LEADING THE WAY:
HOW PSI’S MEANINGFUL ADOLESCENT & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT INSPIRED MY GROWTH
By Mariamawit Haile, Youth Innovation Champion, PSI Ethiopia
Navigating today’s world as a young person is no easy feat; we carry the weight of our future, from shaping our careers to defining our identities. At this stage of life, we encounter obstacles that can impact us either positively or negatively. Therefore, platforms like PSI’s MAYE (Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement), which bring youths together and allow us to express ourselves, acquire new skills, and contribute meaningfully to our communities, are essential.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Mariamawit Haile, a 22-year-old Youth Innovation Champion at PSI/E’s MAYE, a 4th-year university student studying Marketing Management, and a student representative. I consider myself an extrovert and love spending time with friends and family, which is why I never pass on any opportunity to connect with others. Since joining PSI a year ago, I have had the greatest chance to engage with many of my peers. I got the opportunity to enhance my communication and leadership skills and explore more about the current situation of youths. Amazing gains!
Imagine being in a room filled with influential individuals from the UN, international NGOs, high-level government officials, and esteemed academics. Now, picture yourself being the one invited to speak about your ideas, present on current youth issues, and propose solutions. With over 70% of Ethiopia’s population under the age of 30, speaking on behalf of such a significant portion of the population in this setting is an incredible feeling.
I have participated in high-level meetings and conferences in both Addis Ababa and Kampala. These experiences have shown me the power of being heard and valued. Standing on stage and viewing the audience is truly remarkable.
Stepping into leadership roles, I had the chance to represent PSI at inter-generational dialogues and local and global summits. I voiced my opinions confidently in front of diverse audiences on behalf of Ethiopian youth in Uganda, proudly holding the Ethiopian flag. These opportunities allowed me to inspire my peers to drive positive change, boost personal confidence, and seize opportunities. By sharing my journey, I aimed to encourage young people in Ethiopia and Uganda to strive for their goals and believe in their potential.
Additionally, I have benefited from peer-to-peer mentorship programs within PSI through face-to-face and online coaching, training, and discussions. My eyes were opened to youth advocacy training and project coordination skills that have been truly transformative. In general, I discovered a safe and inclusive space to share my ideas and actively participate in decision-making processes that will benefit my future career as well.
My advocacy extends beyond myself and my country; it also encompasses my peers in rural areas who often do not have similar opportunities to express themselves. I believe that through the expansion of meaningful adolescent and youth engagements, there will be significant benefits. Advocating for adolescent girls, young women, and marginalized rural communities who may not always have access to such avenues for expression is something I intend to do through writing blogs and sharing their stories.
I have come to understand the profound impact that empowering a young person today can have on shaping a better tomorrow. When we provide a space for youths like me to advocate for themselves, we are not just affecting the present but also laying the groundwork for the future with practical efforts. Remember that we, the young people of today, are the leaders of tomorrow. By collaborating harmoniously, we can pave the way for a brighter future for current and future generations. Let’s embrace these opportunities and work together to create a more promising tomorrow. Thank you!
