Open Space Centre

Open Space Centre (OSC) is a not-for-profit youth development agency that creates dynamic spaces for young people aged 15 to 29 years to unlock their full potential and utilise available opportunities to improve their well-being and positively contribute to their social and economic development. (www.openspaceyouth.org) Open Space started as a pure debate project in 2009, founded by university youth, whose overall aim was to mobilise fellow youths to discuss and debate pressing social problems, at sessions held in the Makerere University main hall. Due to the concept's popularity, the founders evolved it into an NGO in 2011, and for the past many years. The Centre is registered by the national NGO Bureau as a not-for-profit youth development agency that works to create dynamic spaces and opportunities for young people to fulfil their development and civic potential. Open Space has been at the forefront of youth engagement, impacting and reaching millions of young people throughout Uganda across over 27 underserved districts in all regions across the country. The vision of the organisation is “a society where young people have limitless opportunities and dignity. Mission-Create dynamic spaces to unlock young people’s (15-29) full potential to utilise opportunities and improve their well-being The open space model of engagement encompasses youth empowerment through three thematic areas, including leadership development, influencing national and global development agenda, and knowledge development and sharing pertinent issues that are deeply rooted across various contexts and are affecting young people, particularly in underserved ccommunities where the majority of civil society organizations do not reach. Open Space has reached more than 30,000 youth in 21 tertiary institutions and 30 high schools in Uganda since its founding in 2009. Open Space’s vision of “a vibrant and empowered youth population” continues to guide the organisation’s core mandate.