Wanting to provide youth leaders from SO Africa with structured leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with their peers, youth leaders Lumka and Zama (SO South Africa) developed a series of workshops focused on leadership, teamwork, advocacy, communication, and cultural representation in collaboration with their Regional Youth Leadership Summit. The project culminated in the planning, design, and implementation of a cultural showcase performance. Youth leaders facilitated storytelling, costume planning, and rehearsals, creating an opportunity to strengthen cultural pride and encourage intercultural learning among youth.
Lumka and Zama were inspired by the young people who participated in the Youth Summit and by the diversity of cultures represented in their community. They were supported by fellow youth leaders, event organizers, and the wider Youth Summit community throughout the project.
Unified pair Lumka and Zama used their Innovation Grant to organize a cultural showcase as part of their Regional Youth Leadership Summit. They organized workshops focused on leadership, teamwork, advocacy, cultural representation, and communication. Youth leaders also received training in event coordination, cultural management, and delegation support.

The project culminated in a cultural performance segment that youth leaders planned, rehearsed, and hosted. The cultural exchange created an opportunity to celebrate different cultures, break down barriers, and bring young people closer together. Participants proudly shared their cultures while engaging with and appreciating the performances of others.
The project strengthened inclusion and belonging by bringing young people together to celebrate and learn from different cultures. Through the cultural exchange and performance, youth leaders created a space where participants could feel represented, valued, and connected while gaining a greater appreciation for the diversity within their community.
The youth leaders achieved the objectives of their project by creating a platform for young people to share their cultures and learn from one another. The event encouraged an appreciation of diversity, meaningful connections, and a strong sense of inclusion and belonging.

Lumka and Zama plan to continue creating and supporting opportunities for young people to share their cultures, experiences, and talents. Participating in the Youth Summit and helping plan the cultural event and showcase was especially meaningful to them. They are proud to have contributed to an experience that brought young people together to learn, plan, share, and celebrate.