GLOBAL ACTION CIRCLES BOOKLET
Explore YouthxYouth activists journeys from a learning question to empowered action
Welcome
The YouthxYouth Global Action Circle (GAC) program is a peer-topeer learning journey, hosted by our YxY youth hosts, where small groups of youth and adult learners meet every other week around an education-related theme and personal learning question.
Each person in the GAC arrives with their own learning question which they explore, deepen, and experiement with for the duration of their learning journey and for many, beyond. The GACs are also intergenerational whilst remaining youth-led and youth-centered. This experience enables participants to draw upon the power of global diversity and solidarity to advance their local initiatives, and culminate with a final Showcase at our annual YxY Learning Festival!
INTRODUCING THE GLOBAL ACTION CIRCLE THEMES
COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING x YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
GENDER EDUCATION x CLIMATE EDUCATION
PEACE x RELATIONAL & INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
SUPPORTING YOUTH EDUCATORS x TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION
COMMUNITY BASED LEARNING X
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
Community-based Learning is understanding how what is taught in schools can be connected to our communities. Explores the different ways that community-based education can be used to promote learning and development..
Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing is peace, wellness and energy. It is not just about emotional and physical wellbeing, it is also about youth reaching the stage where they feel from within that they are empowered to drive the change they wish to see in the world.
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
ADRIJA JANA
How much of mental health is about introspection, and how much is influenced by relationships and interactions outside of the self?
STEVEN WITBOOI
How do we eradicate inequality on the frame basis of what humanity suppose to be?
DEBBIE FELDHEIM
How might mental health practitioners build the capacity of community-based changemakers (including youth) through a mutually-beneficial learning process?
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
GRACE SANUSI
How might society help how we design mental health services?
HANNA NEGUSIE
How can adults support young people in co-creating new learning ecosystems through allyship; community/relationship building; and intentional, experiential learning design?
ILA MALHOTRA
How can we learn from natural ecosystems and living systems to better weave our YxY Learning Ecosystem (activists, adult allies, partners, elders, global learning community, local hubs)?
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
ANYAGO RITA
How might we encourage children to take up leadership roles in class
ROSS ALWALA
How can we increase mental health awareness in Africa?
UDE UGO
How can the youth activist who feels stuck draw cheer and enthusiasm by embracing co-learning and meaningful engagement in communities like YxY?
ADRIJA JANA
I have been involved with YouthxYouth ever since I first joined the 2022 Learning Festival as a participant. I participated in the Cafes and the Open Mic and was so inspired by what was discussed and how things were arranged that I decided to join the Weavership and host a GAC that year. In the 2023-24 cycle, I was the Host Ally of the Youth Mental Health GAC, which later on merged with the Community Based Learning GAC.
In many ways, my role as a Host Ally was vastly different from that of a Host last year. Rather than actively hosting all the time, being a Host Ally, I feel, is more about providing support and looking at the overall picture. It was pretty tricky for me to take a step back, but once I eventually did, it was advantageous to see the co-hosts, one of whom was a GAC participant in my circle last year, flourish and hold space beautifully over the meetups. This year, I also got the opportunity to fully explore the intergenerationality of a space and what it truly means to be a part of an intergenerational space.
The merging of Community-Based Learning and Youth Mental Health GACs was a unique experience in itself. Activists from both circles came together after working on different themes and with varying visions for almost a month. Holding space as they explored the new space together, fleshed out their projects and looked at nuances as everyone learnt and realised new things about themselves and the world around them was immensely rewarding. I will hold and cherish these few months in my heart as I continue my journey as an activist. I would like to invite more youth activists to participate in this movement to revolutionise education and access with YouthxYouth.
DEBBIE FELDHEIM
I am an Adult Ally at YXY. Valentina and Zineb invited me to join the GAC after they learned about the community psychoanalysis training program I was developing at the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. As a participant in the Youth Mental Health and the Community Based Learning GAC, I refined my Learning Question to focus on how mental health professionals can specifically support the YXY community. Furthermore, I investigated how the community psychoanalysis program could facilitate practical service placements within YXY, enriching youth activists and mental health trainees.
