What is YDOS

Initiated by LEAP Africa, The Youth Day of Service (YDOS) is a week-long youth-led social impact campaign to create awareness and mobilise young people across Africa to take civic action in commemoration of the annual United Nations’ International Youth Day (IYD). It is Youth and Personal Leadership in Action! 

Youth Day of Service is a massive movement intended to empower young people, strengthen communities and trigger collective actions that would move us closer to achieving the SGDs with 2030 in view. The campaign theme for this year is ‘Youthful and Useful’.

To celebrate ‘International Youth Day’ on August 12, LEAP Africa is inviting young people, corporate organizations, public and social sector organizations, SMEs, to become advocates and renew the spirit of active youth citizenship with emphasis on spreading the culture of service and collective responsibility. The campaign, which is a week-long event from August 12 – 18,  will showcase different projects championed by young people in communities across Nigeria, in commemoration of International Youth Day. 

With less than 10 years to the actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Youth Day of Service presents the unique opportunity to reinforce the need to engage youth for a decade of action and rally an ecosystem of like-minded organizations to support the race to 2030. 

YDOS is an amazing opportunity for you to serve with your Time, Talent, Tools and Treasures. The following are some guidelines to support your participation at YDOS.

What’s Next?

Now that you have volunteered to play your part  in changing Africa, this is what comes next; 

• Check your email box for a confirmation email which contains the details of your project and other information like your project lead’s name and email address, WhatsApp group link, and the YDOS Telegram group link so you can meet amazing volunteers like yourself.
• Go to the YDOS portal and engage with the relevant volunteer resources.
• Get the most up to date information for your project by joining and participating actively in your project WhatsApp group.
• Network and connect with other volunteers from Africa by joining the YDOS Telegram group
• In the meantime, follow us on social media “@leapafrica” and “@youthdayofservice” on instagram; “LEAP Africa,” on Facebook and “@LEAPAfrica” on Twitter, to stay updated on YDOS. 

Your role as a Volunteer

Excited to join the YDOS movement? Here are easy tips to make your volunteering experience worth it: 

• Show up for your project meetings (physically or virtually) wearing the right outfit. We recommend covered shoes for safety.
• We know you are a superstar, so show us what you have got by putting in your best in your project. 
• Take ownership of your project by taking up responsibilities and committing to its successful execution.
• Start bonding with fellow volunteers via the YDOS Telegram channel and your project’s WhatsApp group.
• Be a good team player; give and receive guidance and feedback from fellow volunteers.
• Communicate any issues or concerns which are likely to affect your volunteer roles to your project lead as soon as possible.
• Share your ideas on planning and implementing your project. No shame on these streets!
• Capture the ‘aha’ moments by sharing pictures and videos of your team carrying out a project. Also, make sue to share moments with us on social media – @youthdayofservice on Instagram and on LEAP Afrrica’s social media handles  
• Stay safe by using your face mask, hand sanitizer and other safety kits. We have got more tips in our Safety and Precautions guide.