What began on the 5^th of November as hesitant introductions blossomed into a celebration of confidence, courage, and transformation. Our Youth Leadership Program graduation and storytelling contest was a resounding success – filled with proud smiles, unexpected twists, and teens stepping boldly into their voices.

Each participant began with the same opening phrase:

“If you told me this morning what would happen, I would’ve laughed.”

Although the planned props were forgotten in the excitement of the moment, the stories themselves took centre stage. That became a powerful reminder that youth spaces require flexibility – that growth thrives not in perfection, but in presence.

The tenacity and zeal of the teens to show up every week amazed us. For six weeks, for an hour and a half at a time, they chose to invest in their future through communication, when there were countless other things they could have done. That consistency reflected courage, discipline, and drive.

Friendships and camaraderie blossomed. Teens stepped into leadership roles, introduced speakers, offered evaluations, and stretched their thinking beyond “good job.” Their feedback grew insightful, intentional, and inspiring.

We watched them choose vocabulary like exquisite, spontaneous, acme, and alacrity. Their weekly speeches explored themes far beyond their years – from “Why the Grammy Awards Should Be Stopped” to “Why Humans Glitch.” Creativity thrived. Confidence grew.

As the teens spoke during graduation, even through nerves, we witnessed transformation. They stood taller, spoke clearly, and revealed more confidence than when they began. Watching them rise filled us with hope.

What We Learned

• Empowering youth requires flexibility
• Progress matters more than perfection
• Leadership is learned by doing and adapting
• Creativity thrives in safe spaces
• Expect the unexpected
• Volunteers grow too

Supporting youth means stepping into uncertainty with them – shifting roles when someone isn’t available, adapting plans on the fly, and celebrating progress in all its forms. It isn’t always seamless, but it is always worthwhile. Volunteers discovered that they, too, were learning every week.

If you feel called to give back, to empower youth through communication and leadership, please reach out to Mary Schoendorfer, DTM. It is a life-changing experience for everyone involved. You’d learn to adapt, think creatively, lead with heart, and model resilience.

Together, we build confidence. We build connections. We build the next generation – one voice at a time.

Because when young people are encouraged to speak their truth, guided with patience, and given a platform to rise, the future speaks here.

Olanari Okungbowa
D42 PRM 2025-26