In a world facing growing environmental and social challenges, empowering local youth has never been more critical. YMCA Moramanga, in collaboration with Voary Voakajy Madagascar, held a hands-on training session at the Youth Power Space, focused on project planning and nursery management.
This initiative, part of the DIR project, aimed to create meaningful, long-term impact by equipping 19 young participants with the tools and knowledge to become active changemakers in their communities.
The training had three key goals:
Strengthen youth capacity in planning and managing community-based projects;
Provide technical foundations in nursery management;
Encourage the development and implementation of sustainable initiatives with environmental, economic, and social impact.
Day 1 – Project Planning and Management
Participants were introduced to essential planning tools:
The SMART method for setting clear, achievable goals;
The IOV (Objectively Verifiable Indicators) framework to evaluate impact;
Techniques for building a realistic project budget.
Through hands-on exercises, particpants were able to design fictional projects using the tools introduced. A practical testimonial from the trainer bridged theory with reality, sparking meaningful questions and dialogue.
Day 2 – Nursery Management Training
Participants explored key techniques for producing high-quality seedlings:
Selecting seeds suited to local soil and climate;
Preparing containers and soil;
Sowing, watering, transplanting, and seedling care.
The session highlighted the potential of local plant nurseries not only as a tool for reforestation and home gardening, but also as a means of generating income.
They gained a strong grasp of project management tools and demonstrated a clear desire to apply their new skills by launching small-scale nursery projects in their own communities.
Beyond technical knowledge, the training significantly contributed to developing their leadership, sense of initiative, and ability to turn ideas into concrete actions.
This session laid the groundwork for a new generation of youth leaders, committed to practical, solution-based responses to local challenges.