My GAC experience was enlightening, providing insight into the cultural dynamics and mental health needs of YXY, as well as the challenges of remote collaboration across time zones. My research during the GAC timeline led me to the Balint Group method, which aligns nicely with the needs of YXY. Along with four faculty members, I completed an intensive leadership training course in this method. Balint groups foster empathic support and reflective thinking, skills essential to community work and particularly relevant to YXY's group activities. I learned that the Weavership Fellowship would be the ideal place for us to start our collaboration. Our Community Psychoanalysis program is slated to launch in Fall 2024, with plans to initiate a Balint group with the incoming group of Weavership Fellows at YXY.
GRACE OKINDA
I applied for the GAC in 2021 via an Instagram post they advertised, and I got interested because I have always loved and wanted to be part of such a community. My journey since 2021 with YouthxYouth has been so educative; the promotion of leadership skills and teamwork that we promote at YXY is on another level. The support that I get from them is incredible. We are like a family where everybody can be themselves, and every idea can be heard. My showcase project is about creating awareness of mental health for the girl child in the rural areas of Kenya. We, the girls in the rural areas, are often forgotten. Yet, we go through so much, like sexual abuse, poverty, early marriages, drug abuse, and gender-based violence both at home and in our locality; we drop out of school. There is no justice for most of us; All the blame will be on us, the victims. We get traumas and depression; some commit suicide just because they are tired. They lose hope that things will one day be ok for them to be allowed just to be them and secure and make their dreams come true.
This is where the Akemi Foundation program comes in to give the girl child an opportunity to have a safe space to vent out their problems, and we help them feel that we also care. We see them and want them to exist. We provide things like pads, learning materials, and even flyers that spread the message of the importance of mental health, that it is ok not to be ok, and that my mental health is my priority. We need to know that mental health is also essential, like our physical health, and it needs to be given priority, no stigma, just spreading love and being there for one another.
GRACE SANUSI
I discovered the Global Action Circle through Opportunity Desk. I applied to join the GAC to network, learn more, and gain valuable insights. My expectations include expanding my knowledge, connecting with like-minded individuals, and contributing to meaningful discussions that foster personal and community impact. My experience at the GAC has been a transformative journey. I have had the privilege of being part of a vibrant and diverse community where individuals come together to work towards common goals. It is reminiscent of a symphony, where each unique instrument contributes to creating a harmonious and beautiful melody. What stood out for me is the "What is" and "What if" phases, which allowed me to look within and nurture my capacity to envision.
I will showcase how we can create greater awareness about mental health by integrating society into our awareness efforts. My vision is to stay connected with the community. As I conclude this learning journey, I am eternally grateful to YouthxYouth for allowing me to explore and unleash my potential in mental health and community development.
ILA AND HANNA
My experience is a journey of discovery. I first joined th e community in 2021, and my learning question at that time focused on the nature of meaningful learning how it is catalyzed and sustained and how meaningful learning is practised. My GAC learning question evolved into a systems-level reflection on what supports meaningful learning in the following years. This year, my learning question took on a new dimension when I was paired with my buddy, Ila. Our learning questions described learning as an ecosystem, a shared living and breathing space co-created by young people and adults, intergenerational groups. Seeing the shared themes of our inquiries, we merged our questions and added a new lens: the natural world as a guide for intergenerational co-creation. The evolution of my learning question mirrors the nature of my GAC journey: an intentional yet synchronistic path forward guided by a collective vision.
Hanna and I weaved our questions together and co-journeyed for the duration of the GACs. It was a wonderful experience to find the thread that links questions and then explore what we might create together through generative conversations and exercises. We’ve continually returned to the vital theme of intergenerational learning and how we can learn about this from each other and the natural world. Alongside the GAC, Hanna and I both have various streams of work related to intergenerational learning, and I have been reminded of how much energy there is for this way of working and the vast potential that lies within it. At the showcase, we will present a study that we will co-create, interviewing those within and beyond our networks to better understand the current landscape of intergenerational co-creation.
