Global Project Summary

  Empowering Uganda: Uniting Youth, Leaders, Businesses, and Communities for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impact   Amplifying Localisation of the SDGs  Uganda faces challenges in implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level despite efforts by the government to align with the 2030 Agenda. While ranking 18th among African countries in SDG progress, Uganda shows mixed achievements across critical areas like health, education, and economic growth. Issues such as funding gaps, limited grassroots involvement, and the exclusion of key stakeholders hinder effective implementation. The “Amplifying Localisation of SDGs” project targets Wakiso, Kampala, and Mukono, areas with significant youth populations facing high unemployment rates. This initiative aims to empower youth with skills to address unemployment challenges and nurture sustainable entrepreneurship. By aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and bridging gaps between national policies and local action, this project strives to pioneer effective SDG localisation strategies, setting an example for broader community engagement at the local level.  Our Partner   Crossing Borders began partnering with Open Space Center in 2021, initiating the Localising SDGs project to foster a deep understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals within Ugandan grassroots communities. Open Space Centre (OSC) began as a university debate initiative in 2009, evolving into an established NGO in 2011. It expanded its impact from universities to underserved districts, notably through the ‘Youth SDGs Awareness through Debate Program’ in secondary schools. OSC focuses on empowering youth by sharing tailored knowledge and skills on vital community issues often overlooked by other organizations. Through trained young leaders, OSC fosters context-specific solutions in areas like democracy, STEM, sexual health, and mental well-being, aiming to create a new generation of youth SDG ambassadors driving change.  Our Goal  The goal of the “Amplifying Localisation of the SDGs” project is to significantly enhance citizen engagement in sustainable development across Uganda by strategically targeting and empowering diverse segments of society, including youth, religious leaders, businesses, the media, district leadership, and marginalized community groups. This overarching objective aims to achieve two key outcomes: firstly, to equip youth with the knowledge and skills to actively participate in ongoing SDG localisation efforts within their communities, and secondly, to foster a deeper and more comprehensive localisation of the SDGs through collaborative, multistakeholder initiatives spanning various sectors of society. 

The Green Eco-lab – empowering Ugandan youth to combat climate change.    The mission:  Our mission in the Green Eco-lab project is to provide support, supervision, and financial management. As the lead partner, Crossing Borders plays a crucial role in overseeing the project’s implementation, ensuring that the activities align with the project goals and objectives. They are responsible for project coordination, monitoring, and evaluation. Additionally, Crossing Borders conducts information work in Denmark to raise awareness about the project and its development efforts in Uganda. Through various local activities, online platforms, newsletters, blogs, and articles, Crossing Borders disseminates information, educating the Danish public about the project’s impact and the challenges faced by young people in Uganda due to climate change.  Empowering Ugandan Youth: Addressing Climate Change Challenges through Green Eco-lab Initiatives:  The Green Eco-lab project is addressing the adverse effects of climate change in Uganda, particularly in underserved communities. Climate change poses serious threats to key development sectors in Uganda, such as agriculture, water resources, fisheries, tourism, and health. The project focuses on empowering young people in secondary schools and communities to adapt to these climate-related challenges. Specifically, it aims to increase awareness and build the capacity of young people to detect, design, and implement practical, evidence-based solutions for climate adaptation. The project addresses issues such as air quality, weather variability, soil quality, biodiversity, and water resources. By creating a Green Eco-lab as an in-school training and experimentation hub, the project enables young people to conduct experiments and develop solutions that can support communities in adapting to the changing climate conditions in Uganda.  Our partners:  Crossing Borders collaborates with Open Space Centre (OSC), an experienced youth development organization, brings expertise and a robust network for engaging young people. Together, they establish a Green Eco-lab in an underserved school in Mukono district, Uganda. This lab serves as a hub for in-school training and experimentation, allowing young people to create practical climate change adaptation solutions.   Our goal:  Our goal is to empower Ugandan youth to combat climate change. We aim to raise awareness and build practical skills, enabling these young individuals to develop innovative solutions for climate adaptation. Collaborating with partners, we create a dynamic learning hub. We envision the Green Eco-lab as a center for environmental innovation, where hands-on experiments and shared knowledge thrive. Our mission is to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders, equipping them to create resilient, sustainable communities. Together, we work toward a greener, climate-resilient future. 

