TEENNATION is an independent international organization committed to promoting the inclusion of teenagers in Africa.
We support teenagers to get involved in their communities and democracy locally, nationally and internationally, making a difference as volunteers, campaigners, decision-makers and leaders. We leverage leadership development and education to drive inclusion and enterprise development in teenagers.
Africa where teenagers are respected and able to influence and inform decisions that affect their lives or on which they have strong opinions.
Our Mission
Protect Teenagers Rights - The promotion and protection of teen rights is a key purpose and guiding principle of the Organization. The rights of children and teenagers (under the age of 18) are set out in an international document called The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The rights are set out in statements called Articles which are connected to each other and are equally important. All the governments in Africa have agreed to make sure these rights are available to children.
It is therefore the Governments responsibility to ensure these rights are met through the laws that are made. Being part of a much bigger picture also means that if things go wrong in your country with your laws, there is somewhere else to go. The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) can adjudicate if there is a breakdown between you and the laws you are subject to. If your country has ratified OP3 (the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure), then children in your country can submit complaints about the violation of their rights. The complaint would need to be submitted to the United Nations, specifically ‘the Committee on the Rights of the Child’. A child would have to prove they had tried all legal options available in their own country first.
Fostering regional cooperation and development.
To be, as the African teenage council, committed to ensuring that those aged 19 and under are represented and participate fully and actively as citizens.
To inspire people about the positive contribution that teenagers can make to their communities, Africa and the world.
To empower teenagers with skills, knowledge and confidence to advance their rights and views to take part in decision-making.
To campaign with our members and those who share our values, for a better world that gives young people the recognition they deserve.
What are the 6 organs of the TEENNATION?
There are six main organs of the Teennation—the Teen General Assembly, the Education Council, the Mentoring Council, the Economic and Social Council, the African Teen Business Institute, and the Secretariat.
Teen General Assembly
The Teen General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the TeenNation comprised of all Member organizations, each of which has one vote, no matter its size or influence. Decisions are decided consensus, rather than a formal vote. Teen General Assembly resolutions are only recommendations to the Member States. Each year, the Teen General Assembly elects a president who presides over these meetings as a neutral party that represents the TeenNation. The work of the Assembly is also carried out by committees, the Human Rights Council, other subsidiary bodies and the TeenNation Secretariat.
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the central body for coordinating the economic and social work of the Teennation. The Council is made up of African Young Leadership Fellows which are chosen for equal geographical representation and serve a three-year term. Voting in the Council is by simple majority; each member has one vote.
As much as 70 per cent of the work of the Teennation system is devoted to promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development for teenagers and young adults in Africa. The Council recommends and directs activities aimed at promoting economic growth of teenagers from African countries, supporting human rights and fostering cooperation to fight poverty and under-development.
To meet specific needs, the Teen General Assembly has set up a number of specialized communities such as the Council for Future Plan, Teen Expert Network, The forum of African Young Leadership Fellows forum (AYLF), the Teen Mentors Network (TGA) and the Teen Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (TESCO), Kolabo, Kasuwa, African Tech Republic and programmes such as the Teen Internship and Opportunities Programme (TIOP), the Drug Abuse & Mental Health Awareness Fund (DAMHAF), Teens Partnering Against Corruption Initiative and the Office of the Teennation Ambassadors. The work of these agencies and programmes is coordinated by ECOSOC.
Our Values
Leadership
Integrity: For us the success comes from personal and collective integrity. Important for us is to behave ethically, honestly and fairly. We do the right thing, always. We appropriately question actions inconsistent with our core values. We make honesty and transparency the foundation for all actions. We are accountable at all levels. We avoid the appearance of impropriety
Professionalism: We are qualified, skilled and committed. We personally commit to continuous improvement and professional growth of our African Young Leaders. We take pride in producing high-quality work and delivering exceptional service to communities and organizations under our care. We exhibit pride in professional appearance, language,and behavior. We maintain composure in challenging situations. We respect others, express sincere appreciation, and positively influence those around us. We are dedicated ambassadors for Africa and its community.
Teamwork: We work together to make Africa better. We share goals and hold ourselves and each other accountable. We take ownership of the team’s work and personally commit to finding solutions. We communicate effectively by sharing information, skills, and knowledge to achieve success. We reach across teams for better outcomes. We support the growth and development of all members of the team. We share and celebrate success by valuing and recognizing each contribution.
Members--------------------
Participation: We value meaningful participation of young people, enabling and empowering them to bring about a better world for all.
Inclusion: We value the inclusion of all, by working with young people from all backgrounds, cultures and ages to ensure a rich mix.
Equality: We value all young people equally, promoting their rights equally in Africa around the world.
Youth Leadership: We value and nurture youth leadership, creating tomorrow's leaders today for a better future.
Recognition: We value recognition of young people's achievements, publicly valuing them as part of our society.
