Project report

The Annual Youth Leadership Summit – A Training Ground for Africa’s Future Leaders

AICS · 7 Jun 2025

Abstract

In April 2025, the African Institute for Children Studies (AICS), in partnership with the U.S.-based Human Unity Gateway (H.U.G.) Foundation, founded by Monika Emad and Ben Wamwea of Coach Ben Africa, launched the first-ever THABITI African Youth Leaders Summit (AYLS). This bold, youth-driven initiative brought together more than 150 teenagers from across the African continent for five days of transformative leadership training, mentorship, and personal growth at St. Andrew’s School in Turi, Kenya. The Summit was designed as more than just an inspirational gathering—it was a launchpad for action. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, life skills coaching, peer dialogue, and problem-solving challenges that equipped them to become confident, purpose-driven changemakers in their communities. With a focus on servant leadership, mental wellness, and global citizenship, AYLS has already begun to shape a new generation of African leaders grounded in character and compassion. Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to scale the Summit and deepen U.S.-Africa collaboration by inviting more American youth mentors, leadership coaches, and philanthropic partners to participate. We invite you to join us in growing this life-changing initiative. Your support will help fund travel scholarships, training materials, facilitation teams, and mental health resources for youth leaders from underserved communities across Africa. Together, we can cultivate a generation of globally minded, socially responsible young leaders equipped to drive positive change across the continent—and beyond.