Smart Youth in Smart Cities
Smart Youth in Smart Cities
TEENS Uganda is a youth led non governmental organisation based in Kawaala, Kampala. Since 2006, we have worked with children, teenagers, and young adults across communities, schools, and youth centres. We focus on closing gaps in education, health access, and life skills by supporting both formal and informal systems that shape young people’s lives.
We design and run programs that respond to real challenges young people face. Our work covers health education, youth friendly services, skills training, and community outreach. We create spaces where young people can access information, receive guidance, and build the confidence to make informed decisions about their lives.
In addition to supporting children and young adults, TEENS Uganda recognizes the importance of fostering intergenerational and inclusive community support. Youth in our programs actively engage with elderly and disabled members of the community, offering companionship, assistance with daily activities, and guidance on accessing health and social services.
Through volunteer initiatives, mentorship, and community projects, young people contribute to creating an environment where elderly and disabled individuals feel valued, included, and empowered. By bridging generational gaps and promoting empathy, the youth help strengthen social cohesion and ensure that every member of the community, regardless of age or ability, can participate fully in society.
By adopting simple technologies as Backyard/ kitchen and Sack gardening, Teens Ugandans enhancing action on household food security and sustainability, young people are increasingly gaining interest .
Through open book and Hands-on Training, young people in and out school, including women gain skills through practical participatory and field approach in using Biomass in producing Briquettes and Bio-gas.
TEENS Uganda subscribes to the Uganda Sustainable Transport Network (UST-Network) that promotes cycling and walking as safe, environmentally friendly and Sustainable Modes of transport.
To contribute to raising the level, quality and equity of youth services and advocate for youth participation in development processes through increasing access, knowledge and technical capacities and Serving as a role model of youth programming excellence for the community at large
A society where youths are offered ample opportunity to better their lives by recognizing self and other people’s rights.
Youth form the majority population in any given community of Uganda. Therefore, most of the health problems, social and community violations brought about may tend to increase morbidity and mortality rates, crime and conflict, environmental concerns, moral and spiritual failures resulting from roots of increased vulnerability to economic and educational failures among the young persons.
According to national statistics, Uganda currently has about 34.1 million people where youth contribute about 78% to this population having grown from 33.8 million in 2010 and 16 million in 1991 with a population growth rate of 3.2% (POPSEC projected report on population 2012).
Young people make up a large part of Uganda’s population, yet many continue to face barriers that affect their health, safety, education, and future opportunities. Limited access to jobs, low participation in decision making, environmental challenges, and gaps in health awareness continue to affect communities across the country. TEENS Uganda works with young people, schools, families, and local communities to create opportunities that support learning, responsibility, participation, and community wellbeing.
Many young people struggle to find stable sources of income and practical skills for employment. TEENS Uganda supports vocational activities, entrepreneurship, and community based training that help youth strengthen their financial wellbeing and create opportunities for self reliance.
Access to accurate information about health and reproductive wellbeing remains a challenge for many young people. Our programs encourage healthy lifestyles, responsible choices, and community awareness through youth centered education and engagement activities.
Environmental concerns continue to affect communities through poor waste management, changing weather patterns, and reduced access to sustainable resources. TEENS Uganda promotes environmental awareness and practical action through backyard gardening, cleaner energy training, and sustainable community practices.
Young people are often excluded from discussions and decisions that directly affect their lives and communities. TEENS Uganda encourages youth participation, leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement by creating spaces where young people can learn, contribute, and take part in community development processes.
Young people involved in our programs take part in community visits, environmental activities, health awareness campaigns, and support initiatives that assist vulnerable groups with daily needs and access to social services. Through these experiences, youth develop leadership skills, responsibility, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the communities around them.
“TEENS Uganda helped me gain confidence and learn skills that improved my daily life. Through the youth activities and mentorship sessions, I learned how to work with others and support my community.”
Sarah N.
Kampala
“I joined the cleaner energy training program and learned how to make briquettes using local materials. The skills I gained now help me earn an income while promoting environmental protection.”
David K.
Mityana
“The community outreach activities brought young people and elderly members together in a meaningful way. I saw how small acts of support can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Charlotte
Kawaala
Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to their community. TEENS Uganda works with youth, families, schools, and partners to create opportunities that support healthier lives, environmental responsibility, skills development, and community participation.