Educational empowerment for a brighter Bwari: bridging disparities in public schools    Our Mission  Our mission is to bridge educational disparities and empower 90 pupils from Bwari Area Council, Nigeria, who’ve participated in CISU-funded Capacity Strengthening workshops for Changemakers. We’re doing this through innovative teaching methods, utilizing specially designed educational tools and the TaRL approach. Our aim is to enhance learning outcomes, empower educators, and advocate for vital education reforms, all in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).  Empowering Bwari’s Future Through Quality Education   In 2018, research highlighted a stark educational disparity in Bwari Area Council. Approximately 80% of students were struggling with basic literacy and numeracy skills. This alarming finding underscored the urgent need for intervention. Our initiative, based in  Bwari, is designed to address these challenges by creating accessible Learning Spaces (LS) for 90 pupils who’ve actively participated in CISU-funded Capacity Strengthening workshops for Changemakers.  Our Partner  We’re proud to partner with “Teach the Child,”a dedicated organization committed to promoting education and positive change within Bwari Area Council, Nigeria. With innovative teaching methods and purpose-built educational tools, our partnership not only aims to enhance learning outcomes but also empowers educators.Our collaboration is committed to advancing SDG 4, ensuring quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.  Our Goal  Our primary goal is to equip public school teachers and students in Bwari with 21st-century teaching and learning skills. Through TaRL, we aim to improve learning outcomes, foster dialogue among education stakeholders, and promote investments in public education. This project seeks to significantly enhance education in Bwari by providing accessible Learning Spaces for 90 students who’ve participated in CISU-funded Capacity Strengthening workshops for Changemakers. Through innovative teaching methods and specially designed educational tools, we aim to empower students and educators, advocate for essential reforms, and catalyze broader impacts, not just within Nigeria but beyond. 

Empowering Global Citizens: Uniting Schools for Sustainable Change    The mission:   In this project, our mission is to foster meaningful connections between students in Denmark and Africa, empowering them to work together towards common goals. Through education, collaboration, and sustainable initiatives, we aim to inspire a sense of global responsibility and create a positive impact on both communities.    Addressing Global Challenges: Sustainable Development, Education, and Cross-Cultural Understanding:   In this initiative, we address crucial aspects such as sustainable development, global education, and cross-cultural understanding. By focusing on Sustainable Development Goals, fostering international partnerships, and enhancing educational experiences, we aim to tackle social disparities, promote empathy, and nurture a generation of responsible global citizens.   Our partners:   Our key partners include the civil society organization 100% for Børnene (100%), the reputable consulting firm Promentum, and seven dedicated schools in Fredensborg municipality, notably represented by Humlebæk Skole. Together, we are breaking barriers, fostering global connections, and empowering students and educators to create a positive impact on a global scale. With this collective effort, we are shaping a brighter, more interconnected future for all.   Our goal:   From this project, we anticipate a profound transformation in both educational landscapes and global perspectives. We expect to witness a significant increase in students’ engagement and motivation as they actively work towards Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, we anticipate strengthened cross-cultural understanding, fostering empathy and compassion among students and educators alike. Through international partnerships and enhanced educational experiences, we aim to create a generation of responsible global citizens who actively contribute to social equity and sustainable development, leaving a lasting positive impact on communities worldwide.

Our mission:   A 3 days’ workshop in Copenhagen facilitated by Crossing Borders on Organization development and non-formal education methodologies and a 3-day workshop in Nigeria to equip the staff of Teach the Child Initiative and public-school educators with the tools necessary to improve learning outcomes in young learners, particularly those who attend public education institutions. This exercise will influence every other project implemented that target contributing to the achievement of goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals -Quality Education.   The importance of quality education in Nigerian context  Teach the Child began as a solution to the public education crises in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the shutdown of schools experienced all around the world because of lockdown policies, students from low-income earning families who attend public schools in Nigeria did not have access to online learning like their counterparts in private schools.  Our partner:   This is the first time CB and Teach the Child partner on a project together. It is a first step torwards both organizations building a sustianble future under SDG 4, Quality Education and SDG 17 for Partnerships and goals. Both CB and Teach the Child share a common strategic goal of “educating, connecting and empowering youth to take an active role in their societies”, providing a strong foundation for a continued partnership for the benefit of community members in the project area.  Our goal:   This project will mobilize and engage several stakeholders comprising of distinguished policy advocates, educational development professionals, local educational boardgames and community engagement specialists who have worked in the humanitarian and development sectors in Nigeria to contribute and to benefit from the workshops. Secondary beneficiaries are the children in the classrooms which make up of at least 800 children in the 1st school year.  