ROSS ALWALA
I have had a wonderful time at GAC, as it is a warm, welcoming and accepting community. I have been able to connect with youth from around the world who are working on mental health. We have connected by sharing our experiences, motivations and projects. Looking back to when I applied, I discovered GAC through an online search and got interested in joining the program after seeing what it had to offer: peer-to-peer learning and its focus on the youth.
The experience has been thrilling, and what stands out for me is the time I have taken to work on and grow my project and the stories I shared with my fellow participants. My project aims to create a mental health hub that is creating awareness for mental health and getting help for those struggling, and post GAC, I intend to work hard to secure funding for my project and turn my dreams into reality.
STEVEN WITBOOI
I stumbled upon the GAC while researching opportunities aligned with my interests. As I delved into the details, it became evident that GAC resonated perfectly with my values and aspirations for the future. The organization's commitment to making a positive impact within communities struck a chord with me, aligning seamlessly with my own goals to contribute meaningfully to society. The discovery of GAC felt like serendipity, presenting an ideal platform to channel my efforts towards creating positive change.
Embarking on this journey with GAC has been a fascinating exploration of various methods for achieving objectives. The active learning approach and the rich array of resources provided by YxY GAC have significantly enhanced my understanding of effective strategies. This experience is reminiscent of a dynamic and evolving landscape, where adaptability and continuous learning are essential.
My showcase centres around a community food vegetable garden project. This initiative aims to establish an educational hub integrating cultivation practices, sustainable living principles, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education. The community garden serves as a multifaceted platform designed to promote local food production and educate individuals on sustainable practices and the intersection of AI with agriculture. Through hands-on experiences and educational programs, we aspire to empower the community with the knowledge and skills needed for responsible cultivation, eco-friendly living, and an understanding of the role AI can play in shaping the future of agriculture and food security.
UDE UGO
I’ll be poetic and say the Global Action Circle found me. In 2022, I sought communities where I could learn collaboration to achieve quality education, particularly those partnerships that supported youth activists and or educators or connected activists in low-income communities to collaborate and maximise funding for increased impact. A friend with whom I exchanged ‘opportunities’ shared the YouthxYouth GAC flyer with me some hours before the applications were to close. I remember sitting in front of my grey HP laptop, hastily typing my application in a race against time. I got into the Funding and Fundraising for Education GAC.
In 2023, I desired to practice the lessons I’d learned on collaboration, weaving, and connection, so I joined the weavership. These ten months have been charged, full of reflections and connections, providing room for practice and dismantling notions of rigid and discriminatory learning practices. I’ve experienced how enriching it is to sit in a circle. For my showcase, I’m filming a 5-7 minutes short self-documentary in the style of a diary entry that doubles as an evaluation of my time in the GAC and a personal note on how wellness, or the lack of it, affects the youth educator/activist’s enthusiasm. In it, I ask myself and invite other activists to ask themselves, “Do you [still] feel (de)motivated?” “Who else feels this way?” “What part did your (un-)wellness play in your demotivation towards your activism journey?” “How enriching were the conversations and connections in YouthxYouth?” I’ve drawn all these from my learning question: “How might the youth activist who feels stuck draw cheer and enthusiasm from communities like YouthxYouth?”
ANYAGO RITA
Hello, I am Anyago Rita from Uganda, a co-host of the Community Best Learning and Youth Mental Health Global Action Circle. So, I am passionate about children's education and how they take on leadership roles in and outside the classroom. Children as young as three years old. Because children are our future, we must teach them and show them the right way. For my projects, I volunteer at a community resource centre as a facilitator for transformational leadership. So, I am very grateful for the Global Action Circle.
GENDER EDUCATION X
CLIMATE AND NATURE EDUCATION
Gender and Education investigates the relationship between gender and education, including gender equity in education, feminist pedagogies and policies that target specific genders.
Climate and Nature Education raises young people’s knowledge of the ecosystem and encourages implementation through climate action. The bonding of environmental knowledge is essential for those navigating challenges to become eco-champions.
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
ANUPMA THAKUR
What are the root causes of gender disparities in education, and how do they vary across cultural, social, and economic contexts?
