Closing Capacity-Building Workshop: “Project Co-Creation through the Guided Writing Skills Methodology” and Visit of the U.S. Envoy

“In Kampala, Sudanese youth embraced a transformative journey of empowerment and creativity during the Youth Capacity-Building Workshop. Through guided project co-creation and practical skills training, 25 young leaders gained the tools to design, manage, and implement community projects. Their energy, collaboration, and innovative ideas were celebrated by the U.S. Special Envoy, reflecting a shared commitment to youth-led change, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in Sudan’s communities amid ongoing challenges.”

November 14, 2024 – Kampala, Uganda

The Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy (NCPD), in partnership with the African Organization for Research and Development (AFORD), successfully organized the third session of the Youth Capacity-Building Workshop on November 11-12, 2024, at AFORD’s headquarters in Kampala.

The two-day workshop brought together 25 young men and women, providing them with an intensive training program on project co-creation using the Guided Writing Skills methodology. The initiative forms part of NCPD’s ongoing commitment to promoting youth leadership, civic engagement, and sustainable development in Sudan, especially in light of the difficult challenges facing Sudanese communities due to the ongoing war.

Workshop Content and Learning Outcomes

On the first day, participants were introduced to:

  • Logical frameworks and project cycle management,
  • The fundamentals of project design, strategic planning, and resource management.

These sessions equipped the participants with the theoretical foundations necessary for building effective community-based projects. The training emphasized teamwork and collaboration, inspiring the youth to embrace leadership roles and contribute positively to Sudan’s future.

On the second day, the program focused on:

  • Project budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting,
  • Practical exercises on measuring impact, identifying lessons learned, and improving future initiatives.

Participants also underwent practical assessments to apply their newly acquired skills, marking a significant leap in their project management expertise and creative abilities.

Visit of the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan

The closing ceremony of the workshop was marked by the special visit of Mr. Tom Perriello, U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan. Mr. Perriello toured the workshop, interacted with the young participants, and expressed his admiration for their creativity, innovation, and spirit of collaboration.

He also commended the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy and its partners for investing in youth empowerment, while reaffirming the United States’ support for initiatives aimed at ending the war in Sudan, providing humanitarian assistance, and promoting peace and stability.

The 25 youth participants described the workshop as a transformative experience. They stressed that it provided them with knowledge, skills, and confidence to translate their ideas into practical projects that can directly serve their communities.

In their remarks, they expressed deep gratitude to the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy for organizing such an important initiative and praised the center’s professionalism and organizational excellence. Many highlighted that the workshop had not only enriched their technical expertise but also strengthened their leadership and teamwork abilities, which they saw as vital for building peace and development in Sudan.

The Third Youth Capacity-Building Workshop concluded with a strong message of hope and empowerment. By equipping young Sudanese with practical tools for project design and management, and fostering a culture of collaboration and leadership, the workshop reaffirmed the role of youth as key drivers of change.

The positive response from participants, coupled with the recognition and encouragement from international partners such as the U.S. Special Envoy, underscores the importance of continuing such initiatives to support Sudanese youth, strengthen civil society, and contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Sudan and the region.

 

Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy

November 14, 2024 – Kampala.