Lead Child Africa was honored to participate in the three-day Youth Ambassadors for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) training workshop held in Buea from May 27th to May 29th, 2026.
The workshop brought together passionate young leaders and organizations from the North-West and South-West Regions with a shared commitment to building safer, informed, and more inclusive communities free from Gender-Based Violence.
From the opening day, the atmosphere was filled with learning, collaboration, reflection, and practical engagement. Organized under the coordination of AfriYAN Cameroon alongside institutional and development partners, the training created a valuable platform for youth-led advocacy and community empowerment.
Strengthening Knowledge on GBV, SRH, and Protection
The first day focused on foundational concepts surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
Participants explored the causes and impact of GBV within communities while discussing the importance of survivor-centered approaches, protection systems, and community awareness in preventing violence and promoting dignity and wellbeing.
These sessions laid the groundwork for deeper discussions on advocacy, youth engagement, and community responsibility.
Promoting Positive Masculinity and Behavioural Change
The second day focused on positive masculinity, communication for social and behavioural change, peer education, and community mobilisation.
Participants engaged in meaningful conversations about how harmful gender norms and toxic masculinity contribute to violence and inequality, while also exploring healthier models of masculinity rooted in empathy, respect, responsibility, courage, and allyship.
Interactive activities, group discussions, and role-plays allowed participants to strengthen their communication and facilitation skills, equipping them with practical tools for awareness creation, advocacy, and peer engagement within their communities.
The sessions also highlighted the importance of storytelling, responsible communication, and social media as tools for driving positive behavioural change.
Preparing Young Leaders for Community Action
The final day shifted toward practical field preparedness and leadership.
Participants received training on referral pathways for GBV survivors, learning how to respond responsibly, maintain confidentiality, and connect survivors to available support services and structures.
Additional sessions focused on community leadership, managing resistance to change, documentation, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of community activities. Participants learned how accountability, proper reporting, and impact monitoring contribute to sustainable advocacy and community interventions.
One of the most impactful moments of the workshop was the development of personalized three-month action plans by the ambassadors themselves. These action plans outlined practical community outreach activities, advocacy strategies, awareness campaigns, and monitoring approaches tailored to the realities of their intervention zones.
A Commitment to Safer Communities
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony attended by the representative of the Delegate of Youth, who commended the dedication, active participation, and passion demonstrated by the young ambassadors throughout the training.
For Lead Child Africa, participating in this workshop was more than just attending a training — it was an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to child protection, youth empowerment, community education, and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence.
As young leaders return to their communities equipped with new knowledge, skills, and action plans, we remain hopeful and committed to creating safer spaces where children, young people, and vulnerable groups can live free from violence, abuse, and discrimination.
The journey continues, and the work begins now.