In December 2025, WFAD launched the three-year project “Voices for Change: Empowering Youth and Civil Society for Inclusive Prevention and Reintegration”. The project aims to empower youth by facilitating Youth Advisory Boards and hosting life skills training. It also aims to strengthen the capacities of not only youth but also civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders, while providing opportunities to connect and collaborate. The project will be implemented in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda together with our East African Liaison, WFAD DRC office, and partners, C-SEMA and UYDEL. The project is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

On June 19th, UYDEL hosted its first orientation meeting for the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Members. 22 selected youth, representing diverse backgrounds, met for the first time in person to learn more about the project and their role as YAB members. Gathering at the Masooli Rehabilitation Centre, Dr Kasirye welcomed the youth and shared information on the background of the project and explained the role, purpose, and responsibilities of the Youth Advisory Board.

Additionally, Madam Daisy facilitated a discussion on advocacy among young people. During the session, participants engaged in group work and used tools such as Problem Tree Analysis, Community Mapping, and Stakeholder Web. These tools will help identify key issues, analyse root causes, map community resources, and identify relevant stakeholders, all of which will be utilised in advocating for issues affecting young people and their communities.

The members also watched a video presentation by Cressida, who emphasised the importance of meaningful youth participation within the project. She encouraged the Youth Advisory Board members to actively contribute their ideas and perspectives, reminding them that their views matter and are valuable in shaping project activities and decisions. Cressida further highlighted the importance of listening to and engaging with diverse young people in their communities, stressing that board members should be accountable not only to the organisation but also to the young people they represent. The session reinforced the principles of inclusive participation, representation, and youth-led engagement throughout the Voice for Change Project.