INFORMATIONS ABOUT WAYN
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The West African Youth Network (WAYN) was established in March 2001 to basically empower young people to get involve in activities relating to Peace building, human rights, good governance and democracy. It seeks to also serve as a Forum for young people in West Africa. WAYN has its Secretariat in Freetown, Sierra Leone and now maintain membership and Focal points in eleven West African Countries.
Since its establishment, WAYN has been involved in a number of activities designed to achieve its inherent objectives. Some of its activities:
The Mano River Union Youth Peace Initiative
In May 2001, WAYN launched a Youth Peace Initiative in the Mano River Union Basin. The basin has been going through a number of problems as a result of a conflict in Liberia, which degenerated into one of the most gruesome problems in the sub-region thereby plunging
the region into violence.
The Mano River Union Youth Peace Initiative marked the beginning of a new focus for WAYN, mainly to build peace utilizing the skills of young people, from a multi track perspective. As part of the Initiative young people staged a non-violent hunger strike action as a means of highlighting the
intensification of the problems and drawing the attention of the leaders of the region for the need to dialogue and find a solution. The MRU Peace Initiative provided an open forum for young people to participate in the building of a peaceful region.
b. West African Youth Summit for Peace
In November 2001, WAYN hosted a Regional Youth Summit
for Peace in Monrovia, Liberia under the theme:
“EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE BUILDING OF A CULTURE OF PEACE IN WEST AFRICA”. The Summit brought together youth representatives from seven West African countries and drew up the necessary strategies to ensure the practical participation of young people in all decisions that affect their future. The participants called for the setting up of a Regional Youth Secretariat in Monrovia to serve as a catalyst for youth empowerment.
c) Mano River Union Youth Parliament
From July 27- August 3 2003, WAYN in Collaboration with the UNOY Sierra Leone Network organized the Mano River Union Youth Training Seminar on Peace-Building, Conflict Resolution and Children’s Rights. This initiative culminated into the establishment of the MRU Youth Parliament and the annual MRU Peace caravan.
Youth Transforming Conflict
In April 2004, WAYN collaborated with the United Network of Young Peace builders of The Netherlands to organize a seminar on “Youth Transforming Conflict” for young people from West, Central and East Africa
FUNDING AND MANAGEMENT
WAYN is funding on a project basis. Project funding is crucial to the survival to the work of the organization. Over the years, WAYN has received support from the United Nations Office for Peace Building in Liberia (UNOL), the United Nations Development Programme. Open Society Initiative of West Africa, Plan Netherlands, Alert, Xminy Solidarity Fund and private voluntary groups and individuals.
MANAGEMENT
A five man Secretariat, headed by a Regional Director, is charged with the responsibility of implementing the numerous activities of WAYN. A Regional Board of Director, composed of country representatives, governed the organization and is responsible for formulating its Programme Agenda.