Supporting Young People to Lead: Reflections from our Community Leadership Academy

What happens when young people who have experienced forced migration are given the space to lead? At Justice Centre Hong Kong, we’ve seen how powerful the answer can be.

The Community Leadership Academy (CLA) was developed to respond to a gap we saw: refugee and asylum-seeking youth, particularly those aged 18 to 29, often face long periods of uncertainty and exclusion, with imperfect access to education, work, or leadership opportunities. CLA was created to find a space within limitations—to offer structured support where there was little, and to help young people strengthen their confidence, skills, and networks so they can lead within their own communities and beyond.

Over ten weeks of workshops, followed by a mentoring phase and community action planning, we witnessed meaningful changes in participants. Some entered the programme unsure of their voice or role, hesitant to speak in groups or share ideas. By the end, many were leading presentations, facilitating discussions, and sharing thoughtful reflections on the issues that matter most to them and their communities.

Importantly, the CLA also focuses on building longer-term capacity. Alumni from the previous year returned to take on facilitation and mentoring roles, shaping this year’s programme with their insights and experiences. This growing network of peer leaders reflects the programme’s core goal: to support refugee youth not only to build individual confidence but to strengthen collective leadership within their communities.