YOUTH INITIATIVES TO ENCOUNTER COVID-19

By now, most people know that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has infested nearly
every continent, forced countries into states of emergency, sent individuals into varying
levels of quarantine and isolation and shuttered businesses and schools. But there is a
lesser-known story that also deserves the attention of youths rising to the challenges of this
pandemic. Some have warned that in addition to the tragedy of lost lives and the pain of the
loss of livelihoods, a generation has lost its chance to contribute to our future. However,
young people today are finding purpose in this moment of crisis and inspiring others to
hope and act.
Also, we have been thrust into a new environment. The coronavirus has made new terms
like social distancing and self-isolation and enveloped communities around the world in
fear. But even as youths face unprecedented difficulties and uncharted paths, they are rising
up to make a difference. Through the confusion, stress and worry that the pandemic has
caused, young activists and volunteers across the globe are generating ideas, energy and
empathy, and saving countless lives. Owing to this, I will give an account of some initiatives
that have been embarked upon by youths across the globe to reduce the negative impacts
of the pandemic on the people.
In South Sudan, Nelson Kwaje is tackling misinformation on COVID-19. During this
dangerous time of uncertainty, misinformation about the coronavirus can cost lives. This is
the reason why youth organizations and young people around the world are turning to
online platforms and digital media to share correct information and recommendations to
dispel common myths. Nelson Kwaje, a twenty-eight-year-old young man with a background
in technology and peacebuilding has made this one of his missions. He helped to initiate the
#211CHECK collective, which is a digital community of youth working in various fields that
collaborate to fight misinformation and raise awareness on coronavirus prevention and
protection. Their work exposes fake facts, disputes and unfounded remedies or cures,
doctored images and any and all pieces of information that could confuse and mislead the
public. Thanks to them, truth is replacing lies so that people can act in their own best
interests, and society’s as a whole.
According to medical doctor Hashim Hounkpatin of Benin, there are two diseases currently
spreading around the world in a viral manner: COVID-19 and fake news. What is the vaccine
for both? Good information. Hashim who launched a mass literacy program in Francophone
Africa called Arayaa, teamed up with a consortium of health-related content producers to
organize a Tweet chat about how to keep safe against COVID-19. Their hashtag
#AgirContreCOVID-19 has reached more than ninety thousand participants to date.
Additionally, they are designing an app that displays trusted knowledge in local languages
and allows users to interact directly with experts for help. Similarly, editor, producer, and
presenter Robert Mukondiwa provides daily updates to Zimbabweans and the world at large
about his country’s efforts to tackle COVID-19. Through informative programming at Zim-
papers TV Network, Robert is influencing others to engage in helpful behaviour changes
such as social distancing and self-isolation.
Bringing supplies to and keeping company with the elder in Switzerland is Vittorio Foglio.
Imagine being elderly and hearing that a new virus hits the oldest among us the hardest. In
Geneva, one young man led to the charge in addressing universal fears about vulnerable
groups, notably the elderly and immunocompromised. Vittorio Foglio saw the need to help
people; this led him to mobilize his fellow scouts to support these communities by reducing
the need for them to leave their homes and risk exposure. With teams of people taking the
phone and email requests and teams delivering supplies, the Perceval Scouts which Vittorio
is one of the leaders have been responding to the needs of their community and curbing the
spread of the virus in the city. Now elderly there have assistance and proof that their
community cares about their wellbeing.
Another youth initiative to encounter COVID-19 is the production of bottles of disinfectants.
Shortages of key supplies are a problem even in some of the most developed countries.
Most people, understandably worried, see a new way to meet demands. But when the first
cases of coronavirus were discovered in Cameroon, twenty-six-year-old Christian Achaleke,
who works in development, realized that the state had not set up contingencies for
containment and management, and decided to do something about it. He with the help of
his office mates bought ingredients for producing hand sanitizers, followed WHO recipe and
tested the mixture. They then launched a campaign to offer hand sanitizer to people on the
streets, while also engaging people to be aware of the risks surrounding the spread of the
virus. With the vision to engage young people to act responsibly and spread correct
information, he reached to medical professionals throughout the county to help him
develop this idea, which became the “One Person One Hand Sanitizer”. They are helping
awareness raising in order to encourage individuals to follow WHO’s recommendations to
curb the spread of the virus. More so, they are helping people to clean their hands and to
clear away misinformation that can cost lives.
What if the infectious spread of disease is met by an even more contagious sense of
compassion? The spread of COVID-19 in Italy has upended the lives of many in the country.
After seeing the increasing death rates, the sudden and complete lockdowns, and the
increasing number of isolated and vulnerable peoples, Nourhene Mahmoudi felt compelled
to act to support his nation. On 16th March 2020, he and other young volunteers launched
Outbreak of Generosity, supported by the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student
Organisations (FEMYSO), an NGO that represents thirty-three member organisations in
twenty European nations and aim to empower young people to better their communities
and nations. After undergoing advocacy training, the Outbreak of Generosity campaign was
officially launched alongside a comprehensive toolkit that aims to help mobilize youth to
provide help to vulnerable communities in a safe and proactive manner. With volunteers
from twelve different countries and a strong social media presence, Outbreak of Generosity
has been able to help and inspire a large number of people in Europe.
As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,
young people are demonstrating their continued leadership in their communities and
countries. According to research, young people are some of the most affected by the
pandemic’s socio-economic impacts. Nevertheless, youth are also among the most active in
global responses. There are many other initiatives than the above mentioned which are
anchored by youths to encounter COVID-19 that is presently ravaging the world.Effort of
Nigerian youths like Fashina Ibidapo(Dapo of Lagos), Tolani odukoya,Ayandare
dotun,lukman sowunmi,Ogbemudia Eddy deserve some accolade.
Furthermore, I know there is no better resource in times of trouble than young people. Yes,
we need scientific breakthroughs, action by governments and a massive amount of
financing, but we also need the kind of initiative and resourcefulness that motivate the
world’s outstanding youth. I believe we will get through this crisis and when we do, I am
sure that history will show the world’s young people helped to bridge the world from fear to
hope and from confusion to understanding.
WRITTEN BY AJIBADE HAMEEDAT TITILAYO