Sharing Skills – Shaping Change

28.08.2025

Sharing Skills – Shaping Change – Young Voices from Kenya in Bavaria

The world of agriculture and food is turning upside down – in the best possible way. All over the globe, systems are being rethought to make them fit for the future. Encounters, exchange, and learning from one another are at the heart of this transformation. This is exactly where the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) comes in.

Its mission is clear: to make the human right to food a lived reality – not just a promise in speeches.

To achieve this, the ministry brings together people from governments, associations, science, and civil society – openly, critically, and on equal footing. Their cooperation is guided by the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda: empowering women, creating opportunities for youth, including marginalised groups, enabling participation, and working together globally.

One special flagship event is the International Leadership Workshop for Rural Youth. Since 1962, it has been held every two years in Herrsching, on the shores of Lake Ammersee in Bavaria. This year, from 14 to 27 August 2025, the theme is “Sharing Skills – Shaping Change”.
The workshop brings together 82 young leaders from 59 Countries around the world – people who take responsibility in rural youth work or vocational training, who lead with passion, and who inspire others as role models. This year, BBV LIZ invited two remarkable young women from WoFaAK:

IMG_20250827_153133_295 IMG_20250827_152802_247
Carolyne Wanjiru Marigu from Embu County and Helda Achieng Okoth from Kisumu County.

Both are not only driving change in their own communities but are also eager to broaden their horizons.

We asked them about their experiences in Bavaria – and what they will take back home:

Carolyne, Helda – please introduce yourselves.

Carolyne: I’m Carolyne Marigu, a young lady from Nduuri Village, Embu Kenya. I’m passionate about economic empowerment among young women through Agriculture.
Helda: I am Helda Achieng Okoth from Siaya County. I am passionate about agriculture, youth empowerment, creating opportunities for young women to engage in agribusiness, and sustainable practices. Through my work with WoFaAK, I support women and youth in gaining skills, especially in post-harvest handling and value addition. I am involved in growing indigenous vegetables, bananas, and rearing local chickens.
How did you get involved with WoFaAK?

Carolyne: I got involved with WoFaAK through hearing from a friend. After that, my community youth group decided to join WoFaAK. So far, we are grateful for being part of WoFaAK.
Helda: I learned about WoFaAK through a friend who introduced me to their program. I was inspired by their vision of empowering women farmers. Over time, I have been actively involved in training and community mobilisation, with a primary focus on empowering women and youth to strengthen their roles in agriculture. I later joined a group named "Geno's self-help group", where I was the treasurer.
“Sharing Skills – Shaping Change” sounds ambitious. What does it mean to you, and what will you take back to Kenya?

Carolyne: ‘Sharing Skills-Shaping Change” is a very interesting theme. From the theme, I will take to Kenya effective leadership skills like problem solving, developing action plans and effective communication. These will be helpful in implementing sustainable practices in our organizations.
Helda: To me, it means learning from others and passing on that knowledge to make a difference. I will take back the spirit of collaboration, new approaches in rural women leadership, and encouragement to create more inclusive spaces for women and young people in agriculture in Kenya.
What were your personal highlights – and why?

Carolyne: My personal highlights include: the language group-based classes, our facilitator Charlotte taught impactful lessons, especially how to think out of the box. The art of being creative and effectively sharing your creativity with other people. Also, the excursion to the cooperative-owned organic farm, gave me ideas of how to provide organic foods to the community in a sustainable manner.
Helda: My highlights were meeting young leaders from different countries. It showed me that even though we are from different places, we share similar challenges and dreams.
Fifty nine countries, countless cultures: how was it to meet so many young people from around the world? Were you more impressed by the differences or by the similarities?

Carolyne: It was fascinating to meet people from different communities. I learned we have lots of similarities and diversities too. I was impressed by how, despite our diversities, we want a secure world, with food security and a conserved environment to prevent climate change. Every participant is motivated to improve the quality of life in his/her community.
Helda: It was amazing. I saw many different cultures and how people dress, speak, and share ideas. However, I was impressed with the similarities in the passion for change, the dedication to agriculture, and the shared dream of building a better future for our communities.
And how did you find Bavaria – the landscape, the culture, maybe even the food?

Carolnye: I find Bavaria landscapes to be very beautiful. Watching the sunset at the lake almost daily gave me a lot of peace. Hiking the beautiful Alps mountains was breathtaking and a unique experience. I can’t forget the culture that involves very unique Bavarian dress codes, Bavaria band, the beer and the advanced women's empowerment. I tried almost all Bavarian dishes. My favourite was creamy potatoes, roasted potatoes, turkey & chicken meet. I loved the fermented vegetables and various forms of cheese.
Helda: Bavaria is very beautiful, green, and peaceful. The people were welcoming, and I enjoyed their music and food, even though they were different from what I had at home.
Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Carolyne: First, I’m very grateful to BBV LIZ for inviting me to this workshop. It's something I’ve never experienced before, and I will carry the teachings, experiences and memories forever in my heart. I am more motivated and empowered to serve the community. I also look forward to more opportunities where I can partner and cooperate with BBV LIZ. Continue doing the good work. Let’s continue to shape positive change in the world, Germany and Kenya together. I wouldn’t mind another chance to visit Germany and interact more with people from Bavaria.
Helda: I am very grateful to BBV –LIZ for this opportunity. It has broadened my perspective, built my confidence, and reminded me that young women can be powerful voices for change. I look forward to using the knowledge and connections I gained here to support more women in rural areas. I'm going to start an herb farm and train more young women to venture into herb farming. I will send pictures.