We look back on five years of remarkable growth and impact. Where young people were initially still searching for the questions they could ask and the topics they could explore, they have now developed into critical citizens who are developing their own voices and increasingly taking up space to address the issues that matter to them. V4T Academy has set these young people in motion.
There has been tremendous growth in the young people’s personal development and independence. By ‘arming themselves’ with knowledge and skills, they have developed confidence and hope in their ideas and possibilities, which has subsequently led to all kinds of initiatives.
As Fati, an assistant trainer in Timbuktu, explains:
“I never thought I would do what I did today: stand in front of a crowd and speak. But after the V4TA training, I can now speak in public with pride because I have acquired a solid foundation.”
By creating space for young people to formulate their own questions, make choices, and develop initiatives—and as their sense of autonomy grows—they increasingly take ownership of their own development and of the issues that matter to them.
Abraham Dembélé, a theatre trainer in Banko, Douentza branch, describes this beautifully in the video below, in which he reflects on what V4T Académie has meant to him, both personally and professionally. Abraham is a good example of one of the many young people who have been able to develop and grow within the organisation: from participating in one of the first mobile training programmes to becoming a theatre trainer.
When he speaks about his understanding of theatre, how he developed this understanding within V4TA, and about the art of theatre and the impact it can have, he says:
“An artist must be an observer of the society they live in. […] They are the ones who reflect society. Someone who observes society, identifies its problems, and works with them. They then bring these problems back to the stage and invite that same society to come and look at them. In other words, to call society to come and look at itself and to propose solutions to them on the spot.”
Look back with the coaches, trainers, and assistants on five years of V4TA in Timbuktu!
For example, Abraham and his fellow theatre performers formed a group called Nomanza Art, which continues to create theatre, sketches, and music on their own initiative within the community, while also collaborating with other local partners. In a sense, they have started their own regional movement. It is one of many initiatives that have emerged from the Academy’s activities and been initiated by young people themselves.
The V4T Academy brought like-minded young people together and built a network in which they could connect, inspire, and strengthen one another. Working together within their own regions, but especially across the different branches, has contributed to a sense of shared identity and a better understanding of shared norms and values. Where differences have sometimes emerged, V4TA Mali has succeeded in creating space for dialogue and, ultimately, bringing young people together.
The young people’s association and its mission are becoming increasingly visible and recognised, both within their communities and among older generations. Through their efforts to participate actively in different areas, from raising important issues to taking part in local decision-making processes, and by claiming space for themselves, young people are demonstrating the contribution they can make. One important outcome of V4TA Mali is that young people’s commitment and efforts are increasingly seen and recognised.
Ultimately, the programme has contributed to young people’s confidence in their ability to contribute to their society. As a result, they are becoming less dependent on others to make their voices heard and are growing into active citizens who shape their own future and their surroundings. Voice4Thought Academy Mali has become a movement.
Other accounts
Documentary ‘Art et Savoir’
Filmmaker Sjoerd Sijsma worked with the coordinators to make the film ‘Art et Savoir‘ (Art and Knowledge) about what motivates them to contribute to the development of their country and to work with young people.
Watch episodes of the documentary
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