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There are 1.3 billion adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years old around the world, making up about 16% of the population (UNICEF Data, 2023). These adolescents have an increased need for belonging; connecting with others; and contributing to the world around them (Fuligni, 2019). Unfortunately, most developmental settings adolescents are exposed to do not offer the opportunities to fulfill these needs (Ballard, et al., 2021) as they might be structured experiences that bring stress to the youth. Afterschool programming helps youth achieve individual well-being and healthily contribute to their communities (Chung, et. al., 2017). 88 International wants to create nurturing environments that can help minimizing stressful conditions. We want to offer the youth the opportunity to address their aspirations; tap into their talents; spark their motivation; and evolve to be compassionate leaders. At 88 International, we understand that adolescence is a period full of cognitive, physical, psychological, and social changes, all which can be extremely overwhelming. Organized activities that provide reduced-stress experiences allow youth to develop essential life and social competencies (Larson, et al., 2006). We use music, a universal language, that all cultures know (Morrison & Demorest, 2009), as the medium to foster a safe environment for them to innovate and learn in.
We operate 6 context-adapted programs namely Tunisia, Senegal, The Gambia, Morocco, Taiwan, and St.Martin. Following a one-hour educational and interactive concert performed by the musicians of their respective club and a one-hour first meeting to elect club leaders, each club follows an annual cycle and is divided into 4 themed quadrants: Creativity, Community, Adjourning, and Celebration & Vision. Each quadrant guides the activities during that time span, and develops students' life skills and creative literacy through training opportunities, democratic practices, songwriting, event creation, and public performances. A select number of alumni contribute mentorship support of the clubs and management aspects of the program. Alumni undergo student-centered leadership and creativity training to deliver experiential programming for members which is crucial to the sustainability of these programs. Additionally, Myanmar Music Festival (MMF) is an initiative which designs and produces innovative music related events with an aim to nurture talent, connect people and inspire social entrepreneurship in the arts.
88 International established these 7 programs across 3 continents, reaching 823 secondary schools. Across these schools, 88 International trained 1750 student leaders in leadership and creativity, enabling them to effectively lead 1100 local community events and 670 original songs and videos, reaching more than 300,000 people since 2015.
88 International has expanded to 3 additional countries over the past 2 years, including Morocco, Senegal and The Gambia, after a successful national program in Tunisia since 2016. Our localized approach ensures that each program is adapted to the cultural and educational context of the country, working closely with local partners, educators, and communities. This model has allowed us to maintain program quality while scaling sustainably, with growing demand from new regions in West and North Africa.
Over the next 2–3 years, 88 International aims to expand to at least 5 additional countries in Africa while consolidating its presence in current countries through stronger local ownership and capacity building.
We plan to further develop our alumni network into a structured community of changemakers and implement cross-country Training of Trainers program models that combine in-person and digital learning. Strengthening our funding base through diversified and long-term partnerships will also be a priority, alongside building evidence on the importance of music and youth leadership through research projects.
If you are a local NGO, partner with us to co-design and implement a context-adapted program. If you are an individual, join as a facilitator or support local implementation. If you are a government partner, collaborate on integration and scale. Contact 88 International to assess needs, pilot, and adapt.
