THREE TRENDS ON HOW OUR YOUNG LEADERS ARE TRANSFORMING THEIR COMMUNITIES

 

THREE TRENDS ON HOW OUR YOUNG LEADERS ARE TRANSFORMING THEIR COMMUNITIES

For Nelson Elijah, it started when he learnt about his inner potential that was hidden. As system dictates, Elijah underwent 8-4-4 system, however, through-out his schooling he missed the connection between what he was gaining vis-à-vis what he wanted. Slowly and steadily while still in secondary school, Elijah realized his passion for music motivated by his continuous urge to always learn how to play keyboard and other instruments in church, full of empathy, he thought about many children who are undergoing the same process of self-realization with less intervention to truly understand themselves, his empathetic thought gave birth to Light Children Ministry.

Valery Beryl is for sure a Social entrepreneur by nature, growing up in an environment surrounded by single stories, she could not borrow from the hovering believe that young ladies could not rise up as steady social entrepreneurs. After her schooling, passionate about music, she enrolled in a music school while on the other hand started her music band, Ninabellyon Voices, in partnership with a school mate. Valery managed to complete her music school with the support of her loving and caring mother. Today, together with her partner, they have integrated an online strategy of coordinating their projects in the face of pandemic.

Felix Omondi, is by far a passionate footballer, his is a story of early self-realization and the spark to start it no matter the circumstances. Listening to Felix speak, one can obviously borrow the zeal with which he expresses his love for football. Currently he is the founder of Felix Omondi Foundation – an initiative mentoring young boys through sports, however, he shares on the hardship that comes with his position and age when it comes to accessing resources for his project. For him collaboration and teamwork has been key to driving his project, Felix says that he approaches every problem with an open mind!

THE THREE TRENDS?

1.       Understanding Intersectionality

Changemakers in generation “Z” know that there are many sides to every issue and they not only see the connection between social issues, but design solutions that cut across them. Young people embrace the ambiguity of social change and aren’t afraid to dive in.

2.       Starting with Empathy

Like Elijah’s, when we trace a social movement back to the beginning, often we find the spark that started it all was empathy. Around our work, young people exercise empathy – actively listening and seeking to understand others’ stories – to identify problems and find creative solutions in their communities.

3.         Using Technology for Good

Borrowing from Vallery’s story, not only are young people the most familiar with technology, they are constantly dreaming up entirely new ways to use it – not just in their own lives, but for the good of everyone. As we look at the ways younger generations make change – everywhere from the environment, business to education – tech and social media continue to play both starring and supporting roles.

The intersectional, empathetic, and tech-driven lenses that young people are bringing to the table are already transforming how all of us think about social change and take action – and these trends are just the beginning. We celebrate our change leaders today, playing changemaking roles at their best with skills gained from our Leadership Institute.

CELEBRATING 7+ YEARS OF TRANSFORMING GENERATIONS!