Champion of Change (CoC)

Champion of Change (CoC) is SHA’s flagship youth-led initiative, empowering refugee youth—especially adolescent girls and boys—to become agents of transformation in their communities. The program builds a movement of young leaders who drive change in health, education, and social justice.

Purpose & Vision

  • Empower Youth: Equip girls and boys with knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills.
  • Promote SRHR & Mental Health: Deliver sexual health and mental wellness education.
  • Foster Advocacy: Develop youth as role models and advocates for change.
  • Drive Community Action: Mobilize youth to tackle gender inequality and harmful practices.

Training & Capacity Building

  • Suicide response and prevention
  • SRHR education and peer counseling
  • Leadership and advocacy skills
  • Community mobilization techniques
  • Conflict resolution and peacebuilding

Trainings are conducted with SHA staff, clinics, and partners like LWF Uganda and RHU.

Impact & Outcomes

  • Formation of youth groups serving as local champions
  • Improved access to sexual health resources for teen mothers and vulnerable youth
  • Positive shifts in health behaviors, academic re-engagement, and self-esteem
  • Greater awareness of human rights and reproductive autonomy

Key Milestones

Date Activity/Event Impact
July 2023 Suicide prevention training 120 youth trained, including survivors
August 2023 Health education campaign with St. Elijah Clinic 250+ reached, 180 referrals, 10 SGBV cases managed
September 2023 Formation of CoC girls’ group 30 adolescent girls mobilized for SRHR advocacy
Oct–Nov 2023 Youth Peace Conferences with LWF Uganda 150+ youth engaged in peacebuilding
2024–Present CoC leads expansion into livelihoods & education Teenage mothers empowered, youth-led agriculture promoted

Gallery Highlights

Suicide prevention training SRHR workshop Peace conference UNHCR delegation visit Refugee International Day event

Success Story

Imagine this:
A 17-year-old teen mother joins SHA’s CoC program in a refugee camp. Through mentorship, she learns to navigate reproductive health challenges, regains confidence, and soon begins helping others learn. She becomes a voice of strength in her community — guiding peers, advocating with local leaders, and reshaping how girls are perceived. That’s the CoC legacy in motion.

CoC is more than a program—it’s a movement.

These youth champions are shaping the future of their communities with courage, compassion, and leadership.

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