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impact youth retreat

Kenya

 

"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.  Thanks for everything I have.  Thank you, Emmanuel, with the team that opened new doors for us to see a new world of purpose, vision and mission and to identify who I am."



Since 2018, we have conducted a new program under Gua Africa to offer Emmanuel Jal’s ‘My Life is Art’ leadership course to youth at Kakuma Refugee Camp. As a child solider who escaped the tragedies of war and who was a refugee himself, there is no better person to mentor the youth of Kakuma. The course offers youth community connection, skills training and inspiration. It provides a very special and unique opportunity for the young people to spend one on one time with Emmanuel who has transformed his life through the principles and practice of the My Life is Art Program.

Recently we have also set up a mentorship programme to connect our youth participants with mentors in the UK and Canada to continue with leadership guidance and support further educational opportunities.

Goals

  • To leave participants inspired by a role model from a similar background

  • To create and build community by bringing together a diverse group of leading minds

  • Participants gain enhanced leadership skills + practical tools for reprogramming of better habits

  • Improved independent thinking to support leaders in their formal education + training, leading to less reliance on aid/ handouts

  • Improved positive mindset, communication, interpersonal and team skills

  • Participants are inspired to live in their purpose to spark global conscious awakening

  • Fun to foster space + reprieve


As a former child soldier and refugee from Africa, I grew up in refugee camps without my family and access to almost no or little opportunities. I created the principles for 'My Life is Art' to help me find peace and purpose and build the successful life I have today. I want to pass on my experiences and learning to those from my own community, who are facing the same challenges I did as a young man. I hope you can support us on this unique opportunity to sponsor an authentic leadership experience. Thank you.”

- Emmanuel Jal

ABOUT THE KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP

Kakuma is one of the world’s largest refugee camps, housing approximately 200,000 people.  Approximately 70% of the population are children and youth, most of who are unaccompanied (do not have close family members). The camp has been in existence since 1992 and the average stay for a refugee is 16 years. It is located in North East Kenya, which has one of the most inhospitable living environments in Africa.

UNHRC funding has been significantly cut at Kakuma, most notably as a direct result of USAID cuts. This has affected everything at the camp, including access to education, youth activities, water, food and infrastructure materials.

With only a handful of secondary schools in the camp, the opportunity to be educated are slim. Yet, there is a hunger for knowledge. Leadership skills are vital for these young people, who have a deep desire to return to their home countries and initiate a positive change within their communities.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Sponsorship for 1 youth to participate in the retreat

    • All meals

    • Ground transportation

    • MLIA training sessions with Emmanuel Jal (i.e. workshops and lectures)

    • Materials

    • Leadership Certification



From our Founder Emmanuel Jal:


CONTACT

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO SPONSOR THIS PROGRAMME PLEASE CONTACT: TANIA@GUA-AFRICA.ORG