Empowering CSO Leaders: May Mentorship Event at Arua City's Youth CSO Hub

In an effort to foster growth and collaboration within the civil society sector, the Youth CSO Hub in Arua City hosted its highly successful monthly mentorship and networking event in May. The success of this event at the Youth CSO Hub in Arua City has once again proven its commitment to nurturing the growth and development of community-based organizations (CBOs). 

In this inspiring monthly mentorship and networking event held in May as of 12th May 2023, over 38 CSO leaders gathered to gain invaluable insights from the Executive Director of Youth Social Advocacy Team (YSAT), Mr. John Jaldak. This event not only served as a platform for mentorship but also facilitated meaningful interactions and collaborations among CSO leaders. 

The Youth CSO Hub has emerged as a vital space for addressing the challenges faced by CSOs in an increasingly shrinking civic space.

^{Mr. John Jaldak Mentoring the CSO Leaders}

Unlocking Potential: From CBO to National NGO:

The highlight of the mentorship event was Mr. John Jaldak's captivating session, where he shared the remarkable journey of YSAT. Initially founded as a CBO in Rhino Camp, YSAT has grown into a national NGO operating in Uganda and South Sudan. 

Mr. Jaldak's personal experiences and insights on strategic growth resonated deeply with the CSO leaders present, inspiring them to dream big and pursue greatness for their own organizations. Key to note is that, the mentorship event is part of the monthly programs organized by the Youth CSO Hub in Arua city, where CSO leaders engage, network and collaborate with mentors. The Hub serves as a platform for CSOs to share experiences, collaborate on projects and learn from one another.

The CSO Hub of Arua is the second phase of the Open Civic Space for Youth, a project funded by Dream town through Civil Society in Development (CISU) and implemented in Uganda by Network for Active Citizens (NAC) & Civil Society Strengthening Network (CSSN). 

Over the past one year, The hub has grown to become home to 40 CSOs in Arua, addressing the Shrinking Civic Space challenge.

^{Joint Photo of the CSO Leaders after the Mentorship}

Interactive Session with Mr. John Jaldak:

One of the most exciting aspects of the mentorship event was the opportunity for CSO leaders to engage directly with Mr. John Jaldak. As the focal person for CBOs raised pertinent questions, sought advice, and shared challenges faced by their organizations, Mr. Jaldak responded with expertise and wisdom.  

The interactive nature of the session fostered a sense of community and encouraged collaborative problem-solving among the CSO leaders.

Ongoing Mentorship and Networking:

The success of the mentorship event further solidified its place as a monthly staple at the Youth CSO Hub. The organizers understand the immense value in fostering ongoing mentorship and networking opportunities for CSO leaders. By consistently providing a platform for engagement, collaboration, and mentorship, the Youth CSO Hub aims to create a supportive ecosystem where CSOs can thrive and overcome the hurdles they face.

The Significance of the Youth CSO Hub in Arua:

The Youth CSO Hub in Arua, the second phase of the Open Civic Space for Youth project, has emerged as a beacon of hope in addressing the challenges posed by the shrinking civic space. The project, funded by Dream town through Civil Society in Development (CISU) and implemented in Uganda by the Network for Active Citizens (NAC) and Civil Society Strengthening Network (CSSN), has provided a nurturing space for CSOs to thrive. With its growth, the hub has become home to 40 CSOs in Arua, amplifying their collective voices and increasing their impact in the community.

^{Mrs. Mercy Remo Coordinator WEID Organzation Posing A Question} 

With the hub now serving as home to 40 CSOs in Arua, it has become a vibrant community of passionate individuals working towards social change. This thriving community addresses the critical challenge of a shrinking civic space, providing a safe and empowering environment for CSOs to operate, collaborate, and advocate for positive change.

Conclusion:

The successful monthly mentorship and networking event at the Youth CSO Hub in Arua city marked a significant milestone in the empowerment of CSO leaders. With over 38 CBO leaders receiving invaluable guidance from the Executive Director of YSAT, Mr. John Jaldak, the event served as a catalyst for personal and organizational growth. As the Youth CSO Hub continues to facilitate these mentorship sessions, it strengthens the network of CSO leaders, fostering collaboration, and inspiring innovative approaches to address the shrinking civic space challenge. Through initiatives like these, the Youth CSO Hub in Arua is nurturing a generation of empowered and resilient CSO leaders who are actively shaping the future of their communities. Hence the May mentorship and networking event at the Youth CSO Hub in Arua City was an unequivocal success.

BY: Abas Hamza - Dailywestnile.info