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From its regional headquarters in Accra, WANEP has officially launched the first session of its online training series under the Youth Transformational Empowerment and Mentorship (Y-TEaM) Programme, a transformative initiative designed to mentor and equip young peacebuilders across West Africa.
Held on Thursday, 17 July 2025, this inaugural training session brought together all 31 mentees of the Y-TEaM Programme, representing 15 countries of the ECOWAS region. The theme of the session was “Internship Experience and Career Pathways in Peacebuilding,” and it was delivered by Ms Da-do NOVIEKOU, WANEP’s Regional Analyst on Youth, Peace and Security.
The session served as both an orientation and a capacity-building opportunity, prompting rich discussion and deep engagement among participants. Many described it as insightful, inspiring, and highly relevant to their personal and professional growth.
Here are a few reflections shared by the mentees:
“My first training session was incredibly productive. It opened up new perspectives and made me reflect differently. We not only defined the concepts of internships and careers but also received practical advice and motivational insights. I am convinced this internship will allow us to grow professionally and personally, equipping us with the tools needed to make a meaningful contribution to society.”
Isa GOMES MONTEIRO, BA in Biological Sciences, Cape Verde, 27 years old
“I truly appreciated this initiative. The clarity and quality of the content stood out. What resonated with me most was the idea that internships are essential tools for youth employability and serve as effective means to gain experience and develop skills. I believe this programme will equip us with the competencies needed to foster sustainable peace within our communities. For future sessions, I would suggest the inclusion of more expert voices to highlight how peace benefits not only communities but individuals and entire nations.”
Lassine SANANKOUA, MSc in Geography & GIS Specialist, Mali, 31 years old
“I see this initiative as a concrete and strategic tool for youth empowerment. In a region where over 60% of the population is under 25, as noted by the African Union, addressing internships and career development as pillars of stability is not just necessary—it is a political and moral imperative. This training made it clear that building a career goes beyond personal gain; it is deeply connected to social transformation. Youth with access to structured guidance and dignified opportunities can break cycles of exclusion that often drive instability. UN Security Council Resolution 2250 affirms the role of youth as partners in peace and security. By aligning career development with peacebuilding architecture, this session met that call with both clarity and vision. I also commend the session’s evidence-based, interactive, and context-sensitive approach—rooted in African realities.”
Braima Camará, Intern, Y-TEaM 2025, Guinea-Bissau, 27 years old, Bachelor’s in Educational Sciences.
WANEP remains steadfast in its belief that the next generation of peacebuilders must be nurtured through transformative, youth-centred programmes like Y-TEaM. As such, the organisation calls upon development and economic partners to support the initiative through material and financial contributions, ensuring that the vision of a peaceful and secure West Africa—led by empowered youth—becomes a sustainable reality.
Do you want to support youth empowerment across West Africa? Explore the various ways to contribute to the Y-TEaM programme: Link
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