Raising Confident Voices: CODEWA Empowers Young Self-Advocates Through Transformational Workshop

In November 2024, Community Development Watch (CODEWA) conducted a life-changing Self-Advocacy and Empowerment Workshop for CODEWA Fellows and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The workshop was designed to equip children and youth with the confidence, resilience, and self-belief needed to speak up for themselves and stand for their rights.

Many children growing up in vulnerable environments often face systemic challenges at school and in society — including poverty, discrimination, fear, and lack of basic learning resources. These hardships frequently silence their voices, weaken their confidence, and limit their dreams. CODEWA organized this workshop to interrupt that cycle and replace fear with courage, self-awareness, and determination.

Understanding the Reality Facing Vulnerable Children

During the workshop, participants openly discussed the daily struggles they face:

• Being punished at school for lacking pens, books, uniforms, or transport
• Being misunderstood for circumstances beyond their control
• Fear of speaking up due to shame, low self-esteem, and past discouragement
• Feeling invisible, powerless, or unheard

These experiences often leave children nervous, withdrawn, and unable to express themselves, which increases their vulnerability to abuse, exploitation, and academic failure.

Learning the Power of the Voice

The core mission of the workshop was to help each young participant:

• Understand their personal strengths and weaknesses
• Discover their rights as children and young citizens
• Learn how, when, and where to speak up safely and confidently
• Build the courage to advocate for themselves in school, at home, and in the community

At CODEWA, we strongly believe in the principle:

“Nothing about us, without us.”

Before others can advocate for these young people, it is vital that they first learn to advocate for themselves.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions, practical exercises, and confidence-building activities that helped them identify their voice, understand their worth, and practice expressing their needs respectfully and assertively.

Expert Facilitation and Inspiring Transformation

The workshop was expertly facilitated by Shaban Kigumi and Juma Maundi, whose passion, experience, and youth-friendly teaching methods created a safe and energizing learning space. Through real-life examples, storytelling, and participatory learning, the facilitators guided participants through powerful sessions on:

• Self-awareness and identity
• Assertive communication
• Understanding rights and responsibilities
• Overcoming fear, shame, and self-doubt

The transformation was visible. By the end of the workshop, many participants who had arrived shy and reserved were confidently sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and expressing their dreams.

A New Beginning for Young Self-Advocates

The workshop ignited a powerful shift — from silence to confidence, from fear to purpose. Young people left with:

• Stronger self-belief
• Improved communication skills
• A clearer understanding of their rights and responsibilities
• Renewed hope for their future

This activity directly aligns with CODEWA’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment, child protection, education support, and social justice.

Our Commitment

At CODEWA, we remain committed to nurturing a generation of confident, informed, and resilient young leaders who can advocate for themselves and others. When children learn to raise their voices with confidence, they not only protect their own futures — they also transform their communities.

We sincerely thank Shaban Kigumi and Juma Maundi for their exceptional facilitation and all our partners and supporters who continue to believe in the power of youth voices.

Together, we are not just raising speakers — we are raising self-advocates, leaders, and changemakers.