At World Waternet, the Young Expert Programmes (YEP) is more than a professional development programme. It is an investment in people. World Waternet has been working with YEP for decades, and we are proud to call many YEP alumni our colleagues. In this blog, our colleague Enfani Sabi, Project Lead for Communication, Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) within the ECDD-GIRE programme in Burkina Faso, reflects on her YEP journey after recently completing the programme. Just as she completes her return training, Helza Zongo joins our team in Burkina Faso as a YEP.
What is YEP?
Before we can talk about Enfani's or Helza's stories, we should bring everyone up to speed on YEP. The Young Expert Programmes (YEP) is an international initiative that supports young professionals working on food security, water and renewable energy challenges. Through training, coaching, international exchange and practical work experience, YEP helps participants develop both professionally and personally while contributing to sustainable development in their home countries.
A turning point can start with a simple conversation: Enfani's Journey
My name is Enfani Sabi and I am part of the ECDD-GIRE team in Burkina Faso. Through my role I contribute to communication, gender and social inclusion activities that support farmers, water users and local institutions across Burkina Faso. The confidence and leadership skills gained through YEP have helped me engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate dialogue around sustainable water management.
Looking back at the past two years, I realise that some of the biggest turning points in my career began with a single conversation. In 2024, while working as a Communication Advisor for World Waternet in Burkina Faso, my Regional Director, Janette Worm, nominated me for the Young Expert Programme. She believed in my potential and selected me as World Waternet's candidate, an opportunity that would change the course of my professional journey.
Professional growth goes hand in hand with personal growth
From the three-week introductory training in the Netherlands to all the one-to-one coaching sessions I've had throughout the programme, YEP taught me how to better understand myself and introduced me to a broader network of Young Experts from all around the world.
During the trainings, I got a deeper understanding of how I communicate, make decisions, and lead. My coach, Paul van Essen, encouraged me to go beyond professional objectives when looking inward. It starts with who you are, and YEP helped me see my ambitions, who I want to become. The guidance I received helped me build confidence and embrace opportunities that once seemed beyond my reach.
Returning to Burkina Faso, I brought back much more than new knowledge. I returned with a different mindset and renewed confidence.
Embracing new challanges
Only a few months later, I had the honour of presenting at World Water Week 2024 in Stockholm. Standing in front of an international audience, I realised how much YEP had prepared me, not only professionally but also personally, to represent both my organisation and my country with confidence.
This year, I returned to the Netherlands for the Return Training. Coming back as an experienced Young Expert and completing the programme as a YEP alumna was an emotional moment.
YEP has strengthened my skills, broadened my perspective and prepared me for greater responsibilities. Most importantly, it has shown me how much can happen when someone believes in your potential, and when you choose to believe in yourself.
One YEP journey ends, another begins: meet Helza
While Enfani's YEP journey has recently come full circle, mine is only just beginning.
My name is Zongo Wendbenedo Helza Kevine, and I recently joined World Waternet as Liaison Officer Climate Proof Drinking Water through the Young Expert Programme. In my role,I will contribute to strengthening climate resilience within drinking water systems and support collaboration between local and international partners.
Being selected for YEP is both an honour and a responsibility. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring programme.
More than training: joining a community
Last month, I travelled to the Netherlands for my first YEP training. Together with Young Experts from different countries, I participated in workshops and interactive sessions on leadership, intercultural communication and public speaking. One of the aspects that impressed me most was the opportunity to better understand my own personality and become more effective both professionally and personally. Beyond the training itself, I got to exchange ideas with so many water professionals, with different challenges and backgrounds. I feel like I have already become part of this international community of professionals.
As I begin this adventure, I have set myself several objectives. I hope to strengthen both my technical and personal skills, develop my leadership abilities, expand my professional network and learn from experts and fellow Young Experts from around the world. Seeing the journey of former Young Experts like Enfani gives me confidence that I will be able to realise these golas.
I am starting this journey with enthusiasm, curiosity and determination. I know the coming years will bring new challenges, meaningful learning experiences and inspiring encounters, and I look forward to applying everything I learn to support World Waternet, my community and sustainable water management in Burkina Faso.
Are you ready for a new adventure?
For Enfani, YEP has become the foundation for new responsibilities and continued professional growth. For Helza, it marks the beginning of an exciting adventure filled with opportunities to learn, grow and contribute. That is perhaps the greatest strength of the Young Expert Programme. It does not simply develop individual professionals, it builds a community of leaders who continue to inspire and support one another across countries, cultures and generations.
Are you ready to join?
