PatHERways
About
PatHERways supported young African women’s community participation in London.
It offered a unique opportunity of individual and group journeys towards becoming change agents in communities.
Why?
This was the first opportunity for participants to undertake learning and development in this area, as many of the traditional part time training routes which support change agents and community leadership, have disappeared under this current period of austerity. The few programmes that remain or the new ones which have emerged, tend to have relatively high entry points including requiring a number of years of experience.
What the learning journey included?
Practical skills and peer-led skill sharing sessions were offered to help:
- develop interview techniques/skills
- use audio equipment, film and photography
- use social media, community mapping etc.
Ubele's young emerging leaders (many of whom are interested in community activism), were also encouraged to share their practical skills thereby acting as positive role models increasing their levels of competence and confidence.
PatHERways also supported development of participants' social action projects.
Impact
As a result of this programme, young women increased their community knowledge, practical skills and experience and enhanced their overall competence to take on community leadership roles and be more aware of strategies for implementing change to tackle issues affecting their local community.