by ChildFund Guatemala
What happens when 185 young people full of enthusiasm and a desire to excel get together? Good things!
At ChildFund’s Youth Spokesperson in Action conference held last month in Guatemala, youth came from different parts of the country to make friends, share experiences and tell their stories of community involvement through a project fair. A primary purpose of the gathering was to launch a Network of National Spokespersons, representing ChildFund projects.
Can you imagine the strength and creativity of these young men and women expressing their opinions? It was amazing to see them work together, formulate their arguments and perceive that it is possible to make changes in their daily lives.
“Weaving Our Network” was the theme for the meeting, which culminated a yearlong series of individual ChildFund-supported workshops to help youth develop observation, analytical and communication skills.
On the opening Friday of the conference, the young people had a day of recreation to get acquainted, and the fun was merged with the work of assembling the fair stands, which began to take shape and color.
On Saturday, following the fair and other workshop sessions, participants received a badge certifying them as Youth Spokespersons in Action. Applause and smiles all around.
At the closing ceremony, Mario Lima, National Director of ChildFund Guatemala, urged youth to remain committed to upholding the U.N. International Convention on the Rights of the Child and to create opportunities for “listening to the voices of childhood, adolescence and youth.”
Now these inspired youth are back at work in their communities — committed to leading positive change.