MBEIZA PEACE
How can climate education be harnessed to foster active leadership and involvement of young girls and women in rural communities?
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
OYINDASOLA ADAMS
How can equal opportunity to quality education be achieved without gender discrimination?
PERIS RIMAS JUMA
How to translate youth engagement policies into actionable programs
ANUPMA THAKUR
I first learned about the Global Action Circles through a close friend who was already a member of a previous cohort. They spoke passionately about the platform's commitment to driving positive change and fostering a global community of change-makers. Intrigued by the prospect of joining a likeminded community dedicated to social impact, I explored the GAC further and eventually applied to be part of this transformative experience.
My experience with the Global Action Circles has been nothing short of transformative. It reminds me of a journey into uncharted territory, where every step is a discovery and every challenge an opportunity for growth. The camaraderie within the circle creates an atmosphere of shared purpose, reminding me of the profound impact of collaboration and collective effort on shaping a better future.
One standout aspect of the GAC process is the emphasis on fostering inclusivity and diversity. This opportunity encourages open dialogue, welcoming perspectives from all walks of life. My showcase at the annual learning festival is centred around the multifaceted challenges that individuals of different genders encounter in accessing quality education. This project embodies my dedication to addressing the critical challenges hindering individuals of different genders from accessing quality education in the Indian context. By delving into the intricacies of these barriers, we aim to identify actionable solutions that can pave the way for equitable and inclusive educational opportunities. The ultimate goal is to create a roadmap for overcoming these hurdles, ensuring that education becomes a universally accessible right, irrespective of gender.
MBEIZA PEACE
Hi, My Name is Peace Mbeiza. I am from Uganda. I'm a co-host of Climate and Nature Education JSC. I'm passionate about climate education and empowering young girls who remain passionate about climate leadership. So far, the learning journey has been so life-changing. Because of the meetup, we ' ve been able to meet up, share ideas and stories, and create a safe space for everyone. And it has enlightened my knowledge of climate change and storytelling, among other things. My learning question has been, how can climate education be harnessed to promote women ' s and girls and young women ' s involvement in climate action?
Through this learning journey, I've been able to come up with a project which is aimed at educating and also training girls and young women in climate leadership, equipping them with the necessary information about green jobs and how to tackle climate change and lead climate action in their communities as well. I've also been able to create female echo clubs in the schools and the communities so that I give the young girls in schools a voice to know about climate change and how they can tackle climate change and create more change agents in climate, more climate champions in their schools and then the communities.
PERIS RIMAS JUMA
It has been an experiential trip of wild imaginations and reimaginations into the unexplored territories and spaces of education. As an activist, I have learned to let my voice be heard as I actively listen to others. I have mastered the art of servant leadership while holding space for others. As a young Professional, I have actively built my tech skills, thus taking responsibility for my career development. This has been my most comfortable space of operation, where I feel free to explore my potential fully without the limits of routine.
Youthxyouth has offered a space where I have learned to be content with who I am as I endeavour to better myself continually. The learning festival offers mind-blowing intergenerational engagements, bringing on board reasons, thoughts, and information to learn and develop as individuals. YouthxYouth has moulded a great masterpiece and unleashed a great me. I am now more consistent, empathetic, quick to listen, slow to judge, and more mindful of every other human being. Transformative education is the only equalizer.
OYINDASOLA ADAMS
I generally heard about the GAC and YouthxYouth from Olatomiwa Olusesi. Through him, I got information about the GAC activities and initiatives. I applied to join the circle, particularly the Gender and Education GAC, to collaborate with others on projects aimed at empowering all individuals through education and contributing to research discussions on gender and education issues. My expectations were learning, networking and contributing my perspective towards gender equality issues in education. All my expectations were met at the GAC.
The Gender and Education Global Action Circle offered me opportunities for collaboration, learning new ideas and leadership development. It broadened my perspectives on global gender issues in education and fostered my continuous learning and personal growth. This journey reminds me to explore new perspectives and actively contribute to positive change.
