At the African Youth Forum in Uganda in 2010, the hundreds of
young people in attendance made clear their intent – that they be seen as equal
members of the community and included in the decisions that impact their
lives. With the launch of U-Report the following year, young people could
now use the platform to keep their needs at the heart of national agendas
across the globe by speaking directly with world leaders on issues ranging
from education, climate, mental wellbeing and health.
In the ensuing 11 years since its establishment, U-Report
has become a significant platform that empowers young people, not only through
its use as a dynamic reporting tool but also as a trusted source of lifesaving
information, as was the case during the advent of COVID-19 when the platform
helped to stop the spread of disinformation while sharing ways users could
protect themselves from the virus.
Today, with over 25 million U-Reporters
adding their voice to the platform, young people have never been more connected
– or heard.
“Being part of the U-Report has been a
comforting experience,” said Xavier,14, from Ecuador. “Just knowing that I am
contributing with a grain of sand to data that will be part of making important
decisions for the benefit of our society, it is worth a lot. As long as we have
life there will be hope.”
Impact in emergencies
From the start, the potential for
U-Report in emergencies was clear and we have seen many examples of its often
life-saving impact around the world.
Specifically, during the Ebola crisis in Nigeria between 2014-2015, U-Reporters worked with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to address the myths and misconceptions surrounding Ebola. Users were able to access credible information in real time, and stop erroneous practices, including when some community members were turning to bathing with hot water and salt and eating bitter kola to beat the disease.