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Awakening Resilience and Potential

 

Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC) continues to foster young people’s resilience under their “Communication Think Positive Alternative Exist” project. From July 31st to August 3, 2024, the cities of Mombasa and Eldoret came alive with energy and hope as 35 young people got empowered on Performance Art and Content Creation. The three-day transformative event was far more than a series of workshops, it was a profound empowerment on young care leavers.

The Communication Think Positive Alternatives Exist (CTPAE) Project is one of the several initiatives under LCMC’s “Leave no youth Behind” project that aims to nurture young people who have transitioned out of care homes (Young Care Leavers) with skills for an independent living under the SOS funding.

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A Forum Beyond Workshops

The forum offered a dynamic blend of hands-on sessions, interactive discussions, and expert guidance, creating a rich environment for growth and learning. It was designed to provide young care leavers with a comprehensive set of tools to navigate their futures. The focus was not only on imparting skills but also on fostering a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy.





Dr Elias Mokua SJ, (LCMC Executive Director) sharing a light moment with young care leavers in Mombasa.

Building a Solid Foundation

Participants engaged in practical, hands-on activities that equipped them with actionable skills in content creation, communication, and innovative thinking. The sessions were carefully crafted to provide a solid foundation for their future endeavors. Each activity was designed to be more than just instructional—it was about instilling confidence and capability in these young individuals.

The skills and insights gained during the forum are expected to have a profound and lasting impact. By focusing on real-world applications and interactive learning, the forum aimed to ensure that the knowledge acquired was not only theoretical but also practical and actionable.

Navigating the Future with Confidence

The ultimate goal of the forum was to enable young care leavers to navigate their futures with confidence. The skills they acquired; from mastering digital content creation to honing effective communication and innovative problem-solving are intended to empower them to face future challenges with assurance and skill.

In reflecting on their experiences, many participants expressed a newfound sense of direction and purpose. The forum provided them with not just knowledge but also the self-belief needed to apply this knowledge effectively in their lives.

As LCMC moves forward, the commitment to these young individuals extends beyond the forum itself. Follow-up initiatives and additional training opportunities will be provided to ensure that the impact of the forum endures and that participants continue to receive support as they apply their new skills in real-world scenarios.

“From today’s workshop, I got to understand there is a major difference between having a talent and a skill so it’s my obligation to utilize both to earn a living,” said one of the young leavers

The "Leave No Youth Behind" project stands as a testament to the power of focused, supportive interventions in the lives of young care leavers. By building up their resilience and potential, LCMC is helping to shape a brighter and a more inclusive future for these talented individuals.

 


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