It reminds me that the process requires resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing challenges head-on. What stood out for me in the GAC process was the collective passion and dedication of individuals working towards gender equality in education. The collaborative atmosphere, rich discussions, and diverse perspectives highlighted the collective strength in addressing challenges and fostering positive change.
To have a complete understanding of my showcase, kindly go through this presentation.
PEACE EDUCATION X
RELATIONAL AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Peace Education is the knowledge and understanding of fostering widespread acceptance among everyone. It is the aspect of growing values and qualities which will enable everyone to live in harmony with their peers.
Relational and Inclusive Education is learning that prioritizes our interconnection and embraces the diversity of lived experience and learner autonomy. It rigorously questions the status quo, recognising that we can learn from many different sources and in many ways. Relational and Inclusive Education focuses on the processes by which learners grow together and learn how we can all be with each other in more beautiful ways.
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
FARHANA AHMAD
How can we bring learner autonomy? How can we reimagine the education system, making it more inclusive, engaging, productive and exciting?
RACHEL VICHEI
an we transform war zone areas gh peace education?
MICHAEL LEO
does education contribute to ng a more peaceful society?
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
MOHINI GOVENDER
How can we foster prefigurative liberated spaces of learning?
BRIMA KABBA
How Community-Based Education beyond the classroom enhance peace and prevent fragility ?
SAKSHI BHATTER
What is the role of peace in education and how it's going to benefit people
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
THOMAS CHISA
How can the integration of conflict resolution strategies in school curricula contribute to fostering peace and understanding among students?
MARY TWETEISE
How can we integrate life-long skills in the instruction process to prepare learners for a sustainable future?
FARHANA AHMAD
I have followed Youth×Youth on Instagram and learned about it from there. I thought of having a fantastic experience with activists outside of my country. That is why I joined. I wanted to connect with likeminded people and a space where I could grow with a supportive team. I also wanted to be confident, and this purpose a supportive and safe space- has been fulfilled. My circle gave me the tools to answer my learning question. We did fun activities together. I hope that many young people from different parts of the world joins this awesome community and I continue being part of the network.
My showcase is based on answering the question, “How can we bring learner autonomy? How can we reimagine the education system, making it more inclusive, engaging, productive and interesting for all.”
RACHEL VICHEI
I was referred by a friend who was a previous participant in the GAC, and she thought it would be a fantastic experience with the work that I‘m doing.
I met amazing people who have become family. Furthermore, circle discussions were delivered in a quality way. The spaces were also supportive and safe. My circle gave me the tools to answer my learning question.
The problem I focused on was how 99% of girls experience sexual violence, hindering their education. I have designed a solution that entails Education, Leadership and Innovation Centres to address these challenges.
I hope many young people join this incredible community and I continue being part of this network.
MICHAEL LEO
I discovered GAC through a friend's Weavership Program share, sparking curiosity about Youth by Youth's programs. The deep exploration revealed GAC's diverse and impactful initiatives, from sustainability to global collaborations. This discovery motivated me to await the application window, eagerly anticipating a transformative experience.
Engaging with global peers, fostering diverse perspectives, and collaboration was excellent throughout this journey. These experiences broadened my worldview significantly and forged lasting connections that extend beyond the program, creating a network of like-minded individuals passionate about positive change. Post GAC, I aspire to drive positive change actively, contribute to sustainable solutions, and further the impact initiated during the GAC journey. This journey has ignited a passion for making a lasting difference on a global scale.
MOHINI GOVENDER
I first encountered the GAC through the 2022 cohort, where I participated. The program's impact and ethos resonated deeply with me and acted as the sprouting seeds of my journey with YxY. I was drawn to become a host for the GAC program, viewing it as an opportunity to practice weaving with a continued exploration of this transformative journey. I anticipated a space that fosters growth, learning, and collective empowerment.
I have always loved the ‘What If’ phase of the GAC program and YxY pedagogy. I have found it to be a means of nurturing my inner child and capacity to envision radically. I will be showcasing an exciting project that I am co-creating with many precious beings and organisations. We're creating an online platform that connects youth activists and adult allies, offering resources and fostering collective learning to empower activists through curated knowledge for global change.
