Last February, PeaceJam UK organised its first in-person Youth Leadership Training Weekend in Bradford, with 13 participants aged 14 to 26.

Over the three days, the young people worked on issues they are passionate about (such as mental health, youth involvement in politics, misinformation, and the impacts of AI), developing concrete social action projects and learning the basics of collaboration and community-building through creative workshops and reflective activities.

Despite the non-traditional approach, participants reported feeling more confident and connected to one another, even describing themselves as a true group of friends. Given its success, the experience will likely become an annual event.

In this regard, we are pleased to share an article written by Matty Maslen, a member of Pax Christi England and Wales and Pax Christi Youth Forum, reflecting on the training. The article, published on SPARK Social Justice, of which Matty is a member, is available here.

(cover picture via SPARK Social Justice)