How can an idea be shaped into a message that inspires change? For 46 young people in Kumasi, Ghana, the answer came through three days of learning, collaboration, creativity, and hands-on practice.

From 6 to 8 October 2026, Youthmakers Hub organized “Lead the Narrative: Communication for Youth Advocacy,” an in-person training under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme, bringing together 46 young advocates and 9 trainers to strengthen the skills needed to communicate ideas, engage communities, and lead advocacy initiatives. For us, Kumasi also meant a return: in September 2023 we were here for the AfriConEU Bootcamp at hapaSpace Innovation Hub.

Following our training in Uganda earlier this year, Kumasi marked our second in-person training in Africa in 2026, continuing our commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences.

The training was built on a simple idea: effective advocacy starts with communication, but it grows through strategy, collaboration, and action.

Across three days, participants explored communication techniques, practiced public speaking, developed advocacy strategies, created original content, and presented their ideas to different audiences.

Rather than focusing only on theory, the sessions encouraged everyone to participate, exchange experiences, and learn by doing.

Day 1: Connect & Communicate

The first day was about building connections and finding the confidence to speak up.

Through interactive exercises and group activities, participants got to know one another, reflected on their communication styles, and explored how to transform ideas into clear, meaningful messages.

Public speaking exercises provided opportunities to practice expressing ideas, while peer feedback encouraged participants to learn from different perspectives.

The day paved the way for a collaborative learning environment where every voice had a place.

Day 2: Strategize & Connect

On the second day, the focus shifted from communication to strategy.

Participants explored what makes an initiative sustainable, how to identify relevant stakeholders, and why building relationships with partners, communities, and decision-makers matters for effective advocacy.

One of the day’s creative activities invited participants to become reporters. Working in groups, they produced one-minute videos highlighting topics that do not always receive the attention they deserve.

This exercise brought together storytelling, teamwork, and message development, giving participants an opportunity to use communication as a tool for raising awareness.

Day 3: Act & Amplify

The final day challenged participants to put everything into practice.

Through pitching and role-play exercises, groups presented their ideas to different audiences, adapting their messages and approaches to communicate more effectively.

A particularly meaningful moment came when Nana Yaw Akuoko, Sepaasehene and Otumfuo Asenehene, Ashanti Chiefs, joined the training and watched participants present their ideas.

Pitching in front of a traditional leader added a real-world dimension to the experience, connecting the skills developed during the training to the importance of engaging community leaders and other stakeholders.

Participants also took part in an interactive session dedicated to the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab App, exploring how digital tools can support their continued learning and engagement.

Together, they mapped the needs and challenges young people face when searching for opportunities online and explored how the App can help them access resources, discover opportunities, and stay connected.

The training concluded with a certificate ceremony recognising participants’ commitment, followed by networking.

Learning and Growing Together

The training brought together 46 young people, including 27 women and 19 men , supported by nine trainers, five women and four men.

Throughout the experience, trainers facilitated discussions, guided practical exercises, and supported participants as they developed their ideas.

The diversity of experiences, perspectives, and approaches contributed to a learning environment built around participation, collaboration, and mutual exchange.

For Stefanos Stagakis, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Youthmakers Hub, the most memorable moment came at the end:

“Seeing participants present their ideas to a real audience, including traditional leadership, showed how much confidence and clarity they had built in just three days.”

Beyond the Training Room

The value of “Lead the Narrative” goes beyond the three days spent together in Kumasi.

For Youthmakers Hub, the experience in Ghana was another opportunity to learn alongside young advocates, work with a dedicated training team, and continue building connections across Africa.

Silvia Diazzi, Communication & Dissemination Manager at Youthmakers Hub, reflected on what she learned from the participants: 

“They taught me that with the right mindset, passion and skills, so much is possible. I love their grit and hustle, and I believe that matching it with the right opportunities is what will help each of them thrive.”

From Uganda to Ghana, our in-person trainings in 2026 have shared one important purpose: supporting young people in developing the tools, confidence, and connections to take their ideas further.

We are grateful to the participants for their active engagement, openness, and contributions throughout the training, and to the nine trainers whose expertise and dedication made this learning experience possible.

A special acknowledgment also goes to Nana Yaw Akuoko, Ashanti Chief for joining the final pitching activity and engaging with the participants’ ideas.

The training may have ended on 8 October, but the ideas, connections, and learning continue. “Leading the narrative” is not only about finding the right words. It is about having the confidence and opportunities to use them.

Learn more about the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme and explore the opportunities available through the YVL App.