Meet the MAP Youth Advisory Board…
We are committed to exploring, developing, and improving how we work with young people as co-creators, researchers, and collaborators on MAP.
In order to help us with the design, implementation, and continual learning of the research project we work with a Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The board members work with local youth advisors and researchers and support weaving of ideas and knowledge between the national and global young people.
The overall purpose of the Youth Advisory Board is to:
- Provide a space for young people to influence the direction of MAP
- Contribute meaningfully to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) of the MAP project, including peer researchers, co-developing tools, implementing tools and co-analysing data.
- Provide space for creative knowledge sharing and dissemination of findings from MEL activities.
Who is part of it?
The Youth Advisory Board consists of 2-5 youth representatives ages 14-24 years old from each country: Rwanda, Indonesia, Nepal and Kyrgyzstan of diverse gender, sexual orientation, ability, culture, religion, socio-economic status, etc. They are supported by country-based adult allies, as well as lead researchers from the University of Northampton and the University of Edinburgh.
The members meet monthly online but are also engaged in peer training activities and workshops in- country on a need’s basis. Times are aligned as much as possible with their schedules and lives.
“I have never considered MAP as a project, rather it’s a canvas of emotion and colours for me, where I have witnessed the first-hand transforming power of art-based approaches. MAP provides a secure space for untold stories to be heard, where diverse voices are weaved together, allowing every voice to contribute and creating a more inclusive society.”
Juhi Adhikari (MAP Nepal YAB member)
What areas do YAB members help steer and support MAP on?
These are some of the areas that YAB members contribute to/supported on:
- Advancing research and analytical skills
- Shaping communication skills in interactions with peers from other countries, decision-makers, and other stakeholders.
- Facilitating training and mentoring for other youth in your countries to lead MEL activities and research
- Embracing creativity to address community problems through the arts
- Advocating on behalf of your peers on national and international levels
- Contribute to MAP’s publications and other creative outputs
Indonesian YAB members training peers on how to use a River Journey (part of the MEL Toolbox)
Nepalese YAB member outlining a Problem Tree in Surket, Nepal
