UNICEF hosts Youth Advocacy Guide training in Barbados

Over 30 young people from across the Caribbean have strengthened their ability to be movers, shakers, and change-makers at a youth advocacy training in Barbados supported by UNICEF.

The five-day event from November 6-10 at the Accra Beach Resort and Spa attracted youth actively involved in climate action, mental health, education, and student leadership advocacy. The training was coordinated by trainers from UNICEF Global based on the organisation’s Youth Advocacy Guide.

Countries represented at the workshop included Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

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Over 40 youth advocates participated in the youth advocacy guide (YAG) training in Barbados

In the coming year, each advocate is expected to use their new skills to train another 40 young people in their territories to become advocates.

Organisers explained that the event was designed to empower young advocates in two main areas: enhancing their existing advocacy skills and equipping them with the tools to facilitate similar workshops in their own communities as “Champion Trainers.”

The agenda covered critical elements such as the experiential learning cycle, facilitation fundamentals, stress management, and practical advocacy exercises, all aimed at personal and professional development. Sessions also focused on using individual strengths, developing networking strategies, and crafting actionable advocacy plans.

UNICEF/AWard

Through interactive activities and storytelling, participants were encouraged to take a holistic approach to advocacy, emphasizing mental wellness and self-care as integral components of success. The goal, organisers said, was for participants to leave with refined skills, a tailored advocacy plan, and the capability to effectively train and empower others, ensuring a robust foundation for their journey as advocates and Champions Trainers.

UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean Pieter Bult acknowledged that the voices of children and young people may seem small when compared to the significant issues they often confront. But he encouraged them to be bold, consistent, and collaborative.

“At this training, you will get a lot more tools, training, and ideas that you can go back to your countries and your day-to-day advocacy... Believe in yourself and believe in the power you have to make a change, knowing that your voice carries a long way and in ways that you never even imagined.

Pieter Bult - UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean

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UNICEF Representative Pieter Bult addressing participants in the YAG training.

Richardo Lockhart is the Antigua and Barbuda focal point with youth-led mental health advocacy group Let’s Unpack It. Describing the workshop as “incredibly fulfilling,” he is empowered to approach advocacy “more systematically.”  

“The workshop has left me invigorated with a renewed passion and heightened motivation to evolve into a more effective agent of change,” said Lockhart.

Saint Lucian advocate Jean-Luc Constantine shared positive feedback from the week-long event.

“We learned a lot and reviewed many key concepts about youth participation, advocacy, and what it meant to be an advocate. We also were able to share our stories and get to know each other a little bit better,” said Constantine.

UNICEF/AWard

Jean-Luc Constantine making a contribution at the YAG training.