The launch of our Youth Ambassador network
We launched our Youth Ambassador network, an exciting time at Hope for the Young. The purpose of this network is to elevate our youth-led model and incorporate the voices of young people into our work. Ellie, our Programme Manager, tells us about the launch day and the Youth Ambassador workshops which took place at 3Space International.
Last year we held a series of consultations with young people to find out how they would like to be more involved in Hope for the Young, and how we can work together. Following this, we decided to create a space where young people can regularly contribute their thoughts and ideas in a more structured way, support any key decisions we make, and develop their leadership skills.
The aim of this Youth Ambassador network is to deepen our collaboration with young people and embed their voices within Hope for the Young, as well as supporting them to develop leadership skills. We plan to work with them on our mission of removing the obstacles to young refugees and asylum-seekers’ education and well-being.
Over the past few months, we opened applications for young people from our Mentoring and Grants & Advocacy Programmes, along with alumni, to apply to join the Ambassador network. The response was overwhelming – not just in numbers, but in learning of the motivations of young people wanting support the work of Hope for the Young. It was clear how many young people are eager to step into leadership, connect with others, and support us to drive meaningful change for young refugees and asylum seekers.
“It speaks volumes about the compassion and determination felt by this community to lift up those around them, and the power of youth-led impact.”
In April, we held our Ambassador Welcome meeting, to induct 20 young people to Hope for the Young, as the new Youth Ambassadors. We kicked off the day with a team-building challenge: who could build the tallest tower using only a handful of materials and under some quirky rules (such as only one person being allowed to speak). The room came alive with creativity and collaboration. While the goal wasn’t really about building the tallest structure, though some Eiffel-Tower-level attempts were made – it was about sparking connection and seeing the value of working together. The afternoon involved a leadership workshop, where the Ambassadors reflected on their own styles and strengths, and shaped a set of shared values to guide them through the year – principles that will anchor their decisions and collective impact.
“Watching the group align around what matters most to them was a wonderful moment.”
The final session of the afternoon focused on vision and action. The Ambassadors brainstormed ideas for the year ahead – thinking big about how they collaborate with the Hope for the Young community to support Hope for the Young’s mission make a lasting difference for young refugees and asylum seekers. We felt so inspired by their ambition and creativity!
We closed the day with a delicious meal from Adams Ethiopian Restaurant, joined by trustees and the wider Hope for the Young team. Plates were full of injera and conversation flowed – a perfect ending to a day built on connection, purpose, and new beginnings. One of the Youth Ambassadors shared that they found:
“The programme was wonderful well-done guys for providing such an impressive work it was like theoretical way to come up with new concepts and what l enjoyed the most is share ideas with others people l loved it so much and l have learnt a lot.”
It was a strong start to what’s shaping up to be an exciting year ahead. We’re thrilled to be working alongside such a passionate and inspiring group of Ambassadors!
Hannah Greenwood