Inspiring positive transformation of the community with youth: YABC Youth Camp

Created by IFRC with young people around the world for youth, the YABC initiative empowers them to become leaders and inspire the positive transformation of the way they themselves and the community see the world and express themselves. One of the most recent activities held under MRC YABC Project was the Youth Camp held in Addu City from 29th September to 03rd October 2024.

The 5-day youth camp provided the platform for 21 young changemakers from across the country to come together and immerse themselves in interactive workshops, hands-on activities and practical sessions. Some of the topics covered throughout the camp include non-discrimination and respect for diversity, inter-cultural dialogue, social inclusion, gender equality, violence prevention and response. A session was also conducted on Y-Adapt, a game-based curriculum consisting of modules that empowers and educates young people to take meaningful action in their communities to combat the effects of climate change.

Activities and workshops were also carried out with the support of stakeholders and partners - physical training classes and swimming classes were carried out with Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force respectively, and sessions on gender equality, the role of Maldivian history, law and democracy, hygiene promotion and religion were conducted with the support of the Addu City Council, Transparency Maldives and other stakeholders.

Through these sessions and focusing on youth empowerment, operating from inner peace and reaching out to the community, the participants worked to address community challenges through youth-led solutions.

The camp was held with the support of various community stakeholders, such as the Addu City Council, Maldives National Defence Force, Maldives Police Service, National College of Policing & Law Enforcement - MPS, Addu City Police and Equator Village, alongside the amazing YABC Peer Educators of MRC.

"I expected to improve my self-confidence and communication skills. Now I can say that the camp provided much more than I expected from it. I feel like a whole new person." - Amanee, participant.

"Using the learning methodology in my life, I'm going to start setting smart goals for personal growth, practicing reflection to stay aware of my progress and building supportive networks for encouragement and shared experiences." - Layaaly, Participant

"What I enjoyed the most during the camp were the fun activities and group discussions. It allowed me to hear other participants' perspectives and helped me see how this can be implemented in real life." Shaamikhu, participant.