About Theatre for A Change
The Young African Leaders Academy (YALA) – Second Cohort empowers young changemakers across Africa to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV prevention through creative, youth-led advocacy. Using interactive theatre, storytelling and radio, the programme equips young people with leadership and communication skills to engage communities, challenge harmful social norms and promote informed health decisions. Through regional collaboration, YALA strengthens youth networks and encourages shared learning to drive positive social change.
Objectives
- Strengthen youth leadership and advocacy in SRHR and HIV prevention.
- Promote community dialogue on health, relationships and rights through interactive theatre, storytelling and radio.
- Foster cross-country collaboration, peer learning and youth-led community action.
- Equip young people with creative communication skills to influence positive social and behavioural change.
Focus Area
YALA combines creative arts, leadership development and community engagement to strengthen youth participation in health advocacy. Key activities include theatre-based training workshops, interactive community performances, peer group discussions and advocacy engagements with decisionmakers. These approaches create opportunities for young people to share experiences, raise awareness and influence community attitudes towards SRHR and HIV prevention.
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Participants were trained in to lead SRHR advocacy
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Interactive Theatre to enhance Creative Advocacy
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Countries; Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe
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Community Engagement: Promoted open discussions on sexual health, healthy relationships and rights.
