Lilongwe, March 23, Mana:  Theatre for a Change (TFAC) Malawi has officially launched a regional training initiative aimed at equipping young leaders across 10 Southern and Eastern African countries with participatory approaches to Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) advocacy and behavior change.

The launch event, held at TFAC offices in Area 3, Lilongwe, brought together young leaders from Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and other African countries. Speaking during the event, TFAC Board Chair Robert Ngaiyaiye emphasized the importance of specialized training in addressing sensitive SRHR issues.

“Sexual reproductive issues are very sensitive and require special skills to effectively impart knowledge to young people,” Ngaiyaiye said. “Through this training, we have equipped participants with the necessary skills to advocate for SRHR and empower young people to make informed decisions.”

The training, conducted through TFAC’s unique participatory methodology, is designed to be interactive, engaging, and scalable. The approach has been tested and proven effective in driving social behavior change through theatre-based advocacy.

Hanadi Yusuf, a trainee from Ethiopia, praised the initiative, highlighting its impact on advocacy work.

“The training was amazing. As an advocate for girls in crisis, gender equality, youth participation, and mental health, I learned that true advocacy is not about imposing solutions but about empowering communities to become their own change-makers,” Yusuf said.

The initiative aims to build a network of young leaders who can lead SRHR advocacy efforts in their respective countries. Through a Training of Trainers model, participants will be equipped with the skills to train others, ensuring the sustainability of the program.

The launch event featured performances and engagement activities showcasing the power of theatre in storytelling and social behavior change. TFAC’s innovative approach highlights the role of participatory methods in making SRHR education more accessible and impactful.

With this initiative, Theatre for a Change Malawi hopes to strengthen youth-led advocacy efforts across Africa, ensuring young people are at the forefront of driving positive social transformation