Youthmakers Hub, in collaboration with Learning Lions, organized a two-day partner-facilitated training on 20 and 21 May 2025 in the Turkana region of Kenya, focusing on enhancing communication and advocacy skills of marginalized youth. Titled “Lead the Narrative: Communication for Youth Advocacy,” this training took place in the framework of the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme. The Youthmakers Hub team – Konstantinos Maragkos, Silvia Diazzi, and Stefanos Stagakis – together with Learning Lions trainers Olsen Fischer and Rael Akai, designed and delivered this impactful training.

The Youthmakers Hub team brought its expertise and inclusive approach to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment for 30 young participants, most of whom were refugees from Kakuma refugee camp and nearby marginalized communities. Through tailored content and interactive workshops, our team guided participants in strengthening their online and offline communication skills, mastering the art of networking, public speaking, and pitching, and exploring how to use social media for impactful advocacy.

Beyond technical skills, the Youthmakers Hub team emphasized participatory and non-formal learning methods, integrating real-life scenarios and activities that encouraged participants to personalize their advocacy approaches and build connections. The Live Library session, led by our team, provided inspirational stories and practical insights, fostering a supportive atmosphere for meaningful exchanges.

A significant achievement of this training was the collection of valuable feedback from participants on the Youth Voices Lab App, which is being developed with a user-centered approach driven by Youthmakers Hub. Furthermore, the success of the training led to an invitation for our team to visit Kakuma refugee camp, where we engaged with six youth-led organizations formed by training participants. These interactions deepened our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these communities and reinforced our commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized youth. 

Through this training, the Youthmakers Hub team has reaffirmed its role in empowering young people with the tools and confidence to advocate for their rights and foster positive change.