By, NELLIE GUNDANI, AHAPPY ToT Participant, Kasungu, Malawi.

The AJAN training was a transformative experience that gave me new perspectives while deepening my understanding of things I already knew. Through the “Awakening to Myself” module, I learned the importance of self-awareness, understanding my strengths, weaknesses, values and purpose. The session on Faith and Reason taught me that faith and intellect work together and that, as youths, we should use our knowledge, creativity and faith to develop innovative solutions to challenges around us. I was also introduced to Ignatian Spirituality, particularly examen, discernment, cura personalis and finding God in all things. Although I had encountered some of these ideas before, the training helped me understand them more practically. The discussions on Ubuntu, leadership, mentorship, and social entrepreneurship further strengthened my understanding of the importance of working with and supporting others.

One of the most important things revealed to me was the role of young people in development. Growing up and studying governance and development issues, I often thought that economic and governance challenges were mainly the responsibility of the government. This workshop has changed this perspective; I now understand that we, the youth, also have the ability and responsibility to contribute to solving the problems affecting our communities. The concept of Ubuntu particularly reminded me that our well-being is connected to that of others. The stone activity also left a strong impression on me; it taught me that every person is unique and has something valuable to offer. Reminding me not to compare myself negatively with others or underestimate my abilities.

The workshop has been useful to me personally because it has strengthened my confidence, encouraged me to overcome fear and taught me to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. This connected strongly with my farming experience: after experiencing challenges, falling prices for produce and inflation on inputs, I told myself to take a break from farming. However, the workshop has taught me to view setbacks differently. Instead of abandoning farming, I have decided to continue while exploring diversification and better ways of doing things. For us as young people in Kasungu, the training has shown that we need to become active participants in development by working together, creating innovative ideas, supporting one another and addressing challenges such as unemployment and substance abuse.

Going forward, I plan to apply these lessons in my personal life, work and community. I want to continue developing my leadership and entrepreneurial skills, remain open to innovation and share what I have learned with my fellow youths. I also intend to continue with my farming activities and encourage other youths to see opportunities where challenges exist. Most importantly, the workshop has changed my mindset from asking what I, as a young person, can do to contribute to the development of my community, Malawi and Africa at large.