostering leadership qualities, promoting civic engagement, offering mentorship and guidance, advocating for youth rights and issues, and facilitating platforms for networking and collaboration

11. Can you provide examples of past successful projects or initiatives?

The Jolt Youth Initiative conducted a needs assessment in six schools with a combined student population of 2,000, intending to provide self-efficacy services to enhance academic and development outcomes

12. How can I stay updated on upcoming events and activities organized by the initiative?

You can stay updated on upcoming events and activities organized by the Jolt Youth Initiative by following our official website www.joltyouthinitiative.org , social media pages like; Facebook Instagram; (joltyouthinitiative), mailing list, attending information sessions or community meetings, or contacting our office for updates and announcements.