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Conversations with Kectil alumni, young leaders, mentors, and experts on the work of creating change in communities around the world.
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In this special group episode of the Kectil World Youth Network Podcast, host Nabila Abbas brings together the top three Kectil Community Project winners—Favour (Nigeria), Fatima (Afghanistan), and Collin (Uganda)—for a powerful shared conversation on youth-led change. From breaking mental health stigma and empowering women in restrictive contexts to fighting child hunger through sustainable school gardens, this episode explores how young leaders are turning local challenges into impactful so...
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Male Promise Keepers: Why Men Must Lead the Change against Gender-Based Harm
S99 · E1 · This episode introduces the Male Promise Keeper series with a conversation that defines harmful practices: early marriage, teenage pregnancy, FGM, gender violence, discontinuity from education and femicide. The conversation emphasizes why male involvement is crucial in tackling harmful practices and the role men can play in ending harmful practices against girls and women while diving into understanding masculinity: how traditional ideas about masculinity often perpetuate harmful practices an...
Growing Up in Conflict: Inside Burkina Faso’s Hidden Crisis” Featuring Salif from Burkina Faso
S5 · E8 · Host Nabila Abbas sits down with Salif Sanou of Burkina Faso to explore what it means to grow up amid conflict since 2015—how violence and displacement reshape education and opportunity—and how he is building youth-centered English learning spaces rooted in resilience.
Insights from Lenaa - Part 2 - The World Around Women: Feminism, Power, Culture & Human Rights
S5 · E7 · Lenaa Kumar joins host Ashwathy Venugopal for Part 2 of their conversation on feminism, power, culture, and human rights—unpacking how young women navigate systems, claim agency, and build solidarity across communities.
Insights from Lenaa - Part 1 - Women-o-pause: The Woman, The Body & The inner Transformation
S5 · E6 · In Part 1 of Insights from Lenaa, Lenaa Kumar and host Ashwathy Venugopal discuss the body, inner change, and the personal transformations that shape how women lead, rest, and reclaim space in their lives.
Lebanon Unfiltered: Youth Voices from the Edge of Conflict
S5 · E5 · Christelle Barakat, a youth leader and Kectil Global Board Member from Lebanon, shares life under conflict and economic crisis—navigating fear, identity, and hope while refusing to accept a generation defined by uncertainty alone.
Hope Under Fire: Youth Navigating Conflict in Northwest Cameroon
S5 · E4 · In this episode of the Kectil Podcast, we recorded a meaningful conversation with two inspiring youth leaders from the Northwest Region of Cameroon who are actively working within communities affected by the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. Through their personal experiences and professional work, they share insights into how the crisis began, how it continues to shape the lives of young people, and the challenges communities face in areas such as education, security, and economic stability. Listen...
Next-Gen Accessibility Tech: The KOREM Story from Kazakhstan
S5 · E3 · Daliya and Darina are one of the youngest KECTIL colleagues of 2026 Daliya Kossanova | Co-Founder & CEO Daliya serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the KOREM project. As a high school student with a deep-seated passion for technology, she focuses on the intersection of technical innovation and human-centric design. Her leadership is driven by a commitment to creating practical solutions that tangibly improve quality of life. Darina | Co-Founder & CMO Darina is the Chief Marketi...
My Personal Path to Leadership | Sherry M. Knowles
S4 · E2 · Sherry M. Knowles, Founder and Executive Director of the Kectil Program. In this special session, Sherry will share her personal journey to leadership, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and principles that have shaped her path. As Kectil leaders, this is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights on resilience, personal growth, and the impact of strong leadership. This session will offer both inspiration and practical takeaways for your own leadership journey.
"Start Small, Start Messy, But Start Nevertheless" - Ukrainian Entrepreneur Speaks
S4 · E11 · Ukrainian innovator Veronika Konyk, founder of HealthyHeart AI, joins host Ashwathy Venugopal to talk about starting small and messy, building health tech under pressure, and why young entrepreneurs must begin before conditions feel perfect.
Youth Voices from Armenia: Marie’s Journey of Impact at 16
S4 · E10 · In this episode of the Kectil Youth Network Podcast, host Nabila Abbas sits down with Marie, a 16-year-old high school student from Vanadzor, Armenia, who is already making waves through her community projects and youth advocacy. Together, they explore Marie’s journey into sociology, her initiative “Let’s Talk About It” for teenage girls, and her vision for empowering rural youth in Armenia. Through this heartfelt conversation, Marie shares how culture, community, and curiosity shape her gene...
