The project consortium presents the inaugural YoPA video, providing an insightful introduction to YoPA’s objectives, challenges, our collaborative approach, and showcasing our dedicated partners.
From September 25th to 27th 2023, the YoPA Project conducted the inaugural consortium meeting in Amsterdam. The event brought together project representatives hailing from six different countries, namely Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Nigeria, South Africa, and The Netherlands. Participants attended the meeting either in person or through virtual videoconferencing, engaging in an insightful agenda.
Throughout the meeting, the focus was centred on the co-creation protocols, primarily facilitated by the team of PhD students and partners. These protocols hold great importance in the project’s implementation, as they will be the tools used in Phase One to empower teenagers to create innovative solutions for their respective communities.
Additionally, various practical workshops were delivered, encompassing topics such as realist evaluation, the SUPER-AIM framework, and intercultural communication. These workshops not only enriched the team’s knowledge but also drew inspiration from analogous projects pursuing similar approaches.
Each intervention site team dedicated time to deliberate and refine their communication strategies. The group also addressed strategies for disseminating the project’s outcomes and discussed the enduring impact of it.
Furthermore, the PhD students had the privilege of presenting their crafted research plans, receiving invaluable feedback from the senior researchers.
In closing, the informal moments served as a cornerstone in making real connections among team members, that will lead to stronger collaborative efforts in the forthcoming phases of the project.
This consortium meeting was hosted by the YoPA’s Amsterdam team, led by Professor Dr. Mai Chin Paw and organized by Dr. Leonie Klaufus.
With great enthusiasm, Dr. Adewale Oyeyemi, a distinguished researcher from Arizona State University (United States of America) and Redeemer’s University (Nigeria), presented the groundbreaking YoPA Project at the prestigious International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) – Advancing Behavior Change Science. The 22nd Annual Meeting held at the Uppsala Konsert & Kongress (UKK), Sweden, took place from June 14th to 17th, 2023.
Dr. Oyeyemi’s presentation captivated the audience as he shared the remarkable advancements and potential impact of the YoPA Project. During his engaging talk, Dr. Oyeyemi shed light on the comprehensive strategies employed by the YoPA project to foster behavior change among youth. By integrating technology, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions, the project seeks to empower young people to adopt lifelong habits that promote physical well-being.
“For the African countries, the YoPA Project will provide a good example of how to engage important stakeholders like policymakers and local community leaders in research co-creation that will not only lead to better buy-in and effective knowledge translation but also to the sustainability of the implementation of the co-created interventions”, Dr. Oyeyemi says.
The event provided a valuable platform for YoPA members to convene and engage in discussions regarding the latest advancements in their studies. It not only underscored the significance of behavioral nutrition and physical activity research but also emphasized its critical role in enhancing public health outcomes on a global scale. By uniting experts, fostering scientific exchange, and showcasing innovative research, the congress propelled significant progress in advancing the comprehension and implementation of evidence-based strategies aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.
The Youth-centred Participatory Action (YoPA) is excited to announce the upcoming Kick-off Welcome to PhDs meeting to Foster Global Networking and Collaboration, which will take place on April 28th, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (UTC+1).
The meeting will be held online via Teams and will bring together PhDs from around the world who are part of YoPA project, as an opportunity for participants to connect with other researchers, educators, and professionals in the field.
YoPA’s consortium has announced that a hybrid meeting will be held on June 13th, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, just before the start of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) conference. The meeting will take place in Uppsala Konsert & Kongress venue, Sweden, and will be available both online and in-person.
The meeting is an opportunity for YoPA members to gather and discuss recent developments in their studies.
For those who cannot attend in person, the meeting will be available virtually through a secure online platform. Information on how to access the virtual meeting will be provided to registered participants closer to the meeting date.