Empowering Youth Through Project Management: AWA Ambassadors Program
Written by: Andrea Cáceres
At The AWA Project, we recognize that youth are powerful agents of change, especially when equipped with the right tools and guidance. That’s why we recently hosted a dynamic and interactive workshop focused on project management fundamentals, tailored specifically for young leaders passionate about water issues in their communities. This workshop was part of our ongoing AWA Ambassadors Program, which empowers young changemakers through targeted education, mentorship, and action-oriented training.
This particular workshop, divided into two sessions, is directed at volunteers from Team Bertho, a youth organization that fosters global connection by sharing human life stories across borders. We were also joined by South Asian Young Women in Water (SAYWiW), a youth-led initiative empowering young women water professionals in South Asia, who contributed to the first session by helping set the local context around water challenges in Bangladesh.
The workshop kicked off with insights from the Bangladesh Representative of SAYWiW, grounding participants in local realities by addressing critical water challenges affecting the region. These included seasonal droughts and groundwater depletion in the north, saltwater intrusion and cyclone damage in the southern coastal belt, and severe water pollution in industrial areas like Dhaka. This opening helped participants connect the broader concept of project management to everyday issues they see and experience, sparking meaningful conversations and ideas.
Following this, we dove into the core of project management through accessible and simple language, with a step-by-step framework for designing advocacy initiatives drawing from our Waterways of Change toolkit. Participants were introduced to five main phases: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring, and Evaluation. Each phase was paired with practical tools and techniques to ensure effective implementation. The session was designed to be educational and highly actionable, from setting SMART goals and conducting needs assessments, to building timelines with the help of a Gantt chart, elaborating a Work Breakdown Structure, and analyzing stakeholder dynamics using tools like the Problem Tree and 5 Whys.
What made this workshop truly powerful was its emphasis on practical application. This wasn’t just about learning theory—it was about helping youth begin building real projects with real impact. Whether it’s launching a local awareness media campaign, recording a podcast with a water conservation advocate, or designing a short documentary project in their community, participants left with a concrete toolkit to transform their ideas into action.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host a second session, where these young leaders will return to present their own project plans. They will share the issues they aim to tackle, the strategies they have designed, and the outcomes they hope to achieve. This upcoming session will not only showcase their creativity and commitment but also serve as a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and continued learning. Additionally, we will offer a reflection space where participants can share feedback on the workshop experience and how the project management tools supported their work.
Through the AWA Ambassadors Program, The AWA Project is not only equipping youth with valuable knowledge and skills but also building a global community of thoughtful, skilled change makers ready to lead local water initiatives.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow their journeys and support them in turning their visions into reality.