Local context
Investing in youth (aged 10–24) is a key part of a strong economy and society. This is even more important in Senegal, where 60% of the population is under 25.
With the urban population in Senegal doubling in the last few decades, intermediary cities – some of which might lack strong infrastructure and resources – need to be prepared. They should seize the opportunities and address the challenges that arise from this growth, particularly concerning the health and wellbeing of youth.
About the project
The Fort pour le Futur project was launched in May 2019 with a grant under Phase I (2018−2022) of HCA. The project aims to improve the wellbeing of young people in three target urban areas, Thiès, Pikine and Tivanoune, by empowering youth to actively participate in making their cities smarter, safer and healthier.
Fort pour le Futur seeks to enhance various aspects of health and wellbeing, focusing on adolescent nutrition and sexual and reproductive health and rights. It also aims to empower adolescents to take a more active role in decision-making in their cities.
The project’s approach focuses on placing youth at the centre of shaping their own lifestyle changes. This is done by working together to create dynamic strategies that use digital tools, specifically aimed at enhancing youth wellbeing in cities. Youth groups play a crucial role in designing and implementing these strategies, as well as in disseminating the plans for better health and wellbeing.
The project’s key actions include:
- empowering youth with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate and advocate in local governance structures;
- strengthening infrastructure, systems and services to be more youth-responsive and accountable to youth; and
- increasing youth awareness of how to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Read about Phase I of Fort pour le Futur.
Project ambitions for Phase II (2022−2026)
In Phase II, the project builds on the successful model implemented in the city of Thiès, replicating it in two new cities, Tivaouane and Pikine. It also introduces innovative ideas, such as the creation of community gardens in Tivaouane based on input from the local community in Dahra.
The project maintains a holistic approach to make sustainable improvements in the wellbeing of urban youth. This involves collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders to create systems that better meet the needs of young people.
The project aims to further empower young people and their ability to participate in city governance processes in the long term. It continues to provide mobile health units and safe spaces for adolescents to improve their access to healthcare. It also promotes smart use of digital tools to reach youth and improve their nutrition and lifestyle, and enhance accountability.
Project consortium and partnerships
Fort pour le Futur’s cross-sector actions are being delivered by a consortium of organisations from government, academia and civil society. Each consortium member has been chosen for the complementary skills and experience they bring. By working together, they strive for lasting and meaningful improvements through interventions that support and strengthen one another.