Young Advocates for Human Rights Exchange Program

The U.S. Embassy in South Africa announces an open competition for organizations interested in implementing an exchange program to build a cadre of young leaders from marginalized communities to serve as the next generation of human rights advocates. The goal of the exchange is to expose South African and U.S. high school students to our shared history of progress as a means of helping students acquire critical skills in civic leadership, community advocacy, and policy planning. Through the exchange, students will gain a greater appreciation for U.S. and South African historic milestones in civil and human rights as well as better understand how to provide solutions for social inequality, gender-based violence, and economic disenfranchisement. Specifically the program will allow Young Advocates to: • Tour historic monuments and national treasures to gain a fuller appreciation of U.S. and South African shared histories in civil and human rights. • Meet social service organizations, local influencers, and academic leaders enhancing the rights of marginalized communities through policy reform. • Create opportunities to understand strategic planning, marketing, and community advocacy for greater organizational and civic leadership. • Participate in team building exercises, which focus on service, justice, and social impact. • Raise the confidence, networks, and academic resources for low income students to serve as key human rights advocates for change in their communities.