BRIMA KABBA
I toppled upon the GAC while relentlessly searching for opportunities to amplify my impact. Scouring the web for avenues to fortify my advocacy for women ' s and girls' rights through peace, relationships, and inclusive education in the marginalized corners of Sierra Leone, GAC emerged as a lighthouse of potential. My aspirations encompass solidarity and the hunger to gain unique skills for sustainable transformation within communities of resilient women and girls. The most exciting side of GAC lies in its "WHAT IF PHASE," a resonating work with my learning question. This phase beats with unlimited possibilities and ignites the spark of proactive change I am working towards. My showcase entails an integrated approach; the project nurtures education for children while employing the engagement of men and boys in combating GBV, shattering the chains of poverty.
SAKSHI BHATTER
I got to know about it through Google when I was researching different communities and thought that it would be great. I wanted to make new friends, and i wanted to gain new ideas for the community service that I am I came into this experience with the Learning Question: What is the role of peace in education, and how will it benefit people? I aim to develop a podcast for kids to know the importance of peace and education.
THOMAS CHISA
I was introduced to GAC in 2022 through an online Youth Opportunities in Africa subscription. I fell in love with this opportunity because the organisation's core value was to hold a safe space for youth to re-imagine their learning and education systems to create a world where learning serves everyone.
All I needed then was proper guidance on how to go about my project. Therefore, I expected to find a host of Individuals like me who also had projects from their different communities. I discovered that the YxY Organisation was worth it. Within the limited time I have stayed with YxY, I have garnered much helpful information in weaving communities and enhancing outstanding leadership qualities to run an organisation or a cause.
My showcase will dive deep into the impact of violence and how it affects understanding among students. I’m researching how integrating conflict resolution strategies can foster peace and understanding among students. In this research, I will compile my findings based on interviews with various stakeholders like students, parents, and teachers about what causes conflict among students and how conflict can be reduced or turned into an opportunity for students to improve their skills in managing conflict.
MARY TWETEISE
I began my journey as an activist with YouthxYouth in September 2022 when I applied and got in as a participant in the Relational and Inclusive Education GAC. This experience challenged me to think beyond bounds and become part of the solution to the recurring educational challenges, particularly in my country, Uganda. Since then, I have influenced the implementation of programs that provide inclusive and equitable education, especially in underserved rural Ugandan schools.
These include school clubs for peer mentorship, learner-centred learning, formation of character development modules and psychosocial support systems. I realized that if learners were empowered with lifelong skills, they could make a living, afford basic and scholastic needs, stay in school, and attain primary quality education.
Since the beginning of 2023, in my relational and inclusive education learning journey, I have leveraged my learning question to grow Twemali Purposeful Generation club in schools, which serves as a “one voice” for learners and the school administration to identify potential hands-on skills, solicit resources, identify market for finished products and grow their project SAACOS (I will be showcasing details of this in the learning festival. As I conclude this learning journey, I am forever grateful to YouthxYouth for this opportunity to discover and unleash my potential in educational advocacy and management. I look forward to more growth opportunities and expanding my social capital within academic activism.
SUPPORTING YOUTH EDUCATORS X TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Supporting Youth Educators involves advocacy for young educators to focus more on capacity building and the ability to upskill as educators, being fully skilled and adept at employing all the technological and pedagogical strategies to help reimagine education.
Technology and Education explores how technology can improve education and personalize learning, provide access to educational resources, and promote global citizenship education. Raises young people’s knowledge of the challenges and prospects of using technology in education.
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
ALABI OLUWADARASIMI
What are the requirements for young educators to excel in their fields?
OLASUNMBO OLASUNKANMI
Do the current educational programs offered in schools align its curriculum with practical life skills adequate to prepare scholars in navigating real life situations?
GRACE AREEVESO
How can we support teachers in less developed areas to make use of active learning resources to help build subject mastery for learners?
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
VERONIC NAMAGANDA
How can low-income communities start with a few digital teaching and learning aids to facilitate effective teaching and learning to fit or catch up with the digital era?
KYLE JAMIE ELDRIDGE
can neurodevelopmental people n with education and prosperity ctively?
