Summary of the Four Days Marked by Values of Inclusion and Cooperation
testimony of one of the leaders, Mr Junius A. from the RAEDD NGO
The Second Edition of the Youth4SDG Regional Camp Took Place in Vogan, Togo, from October 17 to 20, 2024
The event brought together young leaders and committed individuals from 8 African countries to share, learn, and engage in creating a sustainable future. Guided by values of inclusion and cooperation, this gathering provided a unique platform to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthen young people’s commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s 2063 Agenda. Through presentations, training sessions, hands-on workshops, community activities, cultural events, games, and eco-tourism outings, the camp allowed participants to deepen their knowledge, stimulate entrepreneurship, and strengthen connections between young change-makers across West Africa.
Official Welcome and Strong Institutional Support
To highlight the significance of the event, the participants were welcomed by the Prefect of Vo, Mr. LEGUEDE Kokou Jerome, who warmly greeted the young leaders from various African countries. This official reception not only strengthened the partnership between the camp and local authorities, but also demonstrated the importance of civic and institutional engagement in supporting sustainable development initiatives. The opening ceremony, rich in symbolism, emphasized the camp’s goal: to inspire a generation of young Africans to take concrete action for the social, economic, and ecological transformation of their communities.
Inspiring Talks: Understanding the Challenges of the SDGs
From the very start of the camp, participants benefited from several talks led by experts, who provided a comprehensive overview of the SDGs and their potential impact on African development. Issa Abdias AKPOLY, the camp director, Benin Focal Point, and Vice President of Mama Africa, introduced the history of the SDGs, tracing the development of international sustainable development initiatives from the MDGs to the current SDGs, with their 17 goals and 169 targets. This presentation was followed by a session on resilient cities and communities led by Dr. Alfred AICHEOU from the University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin), highlighting the importance of urban resilience in facing environmental, particularly climate, challenges.
The theme of peace and social cohesion was also addressed by Mr. SEBEGO Yacouba from the Association Burkina Djigui of Burkina Faso, who encouraged young people to become peace actors in their communities, especially in a context where some regions experience socio-political tensions. In parallel, entrepreneurship and sustainable development projects were central to the presentation by Dr. Junias AZONDJINMON, Founder and President of RAEDD NGO and President of the Youth4SDG Regional Camp Organizing Committee, who urged young people to view entrepreneurship as a lever to improve living conditions and create a lasting impact. Mr. Sayouba BONKOUNGOU, President of APEDR Burkina and Chairman of the Board of CNABio Burkina, assisted by Ms. Stella SAWADOGO, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at APEDR Burkina and Burkina Faso Focal Point of the Youth4SDG African Network, introduced participants to the world of sustainable agriculture and agroecology, demonstrating how this type of production ensures healthy food for a healthy body.
Practical Training Workshops to Turn Ideas into Action
Beyond presentations, the camp allowed participants to gain skills through concrete and interactive workshops that addressed the needs of their communities. Among these was a workshop on plastic waste recycling, led by Mr. GBONKOU Apélété Komivi, Technical Manager at Robaloto (Togo). He offered innovative solutions to reduce plastic pollution, a major environmental issue in West Africa. Along the same lines, Mr. Anas SEKO from Benin hosted a workshop on the “Plastic Mural,” raising awareness among campers about the impact of plastic waste and encouraging them to adopt eco-friendly habits.
Other training sessions also made a mark, such as the workshop on making reusable sanitary pads, led by Ms. Chawquia Ouedraogo from Yolsdo (Burkina Faso), aimed at promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene. Participants also attended a workshop on pitching and advocacy techniques, conducted by Mr. SEKONGO Katongo Félix, President of the Bouaké Youth Community (Côte d’Ivoire), to help them better defend their projects and mobilize necessary support.
