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Youth Caravan to Journey Across Africa

14 October 2004

A caravan that will take a group of young people across Africa on a journey of discovery is being planned by several Commonwealth partner organisations. The Commonwealth Youth Caravan' is expected to bring together between 20 and 40 young persons from around the Commonwealth.

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 The 3 month trip will cover 11 African Countries.

'Across Afrika: The Commonwealth Youth Caravan' is expected to bring together between 20 and 40 young persons from around the Commonwealth for a three-month trip during which they will traverse 11 African countries -- Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia. Participants will be between the ages of 18 and 25.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said he was encouraged by efforts to spread awareness of the Commonwealth among young people, especially in Africa.

He observed: "A project like this provides an opportunity for a group of young people to learn about Africa, its challenges and its potential. Given that probably half the Commonwealth population is under 30, many of them in Africa, we can engage young people in helping to meet the Millennium Development Goals."

Mr McKinnon was addressing high commissioners, representatives of Commonwealth associations, youth organisations and others at a meeting in Marlborough House, London, UK, on 8 October 2004. The presentation was hosted by the Commonwealth Foundation to announce the initiative, encourage sponsorship and exchange ideas.

Colin Ball, Director of the Foundation, said the project would contribute towards the empowerment and personal development of young people and also towards the promotion of a greater understanding of the Commonwealth.

The journey is scheduled to start in August 2005 and is expected to finish in time for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November 2005. Organisers hope that participants will relate their experiences at the summit and help raise awareness about Africa from a youth perspective.

The project is being developed by a steering group comprising the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Press Union, the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council, the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) and Tanzania Eco-Volunteerism, a Tanzanian non-governmental organisation.

Stuart Mole, RCS Director-General, explained: "We want to involve young people so that they are committed to the Commonwealth and are encouraged to go from this project into working for the association in future."

The organisers hope that the young persons involved in this project will be exposed to the challenges facing Africa, whether in achieving universal education and health care, in dealing with HIV/AIDS, or in promoting employment and development. They will be meeting many Africans, including those affected by poverty, disease and conflict. They will also hear a message of hope -- seeing projects which are building a better future and which reveal Africa's potential.

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