Similar mixed feelings as we reach the end of our Youth Advocacy Institute with the wonderful, enthusiastic, motivated Youth Champions from Nepal.

We had sessions on communication and using social media led by Prabina and Smriti and then everyone settled down for some quiet time to prepare original content based on the learning, reflections and analysis of these past few days.

Some amazing outputs were shared ranging from cartoons, to a re- thinking of all holy books, personal stories and a call for social justice and demands for women’s rights.

The Youth CANN team then shared stories of their own personal journeys from new participants to being peer trainers and now leaders of a new network.

For most of the participants the Institute was a process of deep personal impact since many of them had already begun questioning the status quo and the hegemonic models they faced but did not have the language or the politics or the arguments to challenge it. They are now feeling empowered and validated and motivated to learn even more and continue the good work.

All good things must come to an end but as Prabesh reminded us, this is actually the beginning of a long journey and we are looking forward to moving along together.