Our Mission  The mission of the Empowered Girls Dialogue II (EGD II) project is to empower marginalized Moroccan teen girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for their rights. We aim to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to become leaders, advocates, and catalysts for change within their communities.  Empowering Moroccan Teen Girls: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Futures  In Morocco, teen girls from marginalised areas face significant challenges such as school dropouts, child marriage, early motherhood, and gender-based violence. These obstacles hinder their full participation in society and preserve inequality. EGD II aims to address these issues by giving girls a voice, enhancing their leadership skills, and empowering them to challenge detrimental practices against girls and women.  Our Partner   We are partnering with Project Soar (PS) for the Empowered Girls Dialogue II (EGD II) project. Project Soar is a registered girls’ rights and empowerment organization with a proven track record in Morocco. Their deep understanding of Morocco’s cultural context and commitment to gender equality make them a valuable partner in this project. We are committed to using our combined skills, expertise, and resources to make a positive impact on the lives of Moroccan teen girls.  Goal of the  EGD II Project  The Empowered Girls Dialogue II (EGD II) project aims to improve the lives of marginalized Moroccan teen girls. The project has two main goals:  To empower teen girls and enhance their leadership skills so that they can become active citizens, decision-makers, and advocates for their futures.  To provide teen girls with a platform and voice within their communities to challenge repressive customs and ideologies that maintain gender-based discrimination and inequality.  The EGD II project believes that through education, dialogue, and empowerment, it can help create a brighter and more equitable future for Morocco’s teen girls, their families, and their communities. 

Our mission:  Our mission is to foster youth empowerment, democratic values, and active civic engagement among Georgia’s youth. Through innovative capacity-building and knowledge exchange, we aim to create a vibrant platform for collaboration, learning, and dialogue among youth, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and local government youth departments, strengthening Georgia’s civil society and democratic progress.  A Need for Inclusive Youth Empowerment:  In Georgia, where democratic reforms have set the stage for a more accountable public system, there is a critical need to engage and empower the youth population. To transform these reforms into meaningful action, we require the inclusion and active participation of young people. This project seeks to address this need by enhancing regional coordination platforms, providing necessary tools and knowledge, and fostering collaboration among youth, youth workers, CSOs, and local government youth departments. Our aim is to bridge knowledge gaps in local governments, increase youth representation in development and decision-making processes, and mobilize and empower communities and youth for sustained dialogue and impact.  Our goal:  We expect to see the emergence of a robust network of engaged and empowered youth, CSOs, and local government youth departments. This network will facilitate the development of effective municipal youth policies and genuine partnerships. By fostering collaboration, building capacities, and sharing knowledge, our aim is to create a sustainable model that strengthens youth participation, promotes democratic values, and leads to lasting impacts in Georgia’s communities. 

Mission:   Our mission is to empower young people in Ukraine by creating Democracy Hubs where they can learn about democracy, communication, dialogue, debate skills, human rights, and active citizenship. We aim to advance a culture of democracy and inspire youth to become engaged citizens.    Empowering Youth Civic Engagement: Democracy Hubs for Change in Ukraine   This project is crucial given recent findings that reveal a lack of interest among young Ukrainians in politics and civic activities, with only 1.3% participating in community initiatives. The Democracy Hubs, set up in regions like Chernigiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Rivne, where civic engagement is weak, offer an opportunity for youth to become active and informed citizens. This project aligns with UNDP’s recognition of the importance of youth participation for societal development and human rights protection. By promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and environmental awareness and collaborating with local partners, schools, and alumni networks, it aims to encourage youth interest in democratic processes and community involvement, ultimately supporting for a more vibrant and participatory Ukrainian society.    Our Partner:    We’re working together with the Klitschko Foundation, a NGO in Ukraine that cares about young people and wants to help them succeed. This project builds upon the successful partnership between Crossing Borders (CB) and the Klitschko Foundation (KF), which established the Democracy Hub Kyiv in 2020. Our  collaboration with the Klitschko Foundation (KF) is based on a successful track record. KF has received positive feedback from youth and other organizations involved in the Democracy Hub Kyiv project.    Our Goal:   The project’s primary goal is to educate and empower  Ukrainian youth aged 14 to 19 by promoting active citizenship, democratic values, and civic engagement. It aims to nurture democratic values, encourage active engagement, and encourage discussions on diversity, gender equality, life balance, and environmental sustainability, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the project addresses the impact of evolving media on democracy and equips young participants with media literacy skills.

