One leadership training is pretty much like another, right? Not so, would be the answer of the S2C ( From Subject to Citizen) Ambassadors who underwent second phase training in Kenya in February this year. For them, the training was life-changing and their experiential learnings have pushed them to transform themselves and other youth. The basis of S2C training is that it works on two levels: inculcating belief in self and belief in being able to work for a better future, and skills development in order to do so.
From the recent communication received from the ambassadors, future change agents, we have the following testimonies:
“The session on the African Renaissance has awakened in me a sense of belonging to the African land and motivated my desire to work hard for its revival and recovery of dignity.”
Akpéné Kayi Adama-Amavi, Togo
“Before this last training, I was someone who goes blank whenever I stand to talk. But after training I have been able to overcome this particular challenge which makes me a better speaker. Back home the learnings from the training have helped me to be able to advocate on behalf of my fellow youth. These skills which I acquired from the training will bring the change we want to see. S2C has made me a role model, which makes me to be able to effect change globally and in my National Movement.”
David Nana, Sierra Leone
“The change that I want to see begins with me so I will lead by example and others will follow.”
Careen Magaah, Zimbabwe:
Reaching out
The 20 young S2C ambassadors tasked to conduct presentations and facilitations on S2C, engage in advocacy and work with their National Movements to empower youth through S2C. From the reports received, in total, they reached just over 8 900 people through and on S2C this last quarter. Further, one of our S2C Ambassadors, Jonah Makau Matua, who is on a youth exchange, conducted 225 workshops and presentations in Norway during this last quarter. They were also tasked with writing articles, and wrote a total of 42 articles for publication via Africa Alliance of YMCAs’ newsletter and website.
Reverse Mentorship
Another area is that of mentorship. Each Ambassador has a mentor with whom they have to engage in reverse mentoring, sharing and ‘teaching’ their mentor their new learnings and skills. They were also tasked with engaging in group mentoring of elders both within and outside of the YMCA. The initial response of the mentors is overwhelmingly positive, with mentors commenting on how pleasantly surprised they have been to learn from their mentees. Many of the Ambassadors have also conducted group reverse mentoring or are planning to do so soon. Reverse mentoring is worthy of another article… coming soon!
What is your experience of Mentorship programme?
Are you familiar with Reversve Mentoring? Please share.
Gil Harper
Executive Secretary
Africa Alliance of YMCAs