Four Days of learning in Uganda: “Lead the Narrative: Communication for Youth Advocacy” Training
23-26 February 2026 – Monde, Luweero District, Uganda
Our partner Youthmakers Hub, successfully organized and implemented a 4-day training in in Monde village, in Luweero District, Uganda,from 23 to 26 February 2026.
60 Youth Leaders from all parts of Uganda attended the training as participants, supported by 8 trainers including members of Youthmakers Hub, Youth Advisory Board members of the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab and the Africa Europe Youth Academy, and local youth-led organizations. We are grateful for our team of trainers – MarcoValerio Battaglia, Silvia Diazzi, Cynthia Kyofuna, Konstantinos Maragkos, Daisy Lillian Nabukhisa, Jemba Micheal Senkole, Stefanos Stagakis and Andrew Ddembe– and everyone who made this journey unique.
The training blended non-formal education activities, learning by doing, direct learning experiences, peer-to-peer learning, hands‑on exercises, and group projects focusing on 4 main topics: communication, networking, social media for advocacy and public speaking. All aligned with one common goal: to strengthen youths’ capacity to advocate for their needs and co‑create a more youth‑responsive society.
Training Highlights
Introduction to the AU–EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective
Participants were introduced to the programme – presented by Silvia Diazzi and familiarized with its objectives, and how it supports youth engagement, empowerment, and connection.
Youth Advisory Board Member Testimonial
Andrew Ddembe shared his experience and role as a Youth Advisory Board member, offering insights into youth leadership within the programme.
Youth Voices Lab App – Feedback & Co‑Creation
Through group work, presentations, and a written survey, participants explored the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab mobile application and provided structured feedback on its features and usability. A constructive session facilitated by Stefanos Stagakis.
Live Library Session
During this session Jemba Micheal Senkole, Cynthia Kyofuna, and Daisy Lillian Nabukhisa shared their professional journeys in youth‑led work and organizations, along with practical guidance on using social media for advocacy. Participants engaged actively throughout the session, asking questions, sharing their own experiences, and connecting with the speakers’ stories. What emerged was a powerful open discussion and an exchange of peer‑to‑peer learning.
Group Projects
Guided by MarcoValerio Battaglia, six teams developed advocacy projects on issues relevant to their communities ranging from clean water, climate change, education and inclusivity for people with disability. Each team created an action plan and defined goals to support the success of their initiatives. The teams – Game Changers, Bangila, The Blues, Mazzi, The Voice, and Ligers – brought forward diverse perspectives and creative solutions.
Pitching Game Session
The 6 teams pitched their projects to four different stakeholders, learning how to adapt their language, tone, and messaging depending on the type of stakeholders they want to engage in their projects. Each team member had the opportunity to practice the pitching skill to a stakeholder while presenting in front of the whole group of 60 participants, adding the aspect of practicing public speaking in front of a large audience.
The final day included group reflections and feedback, where participants shared personal takeaways. As participant Nambiito Aisha, Programs Officer at the Refugee Healthcare Providers Initiative, expressed:
“We particularly appreciated the interactive methodologies used, which made learning both impactful and memorable. The training provided a great platform for networking and building meaningful connections with diverse youth leaders and organizations. These engagements have opened doors for collaboration and strengthened our collective voice as change makers.”
The certificate ceremony followed outdoors, joined by Timothy Oboth from our consortium partner Restless Development. Certificates were awarded to all participants, trainers, and key stakeholders.
We concluded the ceremony with positive remarks by the hosting organization in Monde, Love & Hope Monde. The community leader congratulated the team on the great work, connections and impact created during the training..
The training closed with a shared promise: to amplify youth voices and drive impact within local communities and beyond.
Youth participants left the training equipped with practical skills they can carry into their future advocacy work and that will help them strengthen their voices and ensure youth communities are heard and meaningfully engaged.
The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme will continue advancing its mission of youth engagement, empowerment, and connection, a mission that this training in Uganda brought one step closer to reality.
