The Pan African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance (PAYAIG) program has made remarkable strides in just one year, establishing itself as a critical platform for empowering young African leaders in Internet governance. Since its inception in 2023, PAYAIG has grown into a powerful initiative that equips youth across the continent with the skills and knowledge to influence the future of Africa’s digital space.
Here’s a look at PAYAIG’s impressive achievements in its first year.
Over 1,700 African Fellows Empowered
In its first year, PAYAIG successfully trained over 1700 African Fellows through a series of language-based cohorts. These fellows now form a vibrant and diverse community of changemakers actively engaged in shaping Internet governance policies across the continent.
Diverse Language Cohorts
PAYAIG ensured language inclusivity by offering fellowships in five key languages, allowing participants from various linguistic backgrounds to fully engage with the content:
- 40 Ambassadors in the English Cohort
- 40 Ambassadors in the French Cohort
- 40 Ambassadors in the Swahili Cohort
- 40 Ambassadors in the Arabic Cohort
- 40 Ambassadors in the Portuguese Cohort
Each cohort has been tailored to meet the unique needs of participants in their respective languages, ensuring that knowledge and discussions are accessible to all.
15 Facilitators and Volunteers: A Strong Support System
A team of 15 Facilitators and Volunteers played an essential role in the success of PAYAIG. These dedicated individuals guided and mentored fellows through their learning journey, ensuring that they gained a comprehensive understanding of Internet governance. Their expertise has been pivotal in creating an enriching learning environment.
One Coordinator Driving Success
Under the leadership of a dedicated Coordinator, PAYAIG has maintained a high level of organization and effectiveness. The Coordinator has been instrumental in managing the program, ensuring smooth operations, and fostering collaboration among fellows and facilitators.
200 Ambassadors for Change
Out of the fellowship program, PAYAIG proudly introduced 200 Ambassadors who are now leading Internet governance initiatives in their regions. These ambassadors have taken their knowledge and passion back to their communities, where they advocate for digital inclusion, better policies, and the future of a connected Africa.
A Game-Changing E-learning Platform
One of PAYAIG’s major accomplishments has been the launch of its E-learning Platform, which provides a central hub for fellows to access resources, training modules, and interactive sessions. The platform has been crucial in enabling continuous learning, making it easier for fellows to connect, learn, and share knowledge across borders and time zones.
Looking Forward: A Year of Promise
The first year of PAYAIG has set a solid foundation for the future of Internet governance in Africa. With 2000 trained fellows, 200 ambassadors, and a dedicated team of facilitators and volunteers, PAYAIG is positioned to continue growing its impact in the years to come.
As we reflect on this year of achievement, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this journey possible—the fellows, facilitators, volunteers, and partners. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive digital future for Africa.
Here’s to more growth, empowerment, and success in the years ahead!
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