Empowering Youth Voices in Kenya: A Recap of the Common Ground Advocacy and Protection Training

From February 24 to 27, 2025, young leaders from diverse and hard-to-reach communities gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for an intensive four-day training session designed to strengthen their advocacy and risk mitigation skills. Organized by Search for Common Ground under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective initiative, the training equipped participants with tools to navigate challenges in their advocacy work and amplify their voices collaboratively and solution-oriented. The workshop focused on two key methodologies: Participatory Protection Analysis (PPA) and the Common Ground Approach to Advocacy (CGA2A). Through PPA, participants identified key risks affecting youth protection, well-being, and inclusion. They mapped available resources and developed strategies to mitigate these risks. The CGA2A methodology introduced a collaborative and non-adversarial approach to advocacy, enabling young leaders to identify priorities, design effective strategies, and engage constructively with decision-makers.

Throughout the workshop, participants participated in interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises that enhanced their ability to lead advocacy initiatives. The training highlighted the importance of inclusive and ethical engagement, ensuring that all voices, especially those from marginalized communities, were represented and heard. By the end of the event, participants had not only bolstered their capacity for collaborative advocacy but also gained a deeper understanding of the potential risks affecting their involvement in decision-making processes. They collaborated to develop practical solutions and strategies for effectively managing these risks.

The impact of this training extended beyond the event itself. The activity equipped young advocates with the skills to lead peer-to-peer training, enabling knowledge-sharing within their respective communities. This action further reinforced the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab’s broader mission to support youth-driven advocacy and policy influence as young leaders emerged more confident and prepared to engage with stakeholders on critical issues affecting their communities. The training followed strict guidelines to ensure ethical storytelling and safeguarding while underscoring the power of youth-led, solution-oriented advocacy and reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing social issues. These young leaders now carry new skills, strategies, and a strengthened network of like-minded advocates working toward a common goal. The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab remains committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring that youth voices continue to shape policies and solutions for a more inclusive future.