By Phephile Motau
Africa CDC is calling for applications for young Africans from the Southern and Western Africa regions who are motivated and willing to contribute to the acceleration of the Covid-19 vaccination uptake in their countries.
Those interested are encouraged to apply for the African Union Covid-19 Vaccination Bingwa initiative. In April 2022, the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) officially launched an African Union public-private-youth initiative co-led by Africa CDC under the name “African Union Covid-19 Vaccination Bingwa Initiative” as part of the Africa CDC’s Programme of Saving Lives and Livelihoods.
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Bingwa is the Swahili word for “Champion”. The selected Bingwas are expected to develop a community engagement plan to mobilize their respective communities including friends and families to get vaccinated fully against Covid-19 and support capacity-building efforts to onboard social actors within the community to help mobilize for the Covid-19 vaccinations.
They are also expected to organise innovative youth-focused events to mobilise young people and the broader community to take up the Covid-19 vaccines and serve as AU/Africa CDC focal points for youth vaccination in their respective countries, among many other duties.
To be eligible, they need to be from the Southern Africa Region, including Eswatini or the Western Africa Region. Participants will have to be aged between 18 – 35 years, possess a post-secondary education (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s will be an added value) and be available in 2022/23 to dedicate 12 months as a Bingwa.
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They must also be fully vaccinated. Proven ability to use a computer system and familiarity with MS Office applications and social media tools/platforms.
All applications should confirm their availability to travel for the week of training. The Africa CDC said under Saving Lives and Livelihood Programme, it will provide a living allowance for 12 months to all the selected Bingwas and meet all the costs associated with learning and development materials associated with the initiative including travel, daily allowance, and training organized by Africa CDC with the support of the Packard Foundation and the Government of Canada.
The deadline for applications is February 25 and more information is available by emailing AUBingwa@africa-union.org.
