FutureMakers: Youth Engage, Create, Innovate

As someone who grew up in a village near Agdz and had to commute to Agdz for school, I experienced firsthand the challenges faced by youth in the region. During school hours, I had a lot of free time between classes, which I either used to attend classes or just sit watching people passing. I wished there was a place for me to study, create, or learn.

The specific problem "FutureMakers" is addressing is the lack of educational and creative opportunities for youth in Agdz, Morocco. Agdz faces a high rate of school dropout, particularly among girls and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The city lacks cultural or youth centers where young people can engage in artistic and educational activities. This lack of opportunities contributes to limited prospects for personal development and future success among youth in Agdz.

On a global scale, the issue of limited educational opportunities affects millions of young people worldwide, particularly in low-income and marginalized communities. According to UNESCO, approximately 258 million children and youth worldwide are out of school, with many more lacking access to quality education. Factors contributing to this problem include poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to resources and opportunities.

"FutureMakers" aims to address this problem by providing a space for youth in Agdz to engage in alternative education and creative activities. By offering workshops, training programs, and access to resources, the project seeks to empower young people to develop skills, pursue their interests, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.

"FutureMakers" is a project that aims to create a space called "La Maison de la Culture" in Agdz, Morocco. This space will serve as a hub for youth, providing alternative education and creative opportunities.

The project will offer workshops and training programs in areas such as basic computer skills, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), arts, writing, and reading. It will also provide access to resources such as books, computer labs, a recording studio, and spaces for acting, meetings, yoga, and similar activities.

"La Maison de la Culture" will target youth in Agdz, including those with disabilities, girls, and young people in difficult situations. The project will also include a terrace for public access and a volunteer program for global support.

The project will use technology to enhance learning opportunities, such as teaching basic computer skills and introducing concepts like robotics and AI. It will also use technology for efficient networking and scalability, allowing for a wider reach and impact.

Overall, "FutureMakers" seeks to empower youth in Agdz by providing them with the skills and resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, while also fostering creativity and community engagement.

The solution will impact their lives in several ways:

Access to Education: The project will provide alternative education opportunities, including workshops and training programs, to help youth develop new skills and knowledge. This will improve their prospects for future education and employment.
Creative Expression: "La Maison de la Culture" will serve as a space for artistic expression, allowing youth to explore their creativity through arts, writing, and other activities. This can boost their self-confidence and help them develop new talents.
Community Engagement: The project will create a sense of community among youth in Agdz, providing a space for them to meet, collaborate, and learn from each other. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve social connections.
Personal Development: By offering a range of activities and resources, the project will support the holistic development of youth, helping them build life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

In addition to my personal connection to the community, my background and experience make me and my team well-positioned to deliver this solution. I took the initiative to further my education by studying cultural project engineering in France, which has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and manage projects like "La Maison de la Culture." Currently, I work as quality control for the Anna Lindh Foundation and freelance with the European Youth Parliament in event production. These roles have honed my project management skills and provided me with valuable experience in working with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Furthermore, I have established strong partnerships with organizations in Morocco and across Europe and the MENA region. These partnerships will enable us to leverage resources and expertise to ensure the success of the project. My knowledge of the challenge and the adapted solution to it is informed by my experience and expertise, ensuring that the project is well-suited to the needs and preferences of the local communities.

Importantly, I am committed to a participatory approach in constructing the project details. I believe in empowering the local community to take ownership of the project and actively involve them in decision-making processes. This participatory approach ensures that the project is culturally relevant, sustainable, and has buy-in from the community from the outset.

Prototype" stage, as I am adapting and refining the existing model for implementation in Agdz.

Financial: Lack of funding for infrastructure, resources, and program implementation.

Technical: Need for expertise in implementing technology components (e.g., robotics, AI) and ensuring their effectiveness.

Legal: Compliance with local regulations and laws regarding educational and cultural initiatives.

Cultural: Ensuring the project is culturally appropriate and accepted by the community.

Market: Identifying and reaching target beneficiaries, as well as establishing partnerships for sustainability.

Holistic Approach: By combining alternative education with creative opportunities,the project addresses the diverse needs and interests of youth in Agdz. This holistic approach ensures that young people receive comprehensive support for their personal and educational development.

Community Engagement: the emphasis on community engagement and participatory design ensures that the project is locally driven and culturally relevant. This approach fosters a sense of ownership among community members and increases the project's sustainability.
Technology Integration: The incorporation of technology, such as teaching basic computer skills and introducing concepts like robotics and AI, provides youth with relevant skills for the future. This integration of technology into educational and creative activities sets your project apart and prepares youth for success in a rapidly evolving world.
Potential for Replication: The success of "La Maison de la Culture" in Agdz could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other communities facing similar challenges. By demonstrating the impact of your project, you could catalyze broader positive impacts and inspire others to replicate or adapt your approach in their own communities.
Market/landscape: the project could change the landscape by demonstrating the value of investing in youth education and creativity in underserved communities. By showing that such initiatives can lead to positive outcomes for individuals and communities, I could influence policymakers, funders, and other stakeholders to prioritize similar projects, ultimately leading to broader systemic change.

