EMPOWERING YOUTH: HENRY JACOBS AND THE IMPACT OF UNYA ON SOUTH AFRICA

Henry Jacobs, a global citizen with South African roots, has been at the helm of the United Nations Youth Association (UNYA) since 2018. He has a rich international background, having lived in the USA, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and currently back in South Africa, Jacobs brings a unique perspective on youth empowerment and global engagement. Under his leadership, UNYA South Africa has launched several transformative initiatives to foster leadership, education, and community involvement among young people.

Since assuming the presidency, Jacobs has spearheaded several key programs. One of the flagship initiatives is the Parenting in Education (PIE) program, which focuses on engaging parents more actively in their children's education, from primary to high school. Through workshops, parents are educated about the laws and legislation governing education and social services, such as the South African Schools Act and the Social Services Act.

"Since 2018 we have led several programs; one was the PIE program (Parenting in Education), where we hold workshops for parents to be more actively involved in their children’s education, both high and primary school. There is also law and legislature that governs this part, including the Schools Act, Criminal Procedure Act, and Social Services Act," Jacobs explained.

Another significant program that Jacobs has led is the Leadership and Development Training. This initiative addresses critical issues such as bullying in schools and anger management. The training has been conducted both locally and internationally, reflecting the global reach of UNYA South Africa's efforts.

UNYA South Africa actively engages young people by aligning its activities with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Jacobs explained that youth are given the opportunity to study the SDGs and develop awareness programs within their schools.

"The way we get our youth involved in global issues is through the Sustainable Development Goals. Young people get a chance to study them and look at ways of how they can implement an awareness program in their schools. For example, in addressing food security, student-led UNYA groups organize food drives to collect non-perishable goods from staff and other people in the school and then go out into the community to identify less fortunate organizations like kindergarten centers," Jacobs detailed.

Jacobs emphasizes the importance of passion and community transformation for young people aspiring to make a difference. He encourages them to focus on changing the mindset of their communities and to engage with peers as role models.

"We are looking for young people who are passionate about community transformation and how to change the mindset of communities, how to engage with young people, and how to be role models," Jacobs advised.

Henry Jacob’s leadership of UNYA South Africa highlights the power of youth engagement and the importance of global citizenship. Through innovative programs and a strong vision for the future, Jacobs and UNYA South Africa empower young people to become active participants in addressing global challenges, creating a brighter and more equitable world for all.