VOY Launches "The Conversation" to Empower Youth through Open Dialogue

“The courageous conversation is the one you don’t want to have.” — David Whyte

In many African communities, discussing sensitive topics with young people is often avoided, leaving many youths to learn critical life lessons from unreliable sources. These external influences often “roughly packaged” and not suited to the young person’s needs can lead to confusion and risky behaviors, creating gaps in understanding between generations and contributing to social issues such as delinquency.

To address this gap, Voices of the Young (VOY) has launched an initiative called The Conversation, aimed at creating a safe and open space for youths to express themselves. This program encourages young people to share not only their struggles but also their aspirations, while providing attentive support and guidance from trained facilitators. We believe that by fostering dialogue, youths will feel valued, respected, and understood—and empowered to make positive choices.

For four months, a group of ten young participants will engage in regular sessions where they can speak freely, receive mentorship, and learn strategies for growth. Parents are also welcomed to join in this process, recognizing their essential role in supporting their children’s development and helping to build bridges of understanding.

The inaugural session of The Conversation took place on Sunday, March 20th, 2022 with the first group of youths. The day was filled with inspiring artistic performances from Tibi Chelsea Mah, Percy Abain, and the StageLife Poetry Theatre Troupe, creating an atmosphere of creativity and connection.

We extend our gratitude to the Great 8 Initiative, Tata Isaac, Ebenye Karine, and all supporters of The Conversation, as well as our VOY Coordinator, Mr. Ntui Oben, who brought this vision to life.