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Caren Jepkemboi
Project: Youth for Accountability Project 2.0
Title of the Event: Report on Retizenโs Civic Education Training for Emgwen Teams
Date(s) and Time: 14th March 2026
Location: Kamobo Secondary School
Organised by: Retizen Organization
Participants / Target Audience: Youth from Dira Queens, Kayodester FC, Mosgaa Queens,
and All Saints FC
Number of Participants Present: 63
1.0 Introduction and Purpose
Retizen Organization conducted its final civic education training for Emgwen teams under the Youth
for Accountability Project 2.0 at Kamobo Secondary School. The training targeted youth participants
from Dira Queens, Kayodester FC, Mosgaa Queens, and All Saints FC. The purpose of the session was
to equip young people with practical knowledge and skills on responsible digital engagement and
leadership.
The training aimed at empowering participants to understand how they can positively influence their
communities through responsible use of social media platforms and by cultivating leadership
qualities grounded in integrity and accountability. The session also provided a platform for youth to
reflect on previous civic education topics and explore practical ways to apply the knowledge gained
in their everyday lives and community engagements.
2.0 Overview / Executive Summary
The training brought together 63 youth participants from the four Emgwen teams. Although the
turnout was slightly lower than expected, the session was highly interactive, engaging, and
productive. Participants actively contributed to discussions, shared real-life experiences, and
reflected on how civic responsibility and ethical leadership can contribute to positive change in their
communities.
Two key topics were discussed during the training: Online Advocacy and Cultivating Leadership and
Excellence โ Leading with Integrity. Through group discussions and participatory learning,
participants explored how social media can be used as a powerful tool for advocacy, awareness creation, and promoting community development. The second session focused on leadership values,
emphasizing honesty, transparency, and responsible decision-making.
Despite a few attendance challenges caused by personal circumstances within the teams, the
training objectives were successfully achieved and participants demonstrated strong commitment to
applying the lessons learned.
3.0 Detailed Description of Activities
The training began with participant registration followed by an introductory session where
facilitators welcomed participants and provided an overview of Retizen Organization and the
objectives of the Youth for Accountability Project 2.0. Participants were encouraged to actively
engage in the discussions and share their perspectives openly.
The first session focused on Online Advocacy. Facilitators explained how social media platforms such
as Facebook, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and Instagram can be used responsibly to promote positive
change in society. Participants discussed how online platforms can help raise awareness on
community issues, mobilize people for social causes, and promote accountability among leaders and
institutions. The session was highly participatory as participants shared real-life examples and
personal experiences on how social media has influenced discussions within their communities. They
also explored practical ways they could use digital platforms to advocate for issues affecting youth
and promote positive narratives within their local communities.
The second session addressed Cultivating Leadership and Excellence โ Leading with Integrity. This
session focused on the values and principles that define effective leadership. Facilitators emphasized
that leadership is not only about holding positions of authority but also about demonstrating
honesty, accountability, and responsibility in everyday actions. Participants discussed what it means
to lead with integrity and how leaders should always strive to do what is right even when faced with
challenges or pressure.
During the discussion, participants reflected on lessons from previous civic education sessions and
shared their thoughts on how they can apply the knowledge gained to improve their teams and
communities. They proposed practical actions such as promoting transparency within their teams,
encouraging responsible online behaviour, and mentoring younger players to become responsible
citizens. The session created an open environment where participants freely exchanged ideas and
supported one another in identifying ways to contribute positively to their community development.
At the end of the training, participants collectively made a leadership pledge stating:
โI commit to lead with integrity, serve with honesty, and inspire others through my actions.โ
This pledge symbolized their commitment to practicing the values discussed during the training and
becoming role models within their teams and communities.
4.0 Participation Summary
The training recorded a total of 63 youth participants drawn from Dira Queens, Kayodester FC,
Mosgaa FC, and All Saints FC. Participation remained active throughout the session with both male
and female youth contributing meaningfully to discussions and sharing personal experiences.
The attendance was slightly lower than expected due to a few unavoidable circumstances affecting
some team members. One of the team members had lost his father and several players attended the
burial to show their support and solidarity. Additionally, one of the players had recently been
discharged from the hospital after sustaining an injury during a game, prompting teammates to visit
and support him during his recovery. Despite these circumstances, those who attended remained
committed and engaged throughout the session.
5.0 Key Achievements and Outputs
The training successfully equipped 63 youth participants with knowledge and practical
understanding of how online advocacy can be used as a tool for positive social change. Participants
demonstrated increased awareness on responsible social media engagement and its potential to
influence community conversations and mobilize action on important issues.
Another key achievement was strengthening participantsโ understanding of leadership and integrity.
The discussions helped youth recognize the importance of honesty, transparency, and accountability
in leadership roles. Participants expressed willingness to apply these principles within their teams
and community engagements.
The training also encouraged participants to reflect on previous civic education sessions and identify
practical ways to implement what they have learned. This reflection reinforced the overall objective
of the Youth for Accountability Project 2.0 by empowering young people to become responsible
leaders and active civic actors.
6.0 Challenges and Mitigation
The main challenge experienced during the training was the lower-than-expected attendance. This
was primarily due to personal circumstances affecting some team members, including a
bereavement within one of the teams and the hospitalization of a player who had recently been
discharged. Several participants attended to support their fellow teammates during these difficult
moments.
Despite the reduced attendance, the training proceeded successfully with those present
demonstrating strong engagement and commitment throughout the session.
7.0 Feedback and Observations
Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about online advocacy and
leadership in an interactive environment. Many noted that the session helped them better
understand how they can use social media responsibly and how leadership values can shape positive
behaviour both online and offline.
Facilitators observed strong enthusiasm, openness, and willingness among participants to share their
experiences and ideas. The interactive approach encouraged meaningful discussions and created a
supportive space for peer learning. Participants also showed a strong sense of responsibility toward
applying the lessons learned to improve their communities.
8.0 Recommendations / Next Steps
It is recommended that Retizen Organization continue organizing similar civic education sessions for
youth teams in order to strengthen their knowledge and engagement in governance, accountability,
and leadership. Follow-up mentorship programs could also be introduced to support participants in
implementing the ideas and initiatives discussed during the training.
Establishing youth champions for online advocacy and ethical leadership within each team could
further help sustain the impact of the training and encourage continuous civic participation among
young people in the community.