The Youth Social Innovation Challenge is an exciting initiative designed to bring together Senior High School students and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers to co-create impactful community projects. With High Schools (Gr.7-12) functioning as Municipal Co-Creation Hubs, this challenge leverages the creativity, passion, and energy of the youth to address local issues, promote civic engagement, and foster a culture of innovation.

Objectives

1. Empower Youth Leadership: Develop leadership skills among Senior High School students and SK officers.

2. Foster Collaboration: Encourage teamwork and partnership between educational institutions and local government units.

3. Promote Social Innovation: Generate innovative solutions to address community challenges.

4. Strengthen Community Engagement: Enhance the connection between young people and their communities through meaningful projects.

Components

(i) increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions; and 

(ii) improve key health behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting in targeted local government units.

Nutrition-specific actions are interventions, programs or policies intended to have a direct impact on immediate determinants of nutrition. Nutrition specific actions include:

promotion of adequate food and nutrient intake, feeding, caregiving and parenting practices; and prevention of infectious diseases. Examples are breastfeeding promotion, disease management and treatment of acute malnutrition in emergencies (2020 Global Nutrition Report: Action on equity to end malnutrition. )

Nutrition-sensitive actions are interventions, programs or policies in sectors other than nutrition that address the underlying determinants (referred to as social determinants in this report) of fetal and child nutrition and development and incorporate specific nutrition goals and actions. Sectors include, health, social protection, early child development, education, and water and sanitation. 

The social determinants that nutrition-sensitive actions can address include poverty, scarcity of access to adequate care resources, inadequate services for health or water and sanitation (2020 Global Nutrition Report: Action on equity to end malnutrition. Bristol, UK: Development Initiatives).  

Structure

Formation of Teams:
Each participating Senior High School will form a team of students who will work with their respective SK officers. Teams should consist of:

• 2-10 team members from Grade 8-12

• 1-2 SK officers

Municipal Co-Creation Hubs:
Senior High Schools may serve as Municipal Co-Creation Hubs where teams can meet, brainstorm, and develop their projects. Ideally, school Principals and teachers align academic requirements with the innovation challenge tracks and provide guidance in collaborating with SKs, barangay programs, and municipal offices. 

Project Themes:
Teams will choose from a list of themes relevant to their community. Themes may include:

• Environmental Sustainability

• Public Health and Wellness

• Education and Digital Literacy

• Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship

• Cultural Preservation and Promotion

Workshops and Mentorship:
Throughout the challenge, teams will participate in workshops on project management, innovation, and community engagement. They will also be paired with mentors from various fields to guide them through the project development process.

Project Development:
Teams will have a set period (e.g., 3-6 months) to develop and implement their projects. They will document their progress and outcomes, which will be presented at the culmination of the challenge.

Evaluation and Awards:
A panel of judges will evaluate the projects based on impact, innovation, feasibility, and sustainability. Top projects will receive recognition and potential funding for further development.

Timeline

1. Launch and Team Formation: July-October 2024

2. Workshops and Mentorship Kick-off: August 2024

3. Project Development Phase: August-October 2024

4. Team Check-in and Feedback Sessions: August-February 2025

5. Final Presentation and Evaluation: March 2025

6. Awarding and Recognition Ceremony: April 2025

Roles and Responsibilities

Student Supreme Government Officers

• Leadership and Advocacy: Act as role models, promote the challenge, and help define the vision for the Co-Creation Hub.

• Coordination and Communication: Serve as liaisons between the school, students, SK officers, and mentors.

• Resource Management: Manage resources and facilitate access to school facilities.

• Facilitation and Guidance: Organize workshops, coordinate mentorship, and provide support to teams.

• Monitoring and Reporting: Track progress, collect feedback, and prepare reports.

• Financial Support: Formal financial support of at least P50.

Sangguniang Kabataan Officers

• Community Needs Assessment: Help students understand community needs and align projects accordingly.

• Project Alignment: Guide teams to align projects with Centers of Youth Participation.

• Policy and Regulation Guidance: Educate teams on local policies and ensure compliance.

• Resource Facilitation: Secure resources and support from local stakeholders.

Barangay Officers

• Community Needs Assessment: Help students understand community needs and align projects accordingly.

• Project Alignment: Guide teams to align projects with existing Barangay and Municipal Programs.

• Policy and Regulation Guidance: Educate teams on local policies and ensure compliance.

• Resource Facilitation: Secure resources and support from local stakeholders.

Centers of Youth Participation

Projects will be encouraged to align with the following Centers of Youth Participation:

1. Health: Mental health awareness, healthcare access, and healthy lifestyles.

2. Education: Digital literacy, educational resources, and mentorship programs.

3. Economic Empowerment: Entrepreneurship, vocational training, and youth-led businesses.

4. Social Inclusion and Equity: Inclusion of marginalized groups, anti-discrimination efforts, and equal opportunities.

5. Peace-building and Security: Conflict resolution, community safety, and human rights awareness.

6. Governance: Transparency, youth participation in governance, and civic education.

7. Active Citizenship: Volunteerism, community service, and civic engagement.

8. Environment: Environmental conservation, sustainability practices, and climate change awareness.

9. Agriculture: Sustainable farming practices, urban gardening, and food security.

10. Global Mobility: Cultural exchange, global awareness, and international collaboration.

Joint SK and NSTP Projects

Overview
This track brings together SK officers and NSTP students to create impactful community projects. Combining SK's governance capabilities with NSTP's civic service focus, this collaboration addresses community needs effectively and fosters youth leadership and active citizenship.

Objectives

• Enhance civic engagement

• Leverage synergies

• Develop leadership skills

• Address community needs

Structure and Phases

1. Preparation and Team Formation: Orientation, training, and team formation.

2. Needs Assessment and Project Planning: Community needs assessment and project proposal development.

3. Project Implementation: Resource mobilization and execution.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Progress tracking and feedback.

5. Final Presentation and Recognition: Project presentation and evaluation.

Sample Co-creation Hub Municipal Research Congress Proceedings

Fostering Co-ownership among Stakeholders in the Municipal Co-creation Network