For the first time in three years, Zakarpattia hosted a national training for candidates to become trainers in the YABC (Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change) initiative

Over the course of six days, participants expanded their knowledge of various aspects of the YABC initiative, improved their facilitation and peer coaching skills, engaged with the methodology, and developed an understanding of the importance of ethical leadership in the community. The training offered young people invaluable experiences, enabling them to take significant steps toward self-understanding and realise the importance of initiating change from within.

“This training has become a continuation of the chain of self-discovery and understanding of the YABC initiative for me. This time, I experienced it holistically from start to finish,” says Halyna-Anna Kotsylovska, one of the founders of the YABC initiative.

What makes this training unique? It includes several dozen sessions covering 12 topics within the YABC initiative, requiring responsibility and experience to feel confident as a facilitator and peer instructor. To participate, you need significant peer coaching experience in your communities. After completing the training, participants are considered candidates for YABC trainers until they have conducted at least one training session with experienced trainers.

“We are the ones who take action. Many things are difficult to describe in words but can be conveyed through our actions. This experience gave me another boost of motivation for change and deepened my inner harmony with the world. It’s about understanding that YOU are the person who will always be there for you and how crucial it is to perceive and listen to yourself,” Halyna-Anna Kotsylovska.