Youth are the future leaders of our society, and investing in their growth is crucial for building stronger communities. With this vision, Slum Soccer successfully organized a Youth Leadership Program from November 20th to 22nd, 2024, bringing together young change-makers from different states to equip them with essential life skills. Additionally, Game Changer workshops were held in Nagpur (June 24th to 27th) with 25 participants (10 girls and 15 boys) and Delhi (July 20th to 22nd) with 25 participants (13 girls and 12 boys) to further extend leadership and life skills training.

The Youth Leadership Program was designed with the following objectives: develop leadership skills, enhance teamwork and collaboration, build effective communication, promote problem-solving abilities, encourage social responsibility, support mental well-being, ensure inclusivity and accessibility, and create a sustainable impact by training participants to become peer educators and mentors in their communities.

This program was designed to provide intensive training in teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and other life skills vital for personal and community development. Participants engaged in interactive workshops, experiential learning sessions, and dynamic group activities, ensuring a hands-on approach to leadership. Our objective was not only to train the youth but also to empower them to become trainers and leaders in their own communities. We believe that true impact happens when knowledge is shared—each participant was encouraged to take these learnings back to their respective states and deliver impact sessions to their peers.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in a series of workshops covering teamwork and collaboration, leadership development, problem-solving skills, communication and public speaking, social responsibility and community impact, life skills engagement, mental health and well-being, adult learning cycles, and disabilities access and inclusion.

Slum Soccer envisions this initiative as more than just a training program. It is a movement—where every young leader becomes a catalyst for transformation. The impact of this program does not end when participants return home; it begins there. These trained individuals are now equipped to conduct similar workshops in their communities, spreading knowledge and opportunities far and wide.

Slum Soccer believes in equal access to opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that young people, regardless of their background, get the chance to develop leadership and life skills. By reaching out to youth from diverse communities, we are fostering an inclusive space where everyone has the potential to rise as a leader.

Naziya a participant feedback on the mental health session: “Good mental health is essential in life—without it, making the right decisions becomes difficult.”

Owais Ahmed’s feedback on the Bias session & learnings: ” Understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds and experiences is the most important step in reducing bias”

As we conclude this edition of the Youth Leadership Program, we remain dedicated to expanding our reach and creating more opportunities for young individuals to learn, grow, and lead. The journey does not stop here—this is just the beginning of a ripple effect of positive change.

If you are passionate about making a difference, join us in this movement. Let’s create a world where every youth has the power to lead, inspire, and transform their communities!