Senegal
ABSTRACT
Social Change Factory (SCF) is a civic leadership, social innovation and research center based in Senegal, with offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, and Niger. In partnership with Save the Children under the PROSCIDE program (Sida CSO 2022–2026), SCF launched “Audience Publique”, a participatory advocacy initiative aimed at strengthening children’s capacity to influence policies on climate justice and child rights. The goal: empower children and position them as key actors in shaping inclusive, sustainable futures.
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The “Public Audience” workshop, held on December 11–12, 2024 in Dakar, brought together 25 children and youth from five community organisations to train on child rights and environmental issues as well as advocacy tools and techniques. The participants learned how to develop messages through group work and simulations, with each group focusing on a specific thematic area: inclusive education, plastic waste, climate resilience, child vulnerability, and disability inclusion.
This collaborative effort culminated in the creation of concrete advocacy messages. On the second day, the children presented their proposals during a public validation session with authorities, successfully prompting real commitments for continued engagement.
ENABLING FACTORS
Support from Save the Children under PROSCIDE (Programme de Renforcement des Organisations de la Société Civile pour les Droits de l’Enfant)
Participation of local authorities and institutional partners
Interactive, youth-led methodology
Inclusion of children from diverse and often underrepresented communities
KEY IMPACTS
The project has seen significant positive outcomes, participants successfully developed and validated five advocacy messages that were aligned with local realities. This initiative prompted commitments from local authorities to hold follow-up meetings in government spaces. The children gained strong public speaking and advocacy skills while also strengthening their understanding of environmental issues and their link to children’s rights. Ultimately, the workshop reinforced a successful model for youth-led accountability and civic dialogue.
