FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the Going Beyond Project ?

The Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future project is a partnership between DOT and the Mastercard Foundation that aims to scale DOT’s evidence-based, peer-to-peer model and will be executed in four African countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. Over five years, and with the support of DOT regional hubs in Africa, the Going Beyond project will progressively transfer the responsibility for delivering DOT’s programs and equip youth as leaders of the future. Under this project, mHub will then recruit, provide training to, and deploy 30 young leaders. The Young Leaders will empower 2250 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with entrepreneurship, 21st-century soft skills, basic business skills, responsible attitudes, and self-confidence to improve their business outcomes. 70% of all participants will be young women.

2. What are the expected outcomes and impacts of the project on youth-led entrepreneurship and economic development?

The project aims to progressively transfer the delivery and ownership of DOT’s evidence based, youth-led programming, and equip youth as leaders of the future, drive economic growth, and contribute to sustainable development in their communities. Key outcomes include increased business revenues, improved livelihoods, and enhanced opportunities for youth employment .

3. Who are the participants in the project?

Participants in this project include the following 3 groups: 1) employees and leaders of Youth-Led Organizations and Youth Serving Organizations 2) youth (ages 18-35) who are underemployed and unemployed university graduates (Youth Leaders); and 3)youth (18-35) who are necessity-based entrepreneurs (Youth Peers). Among the youth participants representing Youth Leaders and Youth Peers, 70% will be young women. Among this 70% target of young women, there will be representation from vulnerable young women, such as single mothers and survivors of GBV. Additionally, among the total youth participants, the project will ensure the inclusion of socially excluded groups such as refugees, youth with disabilities, and rural youth.

4. Who are the Youth Leaders in the Going Beyond Project?

Youth Leaders are the 30 young university graduates, typically graduating into unemployment, aged 18-35 who serve as program facilitators, mentors, and changemakers within the project. Youth Leaders will be recruited directly by the local YLOs and YSOs, and will receive training, and be deployed back into their communities to empower local MSMEs with digital skills for business. They will be engaged for 8 months. It is a project policy that 70% of Youth Leaders will be young women.

5. Who is Eligible to be a Youth Leader?

In order to be enrolled into the Going Beyond- Youth Leadership Program, applicants must fit the following criteria:

Ages 18-35: Must be Malawi nationals or have a local address in the country.
Recent Graduates: Applicants must be recent university or college graduates from accredited institutions with a diploma or bachelor's degree. To qualify as a recent graduate, you must be within 6 months and five years of graduation.
Residency: Applicants must be current residents of Lilongwe, Salima, and Dedza.
Program Availability: Applicants must be fully available for the duration of eight (8) months for the training and placement period: (27th June 2024 and 31st January 2025).
Technology Access: Have access to a basic smartphone or laptop and possess basic computer skills.
Qualities: Demonstrated leadership and passion for community development and entrepreneurship. Applicants should have a history of or passion for community engagement activities.
Employment Status: No employment experience required. Applicants should be unemployed.
Program Commitment: Commitment to participate fully in the program.

6.How will Youth Leaders be selected and trained for their roles within the project?

Youth Leaders will be selected based on criteria such as leadership potential, commitment, and community engagement. They will undergo rigorous training programs covering digital skills, entrepreneurship, leadership, and gender equality. Depending on local circumstances, training will be conducted through face-to-face and/or virtual (online) sessions.

7. What opportunities are available for Youth Leaders to participate in the project?

-Youth leaders will have significant opportunities for personal and professional development as they mentor their peers, facilitate training sessions, organize community events, and contribute to project planning and implementation. They will also receive ongoing support and professional development opportunities, and a stipend for the valuable work that they do during their engagement..

8. Are Youth Leaders Paid?

Yes, youth leaders will be provided with a monthly stipend to support their basic needs during their engagement with the local host organization. All agreements and remuneration will comply with local laws and policies.

10.How do I apply to become a Youth Leader?

