Çisem Kaço from Türkiye is the YES Student of the Month
By Joy David Alewa (YES 2015-2016, Nigeria, placed by AYUSA in Buckley, WA)
During my YES exchange year, I gained leadership and public speaking skills through classes and contests at my host school and by participating in the Civic Education Workshop. Inspired by this experience, I’ve participated in debates and public speaking competitions, using them as a platform for social advocacy. Through these experiences, I gained leadership skills and unwavering confidence in pursuing my dream of becoming a lawyer, and I’m currently a law student at the University of Maiduguri.
Borno State, rich in cultural heritage, has faced significant challenges from years of unrest and insecurity. Many women and girls have been victims of gender-based violence at the hands of extremists who aim to limit their access to education, undermining their confidence and leadership potential. To push back against these barriers, I created the Her Voice Amplified workshop with the support of a YES Alumni Grant.
This two-day workshop in Maiduguri brought together 62 girls from five secondary schools to develop skills in public speaking, leadership, and communication. With the help of professional trainers and volunteers, participants engaged in sessions on public speaking fundamentals, vocabulary and pronunciation skills, mental health, British Parliamentary debate techniques, and the “nine Ps” of public speaking. Watching participants evolve from hesitant speakers to confident debaters was inspiring.
Pre- and post-project surveys showed a 45% improvement in language skills, vocabulary, and public speaking confidence. To ensure sustainability, my team established public speaking and literary clubs in participating schools, creating spaces for girls to continue honing their skills. This initiative gained visibility through an interview on the University of Maiduguri radio station, which helped attract interest from stakeholders and potential supporters.
Leading this workshop has been a transformative journey for me, deepening my commitment to amplifying the voices of young women. I aim to expand this project to reach more girls across northeastern Nigeria, establishing mentoring platforms to inspire future generations.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to our volunteers and partners, including the Redeeming Identities Initiative, a local nonprofit organization committed to promoting education and empowerment; the Law Students Association of Nigeria, University of Maiduguri Chapter; and the YES Alumni Association of Nigeria. Special thanks to the U.S. Department of State and the YES program for supporting this impactful initiative. I also thank my local recruiting organization, Iowa Resource for International Studies (IRIS), for their invaluable support.