Teen Tide: Colombo's Teen Founder On Why Creative Arts is the New Ocean Advocacy
S4 · E9 · Colombo teen founder Cojitha Senanayake joins host Ashwathy Venugopal to explain how creative arts can power ocean advocacy—turning storytelling, culture, and youth creativity into a movement for marine protection.
Gunshots at Generation Z: Inside Kenya’s Youth Uprising
S4 · E8 · In this gripping episode, we spotlight the ongoing youth-led protests in Kenya, where peaceful demonstrations have been met with brutal force and gunshots—leaving dozens of young people dead and hundreds wounded. Our guest, a youth activist and KECTIL Kenya Chapter leader, joins us to unpack the root causes of the movement, the role of digital resistance, the tragic toll of police violence, and how young Kenyans are turning grief into a demand for justice, leadership, and long-term developmen...
Justice in Action: A Youth Vision from Egypt to the MENA Region
S4 · E7 · In this episode, we speak with Khaled Emam, a human rights lawyer from Egypt and the founder of Justice Call. With deep experience in global governance, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment, Khaled shares his journey from local advocacy to advising international institutions. He discusses the challenges facing youth in the MENA region, the importance of democratic institutions, and how young people can drive justice and lasting change from the ground up. Speaker's full name: Khaled Emam Hos...
Voices from the Islands: Youth, Culture & Resilience in Papua New Guinea
S4 · E6 · Reminah Vincent joins host Ashwathy Venugopal to share youth perspectives from Papua New Guinea—culture, resilience, and the everyday leadership of young people navigating change across the islands.
Youth in the Crossfire: Arthur's Voice from Ukraine
S4 · E5 · Ukrainian political and media analyst Artur Koldomasov shares how war reshapes education, identity, and daily life for youth—and why young voices matter in understanding Ukraine’s geopolitical and human reality.
Peru Unfiltered: A Youth Perspective on Crisis, Culture, and Change
S4 · E4 · A youth perspective from Peru on crisis, culture, and change—honest conversation about the pressures young people face and the leadership they bring to community and national life.
Armenia at a Crossroads: Peace, Borders, and the Future
S4 · E1 · In this latest episode of the Kectil Youth Network Podcast, we take you to the heart of the Caucasus with an eye-opening conversation on Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace 🌍✨ Join our host, Nabila Abbas, and young Armenian speaker Edvard as they explore Armenia’s stunning landscape, rich culture, and its bold vision for regional stability. With deep-rooted conflicts and unresolved tensions shaping its borders, can Armenia pave the way for lasting peace? Tune in now to uncover the challenges, hopes...
Redefining Gender Equality: Voices Against FGM in Kenya
S3 · E11 · We’re excited to release our latest episode of the Kectil Youth Network Podcast! This time, we explore the crucial topic of gender equality and the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya. Our guest, a passionate young activist, shares her powerful story and insights into the cultural roots of FGM, its impact on girls and women, and the ongoing efforts to eradicate this harmful practice. Tune in to hear about the role of education, advocacy, and community collaboration in build...
Israel's Bombardment: Lebanon Under Attack, Humanitarian Crisis, and the Role of Hezbollah and Hamas
S3 · E10 · In Part 2 of our podcast series on Lebanon, titled Israel's Bombardment: Lebanon Under Attack, Legal Perspectives on Conflict, Humanitarian Crisis, and the Role of Hezbollah and Hamaswe delve deeper into the current humanitarian crisis with our expert guest, Christelle Barakat. With a strong background in law and conflict studies, Christelle offers insights into the legal aspects of the conflict, the severe humanitarian impacts, and the international response to the ongoing violence. This epi...
Lebanon under attack : Israel's bombardment & escalations causing Major conflict
S3 · E9 · Seventeen-year-old Sinette Abi Zeid from Lebanon joins host Nabila Abbas to describe life under bombardment—the impact on young people, the weight of history, and the resilience that persists amid an uncertain future.
Ukraine’s Conundrum: Artur Koldomasov Discusses War, Peace, and Global Power
S3 · E8 · Today, we’re honored to have Artur Koldomasov as our guest to discuss one of the most pressing global issues—the ongoing war in Ukraine. Artur is a Research Associate at the Global Governance Institute, where he focuses on diplomacy, conflict resolution, and global governance. With a background in international politics, Artur brings extensive knowledge of geopolitical dynamics, having worked closely with leading think tanks and research institutes across Europe. In this interview, Artur off...