Community Activities and Ecotourism
Following the camp’s pre-established program, after receiving presentations and training, participants were equipped with community engagement techniques on key topics for sustainable development in rural areas with natural resources. Mr. GBOTCHO Yao Sélom, Agricultural Engineer and Partnership Officer at RCJF TOGO, led a session on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), while Mr. ADANDOGOU Abel, Youth Conservation Mentor in Togo, trained campers on raising awareness about water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues. After these sessions, participants mobilized for a community awareness activity in a village on the outskirts of Vogan, sharing their newfound knowledge with residents and encouraging them to adopt environmentally respectful practices. An ecotourism visit to Lake Togo was also organized, allowing young people to discover Togo’s natural wealth while learning about environmental preservation.
Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Solidarity
Each morning, wake-up sessions were held to boost energy and foster a spirit of unity among participants. In the evenings, a cultural night brought together all the participants, strengthening the bonds between these young people from different African countries. Each country had the opportunity to present elements of its culture, dances, and songs, celebrating the richness of African diversity. This evening highlighted not only the shared commitment to building a sustainable future but also the importance of solidarity among African youth in this collective mission.
The final day concluded with a gala night honoring merit and achievements, where the contributions and commitments of certain participants were recognized, illustrating the exemplary and growing mobilization of this youth for change. During this occasion, five startups committed to sustainable development presented their initiatives and sustainable solutions to address specific issues in their local communities. Among these five projects, two stood out: the startup Yorls’do by Chawquia OUEDRAOGO from Burkina Faso and the startup Transpir’off by Lucresse ADIKPONSSI from Benin, which won the gold merit medals in the African Young Innovator category.
Future Perspectives: Growing Mobilization for 2025
The second edition of the Youth4SDGs Regional Camp was a resounding success, bringing together young people from nearly ten West African countries, with over a hundred participants united by a common commitment to sustainable development. As the event concluded, the organizers announced that the next edition will be held in Burkina Faso in October 2025, already sparking enthusiasm among participants and the hope for even broader mobilization. With an ambitious vision, the Youth4SDGs Regional Camp continues to pave the way toward a more resilient, united, and sustainable future for all of Africa.
Few testimonies from participants and partners:
1- Testimonial from Aboudou Mohamed Ali, Participant
“The 2024 Youth4SDGs Regional Camp, a melting pot of ideas transforming Africa. In Vogan, Africa’s youth are inventing a sustainable future. Solutions for tomorrow, created by today’s young people. A bridge between cultures for shared development. Africa united in facing sustainable development challenges.”
2- Testimonial from Stella Sawadogo, Representative of APEDR Burkina, Technical and Financial Partner of the 2024 Youth4SDGs Regional Camp
“I am delighted to announce that I participated in the Youth4SDGs Regional Camp held from October 17 to 20, 2024, in Vogan, Togo. This camp was an opportunity for learning, sharing, and exchanging on the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which strengthened our ability to be change-makers for the future of our continent.”
3- Testimonial from Lucresse Adikponssi, Participant and Young African Innovator
“Day 3 at the YOUTH4SDGs REGIONAL CAMP: today we learned about the importance of reusable sanitary pads and how to make them—a small step that promises a big impact on women’s health and sustainability. Together, let’s make every action count.”
4- Testimonial from Salifou Ahmed Jean-Yves, Participant
“Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Youth4SDGs Regional Camp in Vogan, campers visited tourist sites like Lake Togo. An incredible experience that allowed us to discover more of Togo’s heritage while building connections.”
5- Testimonial from Déo Gratias Kodjo, Participant
“Since October 17, I have been participating in the African Youth Regional Camp for the Sustainable Development Goals in Vogan. It’s a unique chance to meet young people from several African countries, gain skills in resilience, hygiene, and climate, and share ideas for a sustainable future.”
6- Testimonial from Chawquia Ouedraogo, Participant and Young African Innovator
“During the camp, I had the honor of leading a session on menstrual hygiene management and making reusable sanitary pads. Together, we tackled crucial issues, developed practical skills, and empowered women for a more sustainable future.”
7- Testimonial from the Team Members of the Yols’do Startup
“Our project on reusable sanitary pads and YOLS’DO bead accessories won an award at the Youth4SDGs Camp. This recognition is a true source of encouragement to continue developing sustainable and innovative solutions.”
Should you want to know more about this initiative, you can please contact them directly: campregional.youth4odd@gmail.com.