PISETH MARCO NOU
How can we support and motivate teachers in transitioning from traditional to 21st-century pedagogy?
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
NINSIIMA PRUDENCE
What strategies can educators employ to effectively balance traditional teaching methods with the integration of digital esources.
POOJA SIPPY
How can sharing STORIES of our travel experiences be a tool for connecting intergenerationally and interculturally?
AMINU ABDULKARIM
What role does technology play in fostering creativity and innovation in students
ALABI OLUWADARASIMI
Through my GAC journey, I've realised that many young educators in my community are not fully aware of the significance of acquiring digital and physical skills at an early stage. This journey has added value to my life, equipping me for the global market. I chose my learning question because I am passionate about helping young educators excel early enough in their career paths by knowing precisely what is required of them.
A project I am enthusiastic about working on involves forming a group of young educators who comprehend the significance of acquiring skills early. Furthermore, my goal is to enlighten youths worldwide on the importance of gaining skills in this ever-evolving world.
OLASUNBO OLASUNKANMI
My learning journey at GAC was with the best team of Supporting Youth Educators, who always showed up regardless. I started with uncertainty, asking myself why I found myself in the circle, which I knew nothing about, but after the first, second, Power up, then to Meetups, to buddies’ meetups, the ice was broken. I found purpose in what I did not intend to do. The transformation came from learning concepts such as Ubuntu and celebrating one another on special days and important events.
The environment became that of a family. Check on one another when one is missing, collaborate, and uplift one another. I heard about GAC online and was curious about what was happening in the circle since it was a Global thing, as the name implies. I expected to meet with people who could support my visions and projects because it was at a time when I was searching for donors and trying to apply for grants.
I remember seeing youths with big visions and pushing towards achieving them. I would also remember all my team members who supported me, the allies who were never tired when you called and still gave you their full support; no question was ever left unanswered in the GAC world. For my showcase, I am really excited but a bit nervous. I expect to convince my listeners and also to find those who will help my ambitions. My aspirations for the future post-GAC are to one day become one of the organizations that would be called in to attend the learning festivals and also be able to help others as I have been helped and supported.
GRACE AREEVESO
Over the past four years I have contributed to providing quality education to marginalized communities through working with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to address educational issues in marginalized areas. My desire to contribute to improve the educational system in my community made me become a part of the YxY Learning Festival. The YxY Learning Festival transformed my view of improving the education system as a young individual. Through inspiration and learning I received from the learning festival by engaging with the various sessions, I understood that whatever solution we are trying to provide as individuals is important and one should see it as reaching one life at a time which in turn leads to several.
One word I took out of the learning festival is that we thrive and not survive. I encourage everyone to apply for any program that YouthxYouth rolls out because it is an opportunity to build skills, join a community of like minded individuals, and learn from others in this ever changing world.
VERONIC NAMAGANDA
I first got to know about the global action circles through a friend, Peace Mbeiza, she talked briefly about it but honestly, I did not understand the whole concept. Nevertheless, I had gotten a clue and I had to use the internet. I had to scroll through the youthXyouth social media handles. Information, was there but still I did not understand it. It was until one weavership session that they talked about it, I got in touch with someone who had been part of the global action circle and she explained thoroughly what it was all about, I got hooked and applied for the program. I thank God, I did because, it is now one of the very many things that is making me testify everywhere that personally, 2023 has been my best year since 2017.
I believe we can all do our very best to heal, nurture, better humanity and the entire creation. I will always be reminded of a learning journey that first of all gave me a chance to be real just being authentic about my views, experiences where I am heard, respected and nurtured to do better. I never got a chance to attend an international school but here because of GAC, I have been exposed to learn from and with amazing young people from different parts of the world all actively involved in different humanity betterment fields,
Now, I celebrate how the integration of technology in the teaching and learning not only spices up our education system but facilitates effective teaching and learning. The wind of change has been blowing and still does. The shift from industrial to digital shouldn’t leave our beloved children in low income communities out or it may pave way for modern slavery where the digitally awakened enslave the industrial ones.
