Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is deeply committed to promoting meaningful youth participation at all levels, fostering an environment where young people are not only heard but are also integral to decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities. In alignment with this vision, Kenya Girl Guides Association’s Board and management supported the Young Leaders in conceptualizing the idea of an International Young Leaders camp, which initially involved MOs from East Africa.
KGGA reached out to the Tanzania Girl Guides Association and decided to have the inaugural International Young Leaders Camp, held in 2023 in Tanzania. The camp brought together young leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Ghana.
This camp, fully organized and implemented by young leaders, served as a powerful example of youth-led initiatives, demonstrating the capabilities and impact of young people when they are given participatory spaces and opportunities to lead.
The primary objective of the International Young Leaders Camp was to empower young leaders from different countries to actively engage in leadership roles, collaborate across borders, and learn from one another. The camp aimed to:
- Promote Youth-Led Initiatives: Encourage young leaders to take the lead in organizing and executing activities that reflect their interests and address their communities' needs.
- Foster Intergenerational Leadership: Create a space where young people could work alongside adult leaders, sharing decision-making responsibilities and learning from each other.
- Build Cross-Cultural Connections: Strengthen relationships between young leaders from different countries, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose within the global Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement.
- Enhance Leadership Skills: Provide training and experiential learning opportunities to develop key leadership competencies among young participants.
Camp Activities and Highlights
The camp was structured around various activities designed to promote meaningful youth participation and leadership development:
- Workshops and Training Sessions: These sessions were led by young leaders and focused on topics such as leadership skills, advocacy, project management, and effective communication. Participants were given the chance to lead sessions themselves, reinforcing the youth-led nature of the camp.
- Cultural Exchange Programs: To celebrate diversity and promote mutual understanding, participants shared their unique cultural backgrounds through storytelling, dance, music, and traditional crafts.
- Collaborative Projects: The camp included several collaborative projects where young leaders from different countries worked together to address common challenges facing their communities. These projects were designed and executed by the young participants, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Panel Discussions and Debates: These provided a platform for young leaders to voice their opinions on critical issues affecting their countries and communities, ensuring that their perspectives were heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Impact and Outcomes
The International Young Leaders Camp had a significant impact on both the78 participants and the broader community. Some of the key outcomes included:
- Increased Confidence and Empowerment: Participants reported feeling more confident in their leadership abilities and more empowered to take initiative in their local contexts.
- Stronger Networks and Partnerships: The camp facilitated the creation of a strong network of young leaders across Africa, who continue to collaborate and support each other beyond the camp.
- Enhanced Leadership Skills: Young leaders gained practical experience in organizing events, leading teams, and making decisions collaboratively, which they have since applied in their local organizations and communities.
- Promotion of Youth-Led Change: The camp served as a model for other MOs (Member Organizations) within the Movement, showcasing the effectiveness and impact of youth-led initiatives.
The International Young Leaders Camp 2023 in Tanzania was a landmark event that underscored the importance of providing participatory spaces for young people within the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement. By allowing young leaders to take the reins, the camp not only celebrated the power of youth but also demonstrated the effectiveness of youth-led initiatives in driving meaningful change. As we look forward to future events, it is crucial to continue fostering environments where young people are empowered, valued, and allowed to shape their own learning experiences and impact their communities.
As part of WAGGGS’ 60 Ways in 60 Days communications campaign, we encourage other Member Organizations and local groups to share their own stories of meaningful youth participation. Let us celebrate and amplify the voices of young people who are leading the way, making decisions, and driving positive change within our Movement and beyond.