ELEVEN ZRCS YOUTHS SECURE FUNDING THROUGH IFRC’S LIMITLESS YOUTH INNOVATION ACADEMY TO FOSTER LOCAL INNOVATION

Eleven youths who are volunteer members of Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) have been awarded funds through the IFRC’s SOLFARINO Limitless Youth Innovation Academy, which is a global initiative designed to unlock the power of the youth, through volunteer driven innovations in order to create meaningful change within local Communities.

The selected participants, known as “Innovators,” include three females and eleven male youths who have been selected from all ten provinces of Zambia. Each Innovator has been awarded seed funding of up to 500CHF (Swiss franc) which is about ZMWK12,400 which they will use at their discretion to advance their projects, provided it aligns with the overall goal of the initiative.

In addition to financial support, these Innovators have gained invaluable skills through peer training and mentorship, equipping them with the knowledge needed to refine and expand their projects. The program not only targets financing the youth, but also empowers participants to develop prototypes and implement pilot projects within their communities. This practical experience allows them to gather crucial feedback and refine their innovations based on the implementation of the project.

For the purposes of continuity, these youths had an opportunity to apply for further funding, for phase 3 of the Limitless Youth Innovation Academy Project. This phase will allow for coaching and mentorship with regards to the project selected. The outstanding projects will be presented at the General Assembly in Geneva in October. At this Assembly the youths will be given the opportunity to pitch their innovations to Red Cross and Red Crescent Partners from around the World.

The Limitless Youth Innovation Academy is part of a broader IFRC initiative to address pressing global challenges, with this year’s focus being on tackling climate and environmental crises. This program encourages the youth to take the lead in creating solutions that benefit their communities.

ZRCS members participated as mentors in the Limitless Leads program, a parallel initiative designed to guide and support youth innovators globally. These mentors have played a vital role in providing training and support throughout the program’s phases. As part of their contribution, they were required to submit portfolios showcasing their work by August 15, with successful participants receiving certificates upon the completion of the review process.

With both Innovators and mentors representing ZRCS, this program demonstrates the strong commitment of Zambian youths to address local and global issues through innovation, collaboration, and volunteerism​.