Raw Realities of life in Iraq for a Youth: The Young Generation Speaks
S3 · E7 · Young voices from Iraq speak candidly about daily life, aspiration, and leadership after years of instability—raw realities and resilient hopes from a generation determined to shape what comes next.
Voice of Armenian Youth: Navigating Challenges and Pursuing Dreams
S3 · E6 · Madlen Dokhoyan joins host Ashwathy Venugopal to share how Armenian youth navigate national challenges while pursuing education, purpose, and dreams that reach beyond crisis narratives.
Episode 5 - Shocking Truths About the 'Nigerian Kidnapping Industry'
S3 · E5 · Malik Mujeli and Oludipe Taiwo Oyindamola join host Ashwathy Venugopal for youth perspectives from South and North Nigeria on the kidnapping industry—security, fear, and how communities live with the threat.
Episode 4 - Haiti in Crisis: Navigating Gang Violence and Political Turmoil
S3 · E4 · Roody Joseph and Blayter Joseph join host Nabila Abbas to discuss Haiti in crisis—gang violence, political turmoil, and how young people navigate survival, solidarity, and hope on the ground.
Episode 3 - Two Nations, One Origin: Voices from Sudan and South Sudan
S3 · E3 · Peter Emmanuel Justin of South Sudan and Noon Mohamed Alialgabali of Sudan join host Nabila Abbas for a shared conversation on conflict, identity, and youth leadership across two nations with one origin.
Pakistani Youth speaks: State of affairs of Women in Pakistan today
S3 · E1 · Pakistani youth speak on the state of women in Pakistan today—rights, barriers, and the leadership of young people working for dignity, safety, and opportunity for women and girls.
North America colonization's effect on Native Americans
S2 · E11 · Join Cruz Collin, Wanapheya Tolman, and Corice Lieb as they discuss how the colonization of North America has not only affected them but their ancestors and how it's led them to where they are today.
Voice of the Kazakhstan youth. State of the nation
S2 · E9 · Ever thought of having a taste of horse milk or meat? Whether yes or no, you will surely be intrigued to learn about the rich nation- Kazakhstan! It is the largest landlocked country and one with the longest boarder in the world, spanning more than 7,500 kilometers with Russia to the North, the Caspian Sea to the south-west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic to the south, and China to the east. The name Kazakh translates to independent wanderer. This speaks to the nation’s anci...
My leadership journey at the Kectil program: From a dentist to a global leader by networking.
S2 · E6 · Join us as we take you through the leadership journey of Dr. Favor Ikhile, a dentist from Nigeria, who developed the passion to provide mentoring solutions to youth all around the world. Dr. Favor takes us through his own experiences of breaking out against all odds and challenging himself to apply for programs that at first seemed far from his reach but later became part of his leadership growth. He takes us through the processes that enabled him to connect with young leaders from diverse pr...
Part I: Wankatuya Keya from the Native American Community shares the position of Indigenous community participation In the 21st Century World
S1 · E14 · As much as Indigenous people make up only an estimated 5% of the world's population, they have different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. They often have a shared history of being uprooted and forced from their ancestral lands. Listen in as Wankatuya Keya aka Cruz Collin takes Daniel through the native American's story, explaining how the community members face marginalization and discrimination, including being prevented or denied the ability to live their traditions, express the...
Gender Equity Vs. Gender Equality: Lisa Hussain from Guyana shares the clear distinction
S1 · E13 · Listen in to Lisa take Daniel through a conversation surrounding gender equity vs. equality, and get to understand the important distinction—gender equality and gender equity are related terms but have different meanings! Lisa Hussain is passionate about the development of Guyana, SAGE scholar alumna Lisa Hussain is a CARICOM Researcher Intern at UN Women understudying a Multi-Country Study on the Economic Costs of Violence against Women and Girls in CARICOM. She graduated from the University...
𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝘀: 𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗹𝗲𝗸𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗙𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻
S1 · E12 · The world has been devastated by the war and destruction in Ukraine. It is critical that youth hear directly from youth on the ground about the situation. Kectil is thus very pleased to present Oleksandra Fomin, a 2022 Kectil Colleague from Ukraine, on a Kectil KYN Podcast hosted by our Podcast leader, Daniel Ochieng in Kenya. Oleksandra is currently living in eastern Ukraine. She reports on the Russian invasion of Ukraine as she is currently living it, and in particular, tells us how young U...
