On African Youth Day, participants at the Youth Summit went on site visits to YMCA Addis Ketema and Urael branches and to the YWCA. We interacted with peer educators and they told of their training, work and impact in the communities through peer education. We looked at the vocational training being offered. A particular project was highlighted – ADVANCE (AIDS Volunteerism and Civic Action).
The Ethiopia YMCA is partnering with YMCA of the USA and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ethiopia Mission.
With a focus on peer leaders and orphans and vulnerable children, the project includes:
• Extensive outreach
• Creation of youth-friendly services
• Community mobilisation
• Training
• Resource mobilisation
We were struck by the hope and happiness, the smiles and laughter and a sense of belonging. This in the context of the harsh realities of what appears to be under-resourced buildings.
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