Purpose
Young African Leaders Academy (YALA) — Second Cohort-To empower young changemakers across Africa to lead community-driven dialogue and advocacy on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV prevention through interactive theatre, storytelling, and radio.
Target
Focus: Young people and adolescents from across the region.
Geographic Location
Collaborative Countries: Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia
Implementation Areas (Zimbabwe): Harare and surrounding areas
Timeline: September 2025 – February 2026
Key Strategies
- Interactive theatre and storytelling: Using performance to make public health communication relatable, inclusive, and engaging.
- Youth-led advocacy: Equipping participants with creative tools to lead community discussions and influence social change.
- Cross-country collaboration: Encouraging regional learning and sharing of solutions and good practices.
Major Activities
- Training Workshops: Building leadership and advocacy skills through theatre-based learning.
- Community Performances: Using interactive theatre to promote dialogue on SRH, HIV prevention, and healthy relationships.
- Peer Group Sessions: Strengthening youth networks and fostering peer support.
- Advocacy Engagements: Linking young people with decision-makers to influence policy and community action.
Outcomes
- Strengthened youth leadership in SRHR and HIV advocacy.
- Increased open discussion on health, relationships, and rights among adolescents and young people.
- Improved collaboration and networking among young leaders across the region.
- Sustainable, youth-led advocacy contributing to positive community health outcomes.
- Enhanced capacity for young people to use creative approaches for community mobilization.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Participatory feedback from youth participants to improve training and performances
- Observation of community engagement impact and knowledge uptake
- Cross-country learning to replicate successful strategies in multiple contexts