Mission  Our mission is to create a Democracy Hub in Kyiv, where young Ukrainians can learn about democracy and how to be active citizens. We want to empower Ukrainian youth to become informed, confident, and civic-minded leaders, encouraging positive change in local communities and contributing to Ukraine’s democratic landscape through innovative educational programs and a supportive community space.  Democracy Hub: A Space for Youth to Learn, Lead, and Grow  The Democracy Hub addresses the concerning disinterest in politics and civic disengagement among young Ukrainians, as revealed by 2017-2018 surveys where only 1.3% participated in community initiatives. This underscores the need for spaces promoting civic education and engagement. Recognizing active youth participation as crucial for societal development and human rights, the project empowers young Ukrainians, encouraging dialogue, imparting civic skills, and addressing local and global challenges. Aligned with eco-conscious practices, it also raises awareness of climate issues and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Our Partner  For this project, we are partnering with Klitschko Foundation (KF), a distinguished Ukrainian charitable organization. At Crossing Borders (CB), we share common goals with KF in promoting youth empowerment and civic education. Combining CB’s experience in project management and initiatives like the Great Debate Camp (GDC) with KF’s extensive network and education-focused projects, together, we aim to create the Democracy Hub – a platform empowering young Ukrainians to engage in democracy and build essential skills for active participation in society.  Our Goal  The primary goal of our project is to empower and engage Ukrainian youth, aged 14-19, in promoting democracy, active citizenship, and leadership within their communities who can positively impact their society and advocate for democratic values and inclusion.  Through capacity building trainings, the Great Debate Camp, and the establishment of the Democracy Hub in Kyiv, we aim to equip young Ukrainians with essential skills, critical thinking abilities, and a sense of social responsibility. We also intend to create an extensive online platform for youth networking and knowledge sharing, promoting a sense of interconnectedness and enabling them to address local, national, and global challenges.  

Our Mission:  The Democracy Debate Hub project is committed to empowering at least 150 young people between the ages of 14 and 20 in Moldova with essential communication, collaboration, and debating skills, enabling them to navigate the complex world of information, propaganda, and fake news. Through engaging debates and inclusive learning, the project aims to promote youth engagement and inclusivity, ultimately strengthening the foundations of democracy in Moldova.  Empowering Moldovan Youth: Strengthening Democracy and Critical Thinking  The Democracy Debate Hub project is important for Moldova, a country facing challenges in the information era. Many young people here struggle to tell what’s true from what’s not in a world full of misleading information. The project helps Moldovan youth develop important skills like critical thinking and communication. It also creates 15 Democracy Debate Hubs across Moldova where young people can come together to discuss important topics. The project hopes to make Moldova’s democracy stronger and bring young people from different backgrounds closer together.  Partnership   The Democracy Debate Hub project is a collaboration between Crossing Borders and the MilleniuM Training and Development Institute, two organizations with a shared commitment to youth empowerment and democracy-building. This partnership is built on the success of previous initiatives, such as the Youth Ambassadors for Peace project in 2018-2020.  Our Goal  Our primary aim is to establish a network of 15 Democracy Debate Hubs, managed by skilled coordinators, across Moldovan communities. Over 10 months, we intend to train 15 coordinators from diverse backgrounds to initiate and oversee these hubs. These hubs will be set up in schools, youth centers, and youth councils, serving as platforms to promote democracy and civic engagement among young people. Our goal is to empower over 150 young participants with critical thinking, public speaking, and a deep understanding of democracy, enabling their active participation in democratic processes.