YDoS is a youth-focused leadership development organization committed to raising leaders that will transform Africa; through interventions for young people, that bridge the gap in leadership, education, employability, and entrepreneurship.
YDoS is an annual Pan-African, youth-led social impact campaign which coincides with the celebration of the UN International Youth Day in August. It is a platform to harness African youths' energy, creativity, and innovation by encouraging them to volunteer their time, skills, and resources to deliver a sustainable future for Africa.
Since its inception in 2020, the Youth Day of Service (YDoS) has been a powerful catalyst for youth engagement and sustainable development in Africa. With a geographical spread across 28 countries, YDoS has engaged 20,000+ young volunteers in nearly 900 SDG-aligned regional projects and reached over six million people. This year, The Youth Day of Service aims to connect 10,000 youths across the continent, amplifying the voices and actions of young change makers, to drive impact in their local communities
At LEAP Africa, we believe that by resourcing young people with the tools and resources they need to make a positive impact on their communities, they are empowered to become active agents of change and support accelerated progress towards the SDGs
Today, young people aged 15 to 24 account for 16% of the global population. Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with 70% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. This shows the continent teeming with creative, vibrant, and energetic youth.
By 2030, the target date for the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the number of youths globally is projected to have grown by 7%. Of this 7%, it is projected that Sub-Saharan Africa will have more than double the youth population of China.
The combination of century-old problems and unprecedented challenges youth face in Africa today calls for quick interventions by different institutions to save the future. Our young people have the potential to influence and impact their communities and nations positively.
According to the United Nations, if the youths are provided with the necessary skills and opportunities to reach their potential, they can be a driving force for supporting development.
Five years ago, the world was emerging from a global pandemic that exposed deep social and economic inequalities. Today, we are less than six years away from the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet Africa still faces critical gaps in progress. Now, more than ever, youth action is essential. YDoS isn’t just a campaign—it’s a movement. It harnesses the energy, creativity, and passion of young Africans to drive real impact through volunteerism, social action, and community-led solutions. From tackling climate change and education gaps to promoting gender equality and sustainable cities, YDoS empowers young people to be active agents of change in their communities.
Through volunteering, youths are contributing daily to the growth of their communities. From advocating for justice and equality to tree planting, young people have proven their centrality in building and sustaining healthy and inclusive communities.
It is impossible to attain the SDGs without volunteerism, and data shows that African youths increasingly take an active role in volunteering for transformative change.
Mobilise 10,000 African youth to engage in community service and volunteerism aligned with the SDGs.
Empower and equip 2,000 African Youth by providing tools, capacity-building opportunities and resources necessary to lead SDG action projects in their communities.
To recognise, reward and amplify the contributions of young people towards the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa
Foster a tri-sector network encompassing youth clusters, development partners, and private and public sector allies collectively driving progress toward SDG financing, policymaking and monitoring.
The Youth Day of Service aims to promote and encourage a culture of volunteerism and community service among African youths towards implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
To inspire, empower and equip a new cadre of African leaders by providing skills and tools for personal, organizational, and community.
To be recognized as the premier resources center for developing dynamic, innovative, and principled leaders, who will drive Africa's realization of its full potential.
The Youth Day of Service 2023 would unite youths from across Africa for community development through active capacity building and ecosystem resourcing in collaboration with varied high-level stakeholders from relevant industries across Africa.
To inspire, empower and equip a new cadre of African leaders by providing skills and tools for personal, organizational, and community.
To be recognized as the premier resources center for developing dynamic, innovative, and principled leaders, who will drive Africa's realization of its full potential.
The Youth Day of Service aims to promote and encourage a culture of volunteerism and community service among African youths towards implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