Apply to become a Youth Leader via the online application form found on the link: APPLY you will need access to a smart device with internet connection. You will be required to use an email address in order to apply. Applications and information submitted through email or other means will not be considered .

11. What types of activities or opportunities are available for Youth Peers (young MSME owners) to participate in?

Youth Peers will participate in training programs, workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking events, and access resources and support to develop their digital and entrepreneurship skills, launch or grow their businesses, and become agents of change in their communities.

12. What avenues are available for Youth Peers to access financial support or resources for their entrepreneurial ventures?

Youth Peers will be invited to access financial support through seed funding provided by the project and access to DOT's network (e.g. Impact Makers Advisory Board (IMAB) to seek out additional grants, micro-loans, and linkages to financial institutions and investors. Additionally, they will receive training on financial literacy, business planning, and accessing financial services to support their ventures.

13. What is the Impact Makers Advisory Board?

The Impact Makers Advisory Board (IMAB) is a board made up of philanthropists, impact investors, and young social entrepreneurs whose goal is to convene stakeholders to support and uplift youth-led enterprises in Africa to incubate quickly towards impact and scale.

14. How will seed funding be distributed and what are the criteria for eligibility?

Seed funding will be available through a semi-competitive process that will consider criteria related to the leadership, viability, and impact of the venture

15. Are there any fees associated with the training programs?

No, there are no fees associated with participation in Going Beyond programs. However, participants are expected to commit their time and attention to the programming.

16. How will the project ensure the inclusion and representation of marginalized or vulnerable youth?

The project has adopted inclusive and equitable approaches to ensure the participation and representation of marginalized or vulnerable youth, from the inception and co-designing of the project to its implementation. These groups include young women, persons with disabilities, and those from underserved communities. All outreach efforts will adhere to strict participant guidelines, for example, 70% of participants will be young women.

17.How will we safeguard the young people participating in the project?

DOT’s Gender and Safeguarding Team will ensure that the safeguarding of young people is upheld in the project. To ensure this, we will focus on the following 5 core components:

A. Prevention of safeguarding incidents through robust and documented PSEA policy and procedures which includes: vetted partner organizations for safeguarding capacity, and all project staff will agree to adhere to and sign off on DOT’s PSEA policy and procedures, completing regular risk assessments to identify potential project and community-level risks, and developing localized approaches to mitigate these risks.
B. Building Awareness of policies and procedures among youth and community members: through Safeguarding training for all Going Beyond project staff at DOT partners, youth leaders, and youth peer level, paired with accessible materials that communicate safeguarding information to relevant audiences.
C. Providing Accessible, Relevant, and Confidential reporting systems that have been co-designed with young people, especially those facing increased vulnerability to abuse or exploitation, and including multiple channels to report.
D. Responding to reports in a transparent and timely manner, including investigations as needed through clear roles and responsibilities for safety at every level and across all project partners.
E. Offering survivor-centered support to any survivor of SEAH, including ensuring their safety and well-being, and accessing necessary medical, legal, or psychosocial support.

18. What role will technology play in supporting the project's objectives and activities?

Technology is pervasive in managing the project and in delivering training, facilitating communication, providing access to resources, and enabling digital entrepreneurship. All partners and participants will receive training on digital skills, utilization of online platforms for networking, and the leverage of technology for business growth..

19. How will the project address challenges related to access to technology and digital literacy among youth participants?

The project will work with local organizations and infrastructure providers to encourage the provision of access to ICT infrastructure, devices, and other relevant training programs for youth participants.

20.How can I find more information about Going Beyond?

To learn more about Going Beyond, you can visit DOT's website at http://www.dotrust.org The website provides detailed information about the program, including its objectives, impact, and how to get involved as a participant, mentor, partner, or supporter. Alternatively, you can contact DOT directly through their website or reach out to their team members for more information, clarification, or to inquire about specific aspects of the program. They will be happy to provide you with additional details and answer any questions you may have.

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