Article by Moses Odhiambo- Communications Officer T4NA Kenya
In the heart of East Africa, Nairobi, have been hosing since 2018, a transformative gathering of young African leaders, marking a significant milestone in leadership, governance, and youth empowerment. The Second Summer School Training of the second cycle of Together For A New Africa (T4NA) initiative was conducted in Semptember, 2024. It showcased the vibrant energy and unwavering commitment of African youth to drive change and shape a brighter future. Kenya was represented by 10 delegates from diverse backgrounds, whose vibrancy and determination to be changemakers left a lasting impression.
First Summer School Training
The Regional Training First Summer School brought together youth delegates and tutors from 14 African countries. This diverse assembly of young leaders worked to refine their mandates, enhance advocacy skills, and prepare for impactful activities in their home countries.
A standout feature of the training was the “Mandate Game,” an interactive activity fostering unity and collaboration among delegates. By refining and defining their positions collectively, the delegates deepened their understanding of the critical issues facing their countries. Kenyan delegates focused on key themes, including youth involvement in governance, meaningful youth engagement in decision-making, and addressing youth unemployment. Armed with these mandates, the Kenyan team devised detailed plans to reach young people across the nation.
Leadership Capacity Building
Equipped with skills from the training, the Kenyan delegates embarked on a leadership capacity-building journey to better understand the governance landscape in their country. Led by Prof. Justus Mbae, Vice Chancellor at the Catholic University and an advocate for ethics and leadership, this engagement highlighted the challenges of governance in Kenya and the vital role of youth in fostering change. Delegates were urged to redefine their value systems to create a more peaceful and united community and continent.
Amplifying Voices in Digital Spaces
The delegates turned to digital platforms to achieve their mandates, initiating a conversation themed “Enhancing Leadership Capabilities.” Dubbed Convo Corner, this session revealed that most youths spend significant time on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Discussions emphasized leveraging digital spaces for civic engagement and political participation.
Led by Kelvin Kamami, a professional communication expert, the sessions were divided into three segments to capture youth perspectives. Kenyan delegates recognized the need to harness the energy of digitally connected youths through awareness campaigns, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives to address poor governance.
A second digital conversation, “Co-Leadership in the 21st Century,” showcased real-life stories of African leaders excelling in governance. Youths were encouraged to adopt the spirit of Ubuntu and challenge tribal biases to foster unity. Ugandan youth activist Ivan Masawi and UNESCO Youth Forum Chairperson John Linus shared experiences, highlighting the power of co-leadership in building vibrant communities. These sessions reaffirmed that youth are not merely policy recipients but active contributors to policymaking processes.
Leadership with a Positive Impact
Creating a positive impact is integral to good governance. Kenyan delegates prioritized building partnerships and engaging communities to promote co-leadership and drive change. Collaborating with GenFest 2024 and the Focolare Movement, they designed programs to mentor juveniles in prisons. This initiative provided young inmates with skills in communication, collaboration, and resilience, offering them hope and a second chance at life. Activities included peer counseling and therapeutic sessions, fostering personal growth and connection.
Looking Forward: A Unified Voice for Youth in Governance
The culmination of the first year of Together For A New Africa propelled Kenyan delegates onto the global stage. They aim to participate in national conversations and promote youth-led initiatives for better governance.
By amplifying youth voices and ensuring their active involvement in decision-making, we are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future. As we look ahead, we remain committed to empowering youth, fostering collaboration, and advocating for inclusive policies that leave no one behind.
Stay tuned for more updates on our journey toward achieving our mandates, and join us in celebrating these milestones.