Opportunities and Challenges faced by Youth in Pakistan
S1 · E11 · In this episode, we are taken through the opportunities and challenges of youth in Pakistan. Listen to Abiha to discover how much the opportunities and challenges faced by youth are similar across developing countries. Abiha is currently working at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad, Pakistan. She co-founded Sync City for youth development and mentorship and worked with an education start-up Thilliant during Covid-19. Abiha received the Schwarzman Scholarship (a US Scholarship ...
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: 𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗼-𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿, 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝗞𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀!
S1 · E10 · Today on KYN Podcast, we bring you Keaton Harris, one of our most active Kectil alumni from South Africa, doing great things for his community. Keaton is a Medical student at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. He is the CEO of InforMED Global, a healthcare-focused company that bridges the communication gap between a healthcare practitioner and his/her patients by providing high-accuracy language translation which can be used during a one-on-one consultation in a clinic or a h...
Youth-Led innovation in the Global Social innovation Space
S1 · E9 · In this episode, we listen to a young social innovator, Thamsanqa Hoza, referred to as Thami. Thami has continuously displayed his passion for the intersection of infrastructure development, tech, and people. He has become a leader in the water industry & the innovative landscape in Africa. He currently focuses on water solutions, including innovating the Hot Nozzle and providing Water Heating solutions for Africa. Amanzi Africa & NuWater provide clean water to communities, and Thami ...
Developing Skills Beyond Education in Preparation for life skills in the 21st Century
S1 · E8 · In this episode, listen to Ashwathy take Daniel through her fascinating entrepreneurial journey as an inspirational youth! Ashwathy is a TEDx Speaker, Social Entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of Avasarshala, a platform in India that connects students with aspirational opportunities, identifies their interests, and connects them to the correct prospects through a personalized recommendation engine based on their age and location. She is the People’s Choice Awardee at Youth Co: Lab India 2020 (in pa...
Youth Voices in Politics – A Snapshot of the Political Situation in Uganda
S1 · E7 · Young people are largely excluded from the political space of the country due to corrupted political systems. In this episode, we have an in-depth dive into Joel's passion for youth leadership and youth-driven development with a determination to put his rural community at the vanguard of innovations and technical development inspired by the youth. Joel Odota is the founder of Lamwo Youth Forum for Change, a community-based organization purely led and run by the youth to change the face ...
How a Brazilian Youth became an Environmental Activist
S1 · E6 · Through ecology, our world is enriched and preservation of the environment is a very instrumental factor for human well-being and prosperity. It provides new knowledge of the interdependence between people and nature vital for food production, maintaining clean air and water, and sustaining biodiversity in a constantly changing climate. In this episode, we are joined by a youth environmentalist, Luiz Bispo, who shares his journey as an environmentalist. Luiz is a world citizen, an envir...
Tale of a Youth Living Under Military Rule: Access to Education and the Quality of Education
S1 · E5 · We all wonder what it would be like to access education in a military-run state. We know it would not be easy to have quality education due to the constant combat. In this episode, we are joined by super-talented youth, Ray from Myanmar who has beaten all odds and maneuvered his path to gain an education despite all the hardships. Enjoy!
My Youthful Journey in Building and Growing a not for Profit Organisation
S1 · E4 · In this episode, Tabitha shares with Daniel about her journey in starting and running a social enterprise; Wezesha Binti Foundation; she also shares about her life growing up in Kenya and how The Mkff Kectil Program has had a significant impact on her journey; this comes in handy as the 2022 portal opens up for recruitment. Enjoy!
Youth Truthful Perspective on the Future of Afghanistan
S1 · E3 · In this episode, we gain truthful insights into Afghanistan's situation as the events unfold from the country! Kectil Colleague, Enayatullah narrates his experience as a youth hailing from a war-torn country and what he anticipates for the future of Afghanistan from a youth perspective. Enyat is a fresh graduate in Political Science, and he has a background in social and cultural activities. In Afghanistan, he worked with local NGOs concerning social issues, peacebuilding, youth empower...
Youth and Peace Building
S1 · E2 · In this episode, we have a conversation with Mridul Updahyay from India. Mridul takes Daniel through his journey as a youth peacebuilder and why youth should get involved in peacebuilding as an essential narrative to work on: beyond interpersonal and community-level engagement, engaging with systems is also required! Mridul Upadhyay is the Asia Coordinator of the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY) and Co-founder of Youth for Peace International. He has been working in y...