Theory of Change:

Activities: The project will offer workshops, training programs, and access to resources in areas such as arts, writing, reading, basic computer skills, robotics, and AI. It will also engage the community in the design and implementation of these activities.
Outputs: The immediate outputs of these activities will be increased skills and knowledge among youth in Agdz, as well as a sense of empowerment and community engagement.
Outcomes: These outputs are expected to lead to several longer-term outcomes:
Improved educational outcomes: Youth will have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in school and pursue further education opportunities.
Increased employability: By acquiring relevant skills, youth will be better prepared for the workforce and able to access new job opportunities.
Enhanced creativity and self-expression: The project will provide a space for youth to explore their interests and talents, leading to personal growth and fulfillment.
Strengthened community cohesion: Through community engagement and collaboration, the project will foster a sense of belonging and mutual support among community members.
Sustainable impact: By involving the community in the project design and implementation, the project will be more likely to have lasting effects and be replicated in other communities.
Evidence and Support:

The project's theory of change is supported by existing research on the benefits of alternative education and creative opportunities for youth. Studies have shown that such programs can lead to improved academic performance, increased self-esteem, and greater community engagement among youth. Additionally, the project's participatory approach ensures that it is responsive to the specific needs and priorities of the community, increasing its likelihood of success and sustainability.

Progress Measurement:

Academic performance: Track participants' grades before and after participating in the program, aiming for an average improvement of at least one grade level.
Employability: Monitor the number of participants who secure internships or jobs within one year of completing the program, aiming for a 70% placement rate.
Creative participation: Record the frequency of participation in artistic and creative activities, aiming for at least one activity per week per participant.
Community engagement: Document participation in community projects and events, aiming for 80% of participants to be actively involved.
These indicators align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). They reflect the project's focus on providing holistic support to youth in Agdz, empowering them to succeed academically, professionally, and personally, while also fostering community development and cohesion.

The core technology that powers "La Maison de la Culture" includes a combination of modern and traditional technologies, as well as innovative approaches to education and community engagement. Here are some key components:

Digital Tools: The project utilizes digital tools such as computers, tablets, and internet access to provide educational resources and facilitate learning. This includes teaching basic computer skills and introducing concepts like robotics and AI.
Mobile Technology: SMS technology and mobile apps can be used to communicate with participants, provide updates on workshops and events, and collect feedback and data.
Virtual Reality (VR): VR technology can be used to create immersive educational experiences, allowing youth to explore different subjects and environments in a virtual setting.
Traditional Knowledge Systems: The project also leverages traditional knowledge systems and technologies, such as local crafts and arts, to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable practices.
Community Engagement Platforms: Online platforms and social media can be used to engage the community, share information about the project, and encourage participation in workshops and activities.
Monitoring and Evaluation Tools: Digital tools can be used for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the project, tracking participants' progress, and measuring outcomes.

2 so far

2 months ago. but the solution is inspired from a project that lunched since 2012.

There will be a call for the team to join respecting gender, age and diversity.

"La Maison de la Culture" operates on a social business model, aiming to provide value to the youth in Agdz and the community at large. The key components of the business model are as follows:

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

Youth in Agdz, including those with disabilities, girls, and young people in difficult situations.
Community members seeking educational and cultural enrichment opportunities.
Products and Services:

Alternative education programs, including workshops, training programs, and access to resources in areas such as arts, writing, reading, basic computer skills, robotics, and AI.
Creative and artistic activities, such as acting, music, and yoga.
Community engagement events and projects.
Delivery Mechanisms:

"La Maison de la Culture" provides these products and services through a physical space that serves as a hub for educational and cultural activities.
The project also utilizes digital tools and online platforms to deliver some aspects of its programs, such as virtual workshops and communication with participants.
Value Proposition:

The project offers a unique blend of educational and creative opportunities, tailored to the specific needs and interests of youth in Agdz.
By providing access to these opportunities, "La Maison de la Culture" aims to empower youth, enhance their skills and knowledge, and improve their overall well-being.
Revenue Model:

"La Maison de la Culture" generates revenue through a combination of sources, including grants and donations from philanthropic organizations, fees for certain programs and services, and potentially income-generating activities such as events or partnerships.
Social Impact:

The primary social impact of the project is to improve educational outcomes, enhance employability, foster creativity and self-expression, and strengthen community cohesion among youth in Agdz.

Grants and Donations: Seek funding from philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and international donors who support education, youth empowerment, and cultural initiatives. Develop grant proposals and fundraising campaigns to secure financial support for the project.

Fees for Services: Charge fees for certain programs and services offered by "La Maison de la Culture," such as specialized workshops, training programs, and events. These fees can help cover the costs of providing these services and contribute to the overall financial sustainability of the project.
Income-Generating Activities: Explore income-generating activities that align with the mission and values of the project. This could include hosting fundraising events, selling products related to the project's activities, or partnering with local businesses for sponsorship opportunities.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborate with other organizations, both locally and internationally, to leverage resources, share costs, and access new funding opportunities. By building strong partnerships, "La Maison de la Culture" can expand its reach and impact while also diversifying its revenue streams.
Long-Term Financial Planning: Develop a comprehensive financial plan that outlines expected expenses and revenue streams over the long term. This plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that "La Maison de la Culture" remains financially sustainable.
Evidence of Success:

"La Maison de la Culture" has successfully secured initial funding from philanthropic organizations and donors to establish the project and launch its activities.
The project has demonstrated its ability to attract participants and generate interest in its programs and services, indicating a potential for revenue generation through fees and income-generating activities.
"La Maison de la Culture" has received positive feedback and support from the local community, indicating a strong foundation for future fundraising and partnerships.