2019 IN REVIEW

We decided to kickstart 2019 with a youth leadership retreat known as ROOTED. This event was organised with the sole purpose of providing youth with an opportunity to share stories while forming positive relationships. Secondary to that, ROOTED was used to provide youth leaders with a chance to share emotional stories while receiving support from peers and mentors in a nurturing and non-judgmental space.

Also, during the retreat, acknowledged that we need to get buy-in from our youth and their communities. Therefore, we used ROOTED as a platform to invite the youth to take on leadership roles in their own communities. Also, we communicated our intentions with great clarity; we are a youth leadership support network (platform). We did this to build trust and accountability. We hope to capitalise on these relationships to become better leadership facilitators and champions of youth leadership in our communities.

Recognitions:

• The Working Centre (TWC): We would like to thank TWC for championing our ROOTED retreat. They provided us with space, technical assistance, and food. We are thankful because of TWC’s hospitality and willingness to lend its community tools to grassroots groups like UYLA.

• Grand River Union: Our friend Adrian Marting from Grand River Union is a big part of UYLA. GRU is an example of a group that strives to bridge the cultural, racial and intergenerational gaps through the beautiful sport of soccer. It was great to receive the support

• Chance Mutuku: Chance is a great leader in the Community. He uses his skills and talent to bring joy and inspiration to young people. As one of our main facilitators, Chance’sleadership was key to the success of #ROOTED