ERCS Youth Volunteers Bring Global Leadership Experience Home
Loza Eshetu from the Amhara Regional Branch and YeElshaday Solomon from the Addis Ababa Branch of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) have returned from an international Youth Leadership Academy training in Denmark, bringing with them valuable skills and experiences that will help strengthen volunteerism and humanitarian action in Ethiopia.
The two young volunteers represented Ethiopia at the academy, where participants from different countries came together to develop their leadership, teamwork, innovation, and community engagement skills. The training provided a unique platform for learning, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences among youth leaders from across the globe.
Upon their return, Loza and YeElshaday are already applying the knowledge they gained to support volunteer development and address challenges within their communities.
One of the key takeaways from the training was the Leadership Development Module, which encouraged participants to explore different leadership styles and recognize their own potential to lead positive change.
“The training showed us that leadership is not limited to a position; it is about taking initiative, inspiring others, and creating positive change,” they said.
Another important component of the training was the Sprint Methodology, a practical and innovative approach to problem-solving and project implementation. Through this method, participants learned how to break down complex challenges into smaller, manageable tasks, identify solutions efficiently, and achieve goals through a structured process.
Loza and Ye Elshaday believe that the methodology will be particularly useful in strengthening volunteer engagement, improving project implementation, and addressing social challenges in a more effective and systematic manner.
The training also included a Conflict Management Module, which equipped participants with practical tools for resolving misunderstandings through dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect. They noted that these skills are valuable not only in humanitarian work but also in everyday interactions and teamwork.
Looking ahead, the two volunteers are committed to sharing their experiences with fellow ERCS volunteers and applying the lessons learned within ongoing programs and initiatives. They also hope to build stronger connections with youth volunteers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and other participating African countries by establishing a regional network for collaboration, experience sharing, and mutual support.
By utilizing the leadership and Sprint skills acquired during the training, they aim to better understand volunteer motivations, enhance engagement, and contribute to solving challenges facing their communities one step at a time.
Loza and Ye Elshaday expressed their sincere gratitude to the Danish Red Cross, the Youth Leadership Academy, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society Headquarters, and their respective branch offices for providing them with the opportunity to participate in the training and represent Ethiopia on an international platform.
Their journey highlights the importance of investing in young volunteers and empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become future leaders and champions of humanitarian action.
We Live for Humanity!