Fuelled by this belief, Citizens for Change has developed
Youth Solutions is an innovative process that facilitates young people to understand their environment, apply their agency, meaningfully engage with the practices that make them feel unsafe, and co-create solutions to address this…
...if we challenged the unfair power imbalances that make children feel unsafe?
What if we really listened to what young people want, instead of assuming we already know?
Or if we gave them opportunities to realise their potential, instead of limiting it?
But what would happen...
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For many children their schools are not the safe havens we would expect them to be.
Like most places in the world, this school, and its systems and structures, were made by adults. Although its purpose is to nurture and educate children, it is also a place where young people are treated as not-yet-formed, future adults.
This is adultism, and it causes us adults to restrict and control children. Often this is because we are trying to protect them, or because we think our age makes us better at judging what children can or can’t do.
like an ordinary school in Morogoro, Tanzania, with its brightly coloured murals and school rules dotted around the playground...
may look like an ordinary classroom, filled with enthusiastic young students attentively listening to their teacher...
...if you step inside, you will notice that something extraordinary is happening...
...students are
...and they are
the status quo...
AND
the status quo...
...to become
of a powerful movement to promote safety, inclusion, and gender equality in their school.
"When we make a mistake, instead of receiving help from the teacher to understand what is difficult for us we are punished."
Student in Dodoma, aged 12
In this Morogoro school, for instance, as in many others across the world, there is a social expectation - or unwritten rule - that in the pursuit of academic achievement, children should be obedient, disciplined, passive, and never question the authority of their elders.
Because of this, many teachers believe it is their job to control students, even if it means using punitive measures like corporal punishment. What’s more, students are unable to challenge or report this behaviour - they simply have to accept and endure it.
This unwritten rule silently dictates how teachers and students “should” or “ought to” think, feel, and behave. It is one of countless unquestioned practices that restrict students, cause them harm, and make them feel afraid.
"I hate seeing my peers mistreated. This made me want to join C4C's Child Protection Club."
Student in Arusha, aged 15
We know that when children feel unsafe at school, they are less likely to concentrate, participate, and succeed academically, and more likely to be disruptive, violent, and absent from school.
Research that we conducted for Porticus Foundation in 2021 found that...
of students reported experiencing or witnessing corporal punishment.
felt they were not important.
felt they were not important
felt uncared for.
felt threatened.
"I feel nervous when a teacher uses harsh words or beats someone in class because they misbehave, or they don't perform well."
Student in Dar es Salaam, aged 11
We believe the world would be a
From our work with young people, we know they possess the ideas, imagination, and ingenuity to drive forward real social change. If we want to solve the world’s wicked problems - from social inequality to climate change - it is vital we tap into their wisdom and harness their energy.
…transforming their schools and communities into safer and more inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
"When I was at school we had to be disciplined and obedient, never questioning of authority. It's great to be part of a movement changing the system."
C4C Youth Faclitator
Underpinned by the Protective Behaviours methodology, Youth Solutions plays out via five key stages, during which young people:
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#1: Identify the unwritten rules that make them feel unsafe, and use them to develop an agenda for change
#2: Learn the skills needed to lead a movement for school safety and inclusion
#3: Understand their own experiences of feeling safe and unsafe
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#4: Design and implement new social practices that will transform their schools into safe and inclusive spaces
#5: Document their journey through photography, and sharing their experiences about what works with others
Youth Solutions is founded on the belief that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. Youth Solutions champions the inner power and agency of young people by equipping them with the skills to co-create knowledge, raise awareness, and take purposeful action to keep themselves and others safe.
"The Child Protection Club is the only place where I am asked how I feel today. I normally don’t get asked such a question. The Club is the best place to be, because I get to learn new things and I feel happy."
Student in Arusha, aged 16
"After joining C4C's Child Protection Club, I feel like I am becoming more confident and stronger than before. Also, I can now share my feelings without fear."
Student in Arusha, aged 18
"Safety has increased in our school since the establishment of C4C's Child Protection Clubs. For example, how teachers talk to students and the attention they give us is different to before."
Student in Arusha, aged 15
Through child-led approaches and peer-driven initiatives, Youth Solutions builds safer, more inclusive communities. But the impact doesn’t stop there; Youth Solutions supports young people to thrive in every area of their lives.
Demonstrating significant results across educational, emotional, and social dimensions, Youth Solutions enhances:
Young people develop strong coping skills and emotional stability. Those experiencing distress receive targeted support that strengthens mental and emotional resilience.
Young people become more self-aware, empathetic, and confident. They feel better supported by adults and more comfortable expressing when they feel unsafe.
Young people take the lead – designing peer support systems, facilitating open dialogue, and running campaigns that challenge harmful norms and foster protective behaviours.
Young people foster improved relationships with both peers and teachers. Discrimination and harmful discipline practices decrease, while collaboration, kindness, and trust grow.
Young people show increased motivation and participation in school, contributing to better academic outcomes and stronger school communities.
Youth Solutions is not just about improving individual outcomes; it's about systemic transformation.
By facilitating young people to become agents of change in their communities, Youth Solutions cultivates a generation that is more socially conscious, empowered, and capable of enriching society in diverse and meaningful ways.
Youth Solutions delivers a strong social return on investment of $6 in social value for every $1 spent.
It's scalable model makes it a powerful tool for addressing critical issues, strengthening communities, and developing future leaders.
Partner with Citizens for Change to create a fairer, safer, and more inclusive present and future for young people, today.
