From Training to Action: How the GRIC Africa Program is Equipping Young Leaders in East Africa

On April 23, 2025, Foundation for Inclusive Community Help (FICH), in collaboration with GRIC Africa, successfully concluded a two-day youth leadership training at Genade Comfort Hotel in Lira City, Uganda. The in-country convening is a critical component of the GRIC Africa Youth Leadership Program, a comprehensive six-month virtual and physical learning opportunity designed to equip young leaders with various professional development skills.

Hamza Okello, a project planning and management(PPM) consultant, guided the youth in crafting strong project proposals that can easily be funded. Okello praised the participants’ enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve learned so much from you, and I’m confident you can achieve incredible things. My hope is that you apply these skills to face the future with confidence.” He urged the youth to seize the moment, challenging the notion that they are “leaders of tomorrow.” “Tomorrow never comes,” Okello emphasized. “You are the leaders of today-go out, explore, and make the world better.”

Amos Jonathan Ayo, a youth leader enrolled in the program, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to better his skills through the diverse topics covered. “This training has been transformative,” Ayo said. “Most of us will not remain the same after this experience.”

Patrick Ocen, GRIC’s project coordinator for Uganda, also Director of Programs at FICH, encouraged participants to develop innovative solutions to community challenges. “Generate ideas, refine them with your assigned mentors, and turn them into realistic, fund-able projects,” Ocen advised, highlighting the program’s focus on actionable outcomes within East Africa communities. He also reminded the youth that there is no school for experience, thus the need to take the training seriously.

Now in its sixth cohort, the GRIC Africa Youth Leadership Program empowers young people across East Africa with essential life skills to navigate a rapidly changing world. The topics are carefully chosen to aid professional development, career growth, leadership, and self-awareness. The cohort will culminate in a grand graduation ceremony in Nairobi, with award of certificates, announcement of winners of the project proposals extending the youth network across East Africa as they join hundreds of Alumni who are flourishing at different spaces.

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