Announcement: Technology for Community Impact Youth Challenge
With over 75 years of service in youth empowerment, YMCA Ethiopia is proud of its extensive experience and commitment to nurturing young people in body, mind, and spirit. Our holistic approach aligns with our Strategic Pillars: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, and Just World.
As part of our 75th Anniversary celebrations in October, YMCA Ethiopia invites young people to participate in the “Technology for Community Impact Youth Challenge.” This initiative aims to identify community problems and co-create digital solutions. Young women and men, both individually and in groups, are encouraged to submit their proposed digital solutions (prototype, pilot, or final) to YMCA Ethiopia. This challenge not only empowers young people by providing a space for innovation and access to finance but also ensures the financial sustainability of YMCA Ethiopia.
What We Offer:
- Space for Creativity and Innovation: Both physical and virtual environments.
- Employment Opportunities: Potential job placements based on the feasibility of proposals.
- Support: Guidance and mentorship throughout the implementation process.
- Seed Funding: Financial support to kickstart initiatives at YMCA, not pocket money.
Eligibility:
- Open to all young people in Ethiopia (18 to 30 years of age) with innovative ideas.
- Solutions must be digital and address existing community problems.
- Proposals should contribute to the financial sustainability of YMCA and expand its digital programs to serve more youth.
- Solutions should align with one of the Four YMCA Program Pillars outlined in Vision 2030:
- Meaningful Work: Supporting worthwhile jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
- Community Wellbeing: Nurturing young people in body, mind, and spirit.
- Sustainable Planet: Fostering commitment to climate justice and sustainability.
- Just World: Amplifying youth voices and actions for justice in communities.
Criteria:
- Potential for Employment: Solutions should create job opportunities.
- Contribution to YMCA’s Financial Sustainability: When implemented, in the long and mid-term the initiative shall contribute to the financial self-sufficiency of YMCA
- Applicability and Scalability: Solutions should be viable and expandable.
- Inclusion: Prioritize involvement of women and/or young people with disabilities.
How to Participate:
- Prepare a pitch detailing your solution, including how it creates employment opportunities for you, your team, and other young people.
- Submit your pitch concept by September 20, 2025, via email at info@ethioymca.org or in person at our office near Meskel Flower, close to St. Yared Church.
Important Dates:
- Pitch Submission Deadline: September 20, 2025
- Announcement of Winners: September 30, 2025
- Project Kick-off: January 2026
Join us in making a difference in our communities through innovative digital solutions. We look forward to your creative ideas!
For more information, please contact us at info@ethioymca.org or call 0114 7010 35