KYLE JAMIE ELDRIDGE
I'm from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. My circle is the education technology circle. I'm passionate about autistic education and the role that technology plays in that education to transition these individuals from education to the workplace. Superbly script as much as possible. So far, my journey's been very, very good. It's been very, very informative in terms of the questions I've had, and my project is essentially to use the expertise to contribute towards my dissertation in the future at university
PISETH MARCO NOU
Looking back, I noticed that I was the type of person to have such great ideas of making changes in my community. However, I was not motivated enough to turn IDEAS into tangible ACTIONS. I was stuck and overwhelmed with questions such as why? How? When?. Amidst of that, I also lacked the confidence. I realized that I could not dwell in this sea of overwhelming feelings anymore; I searched Google: Fellowship for high school students. I then found Global Action Circle and explored the program.
Now that the program has come to an end, I feel that I have gained more certainty about what project I want and must do. To me, GAC is a tiny bubble of thinkers, educators, and students, coming together to reimagine education. With GAC, I was able to finalise my Learning Question. The GAC offers me a space to help me channel my enthusiasm to through talking with the hosts and my peers. With the enormous support I received from my circle, I was able to form a small team and form an organisation called “FuturED”, to run our first project in June 2024. GAC provides me the confidence and motivation that I need in making changes.
NINSIIMA PRUDENCE
I got to know about YouthXYouth in 2022 from a friend (Akampa Secret) who briefly told me about it and made me develop an interest. She shared different links on the Youth by Youth engagements, where I decided to apply for the 2023 learning festival, and it was a success. After the three days of engagement, I never wished to look back. The different themes that were listed made me develop an interest in joining the circles. I am passionate about inclusive quality education for all, and most of the themes were connected to the different challenges we are facing in our country's education sector. This was a safe place to share experiences and learn from each other. There was no segregation; however, we were from different countries, actively listened to each other’s opinions, and our respect for one another killed it all. The fact that we are diverse gave me chances to see what’s happening in other countries as I learn from them great thanks to the Education and Technology & Supporting Youth Educators Team.
I plan to organise workshops for implementers to teach them how to use those digital resources since most are not yet updated on using those gadgets before we push them to the classroom. If implementors are well conversant with digital resources and how to use them, it will be easier to use them in the school and manage their learners starting from the primary level
POOJA SIPPY
The GAC experience was instrumental in learning how to show up, trust the process, see the gift in everyone and let my enquiry lead. My Journey with the Global Action Circles has been Full of GRATITUDE to the YouthxYouth Team for always being prompt to make us understand to meet our deadlines. We were provided with a structured learning manifesto. My Journey so far with the Global Action Circles helped me to TRAVEL from my COMFORT ZONE To my GROWTH ZONE - especially with regards to understanding my local community
My highest hopes for the showcase at the Learning Festival are that we all understand the Self Directed Learning Culture, reflect on who we would like to collaborate with and weave stories towards a Common Goal through (IDG & SDG) United Nations Summits. I hope to educate Kids on the Sustainable Development Goals with the United Nations through A PROJECT of the 21st Century Education and REIMAGINING how the school functions, from pedagogy, teacher training, timetabling, parent-school relationships, and school and community engagements.
AMINU ABDULKARIM
My journey led me to the Global Action Circle (GAC) Youth x Youth program. What brought me to this platform is my insatiable thirst for knowledge and capacity development. I joined GAC Youth x Youth to engage with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and collaboratively seek answers to pressing global challenges. My passion for learning and leadership naturally align with the objectives of GAC, making me an active and valuable participant in the community.
In five months after completing the GAC Youth x Youth Global Action Circle, I envision myself as a more empowered and informed leader. I aim to harness the knowledge and insights gained from the GAC community to implement impactful projects in my community and beyond. My goal is not only to expand my entrepreneurial ventures but also to serve as a catalyst for positive change, promoting technology adoption, and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the youth of Kano and Nigeria at large. My participation in the GAC Youth x Youth program is a testament to my commitment to growth and impact, and I am poised to make a significant difference in my community and the world at large. I am Really honored to be part of this life changing opportunity.
