Exchange visit offers learning platform for youth organisations

Exchange visits are vital for strengthening grassroots innovation, fostering collaboration, and building the capacity of youth organizations to respond effectively to community needs. They offer a unique space for peer learning—where ideas are exchanged, best practices are shared, and locally driven solutions are discovered first-hand.

In this spirit, YSW’s partner youth organisations participated in an exchange visit, with KIOTA, Masol and SEYA organisations engaged with their Kwale counterparts to deepen internal learning, explore effective grassroots models, and strengthen youth- and women-centred programming in SRHR, sustainable livelihoods and reproductive equity.

At Msambweni Queens, the visiting teams learned from structured community dialogues for advocacy, and interacted with affiliated self-help groups such as Inuka Girls and Amkeni, which showcased impactful initiatives such as Village Savings and Loan Associations, art for advocacy, and small scale businesses.

At Lungalunga CBO, a youth-led organisation focused on health, gender, education, and youth economic empowerment, the teams learnt the use of football tournaments to promote SRHR.

The teams also connected with six affiliated youth groups—four of which run micro-enterprises—including One Love, Riziki Youth Bunge, and Naserian CBO. These groups are actively nurturing youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and community-driven development.

For KIOTA, Masol, and SEYA, the exchange visit provided valuable exposure to diverse, effective models of grassroots action. It sparked critical reflection on their own practices, inspired new ideas, and laid the foundation for future collaboration.

Most importantly, it reinforced the power of peer learning as a catalyst for building stronger, more impactful youth organisations.