Youth Digital Engagement Platform Launched in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, June 13/2024(ENA)- A digital engagement platform for adolescents and young people, U-Report, was launched in Ethiopia today.  

The platform that enables the youth to exchange ideas, views, and concerns was launched by Ministry of Women and Social Affairs in partnership with UNICEF.

U-Report is free and easy SMS tool for community participation designed to address issues that the population cares about, it was learned.

During the launching ceremony, Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergoge Tesfaye said the U-Report in Ethiopia is not just a technological advancement but also a testament to the  commitment to empowering young Ethiopians and giving them a voice in the decisions that shape their future. 

According to her,  the launch is a bold step forward in fostering a culture of civic engagement where young citizens are not merely bystanders but also active agents of change.

U-Report will provide the opportunity for young people to participate in regular poll surveys, engage with Chatbots, take part in youth activities in their local communities and share their perspectives on a wide range of topics from education and employment to healthcare and social issues, the minister noted. 

She also stated that the initiative aims to promote critical thinking and constructive discussions among youth while providing them with a youth engagement platform to share their concerns, participate in surveys and Chatbot training and develop their skills while maintaining anonymity.

This direct communication platform will not only empower the youth but also provide invaluable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, allowing them to make more informed decisions that better address the needs and aspirations of the next generation, Ergoge stated.

"This momentous occasion marks a significant step forward in empowering our nation's young people, who make up nearly 70 percent of our population as Ethiopia is home to one of the youngest demographics in the world."

UNICEF representative in Ethiopia, Aboubacar  Kampo,  said on his part that young people have  a great potential to fostering positive development and progress within any society. 

"By investing in education, skill- building, and creating an enabling environment, UNICEF, along with the government and other partners, can empower young Ethiopians to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond, " he noted. 

Globally, U-Report is partnering with more than 35 million U- Reporters in 99 countries worldwide.

U-Report is available via numerous social media including Telegram, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger having two main functions in collecting adolescent and young opinions via polls communicating information to support their well-being and skills development, it was indicated.

The platform is available in different languages in Ethiopia, including Amharic,  Oromiffa,Somali, and Tigrinya and young people can become U-Reporters by sending the word  JOIN in these languages via the telegram bot (https://t.me/ureportersethiopia bot) or the website (https://ethiopia.ureport.in/).