Final evaluation – Youth Talk Phase II: Empowering young people in conflict affected communities in the Central African Republic, Kenya, Mali & South Sudan

This evaluation report summarizes the significant achievements of Youth Talk Phase II (2022-2025), a multi-country initiative by Search for Common Ground, funded by the Bezos Family Foundation. The program empowered adolescents aged 15-18 in conflict-affected regions of the Central African Republic, Kenya, Mali, and South Sudan by strengthening their voice, leadership, and protection. Through youth-led media production, intergenerational dialogue, and civic engagement, Youth Talk II directly reached over 494 youth and indirectly engaged more than 11,400 participants. Its radio programs reached an estimated 5.05 million listeners, contributing significantly to the global Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda by positioning adolescents as active peacebuilders and change agents.

The project successfully fostered individual-level changes, including enhanced skills in journalism, advocacy, and leadership, alongside a strengthened sense of safety, confidence, and agency among participants. It also positively reshaped intergenerational relationships by increasing adults’ recognition of youth voices and fostering collaboration. At the community level, Youth Talk II facilitated the expansion of peer networks and supported numerous youth-led initiatives addressing critical issues. Furthermore, the program achieved system-level and institutional changes by establishing youth-led media as a legitimate civic platform, deepening institutional trust through formal partnerships, and integrating safeguarding and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) into broader organizational practices.