2010 Peruvian YAs: A Collection of Reflections

Each country delegation moved to one particular state. We went to San Antonio, Texas. We were received by Youth Ambassadors Texas and that same day, we were set up with our host families, mine was the Klunders. Michael is my peer, Diane my mom, Charlie my dad. Particularly, there was another exchange boy from Germany called Sassan. During the weekends Michael, Sassan and I hang out by either going to the theatre or going shopping. Now, we are really close, as a family. We are laughing and having fun all the time. If I could stay a few more weeks, even a few more days, I would definitely do it. I mean, it has been the journey of a lifetime. I have learnt about a developed culture, the way it works, the way American people think, the way to success.
Juan 

Our second day in Washington we went to the Department of State, where we met Maria Otero, from Bolivia. We talked to her for a while and she told us about her work there. We learned a lot from there and we saw in here an example of life, because she worked really hard and made a lot of efforts for reach what she finally got. She made us realize about global problems, people treatment and social problems. She also made us know about the solutions she and her work group are proposing to solve this problems. I felt really proud of seen a woman from Latinoamerica in such an important charge in the United States. 
Dante

That afternoon we went to a baseball game.  We were so looking forward for this day. It was between Nationals against the Philies. It was very exciting. At half time we saw the mascots get into the field. They entertained us with their funny dances and big heads. We had a really good time learning about this very representative sport of USA and cheering the players on.  We even bought some things from the shop like red hands and nats t-shirts. We rooted for the hometeam and they won!
Ethel

 On the third day in Washington DC, we went to the OAS where we learnt about the functions this big organization has, and also about their work with teenagers. Now we know that there are people that trust in us and who also think we are the future of our world. This visit really inspired us to be better and to reach for something bigger for our society as we have seen people working really hard to integrate our nations.
Maria Alejandra

My favorite day at Washington D.C. was when we were in the Hard Rock Café!  Because I found there plenty od interesting things, like posters, clothing, guitars and all those kind of stuff. It all was amazing! But my two favorite things there were a jacket which belonged to Jimi Hendrix, who was an american  guitarrist, singer a writer. He’s is often considered to be the greatest electric guitarist in the history of rock music, so it was like “great here I have part of one of my favorite musicians, part of the history, part of one of my idols, a dream come true!”
Mario

We are in the airport, in the way to Texas. We are first flying to Dallas, and there, taking our flight to San Antonio. I am happy, as I am no feeling my common traveling-headache, neither my traveling-stomachache. We are in Dallas airport, but we are late to our flight to San Antonio. We are received by some people from the Youth Ambassadors program in Texas. I am taking all my bags (I got three big ones) and going to Iliana’s house. The house is amazing and everyone here is so kind. We are having a fast lunch and, then, we go jumping or playing our version of American football. I am having lots of fun and I am taking dozens of pictures with my camera. I am very hot. Now, it’s 6 o’clock and still sunny. There is a charming reception and now we are meeting our hosts families. Each one has one peer. I am one of the Wells. We all meet and have a Peruvian dinner. My family is simply great.
Olenka

La Mision Espanola de San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo conocida como “The Queen of the missions” (la reina de las misiones) que visitamos el 19 de Abril fue bastante interesante pues se ve como un lugar detenido en el tiempo, resaltando entre la modernidad de los Estados Unidos. Se trata de una Reduccion  Espanola de indigenas dirigida por la iglesia catolica establecida en 1720 por el padre Antonio Margil de Jesus para la Evangelizacion y Defensa de los Nativos Norteamericanos. El lugar esta lleno de encantos y misterios que hacen mas grande la cultura de la Ciudad de San Antonio en Texas. Fue bastante bueno el saber que el Estado proteje estas areas historicas que es esencial para la conservacion de la identidad de los jovenes de la ciudad de San Antonio.
Milton

Este fue nuestro primer día en Communications Arts High School y acompañe a mi peer, Bianca a sus clases. La primera fue Ingles, un poco irónico pero interesante; luego fui a español y pude ayudar a las amigas de Bianca y a ella en algunas dudas. También fuimos al comedor el cual fue un ambiente totalmente nuevo para mí y todos los chicos, pero cada uno de nuestros peers nos ayudaron. Los chicos fueron muy amables y se les noto interesados en conocer sobre el Perú y nuestras costumbres (bailes típicos, música, comida, etc.). Fue genial poder compartir el primer día con mi peer y toda esa sociedad juvenil, me permitió conocer lo que ellos piensan y sienten, y también expresar lo que es para mi este viaje y las expectativas que tenia en ello, pues de esa manera podría cooperar con mi comunidad en Perú. He escuchado que el primer día en una escuela nueva es traumante pero creo que no es así pues el mío fue AWESOME!
Kelly

This has been an amazing experience, I will never forget all the people I met, I won’t lose touch  with all the people I met here either. This is not a farewell, this is just the beginning of a new experience and the beginning of the change in our countries!
Jesus

Ya que regresamos a Peru, empieza una nueva hoja de nuestra vida, empezaremos a realizar el proyecto en beneficio de nuestras comunidades y aplicar todo lo ensenado y aprendido en nuestro viaje, forjando mas lideres para un Peru mejor, que tenga verdaderos jovenes que luchen porque el dia siga brillando cada dia.
Araceli

2010 Peruvian YAs

Argentine YAs: Aprendiendo tras Viviendo

Cuando nos enteramos, tres meses atrás, que íbamos a formar parte de Youth Ambassadors, pensamos que ésta iba a ser la experiencia más importante de nuestras vidas. Y no nos equivocamos.
Este viaje nos esté permitiendo mejorar el manejo del idioma inglés, conocer de cerca la forma de vida estadounidense y, al mismo tiempo, conocernos más a nosotros mismos.
Durante nuestra estadía en Washington DC APRENDIMOS muchísimo acerca de la historia estadounidense. Visitamos museos, organizaciones, instituciones, monumentos y vivimos momentos que atesoraremos en nuestros corazones para siempre.
Estando en DC, tuvimos la oportunidad de conocer a los Jóvenes Embajadores de Venezuela, Uruguay y Paraguay. Esas diferencias culturales que en un principio nos dividían, terminaron uniéndonos. Establecimos lazos de amistad inquebrantables con adolescentes de otros países y CONOCIMOS más acerca de sus hábitos y costumbres. Creemos que esta amistad representa de alguna manera una unión entre los diferentes países americanos, y que nos va a permitir, en un futuro cercano, cuando llevemos a cabo los proyectos comunitarios, establecer una red de solidaridad entre dichos países. Este compañerismo fue mas que evidente al ver las lágrimas en algunos rostros al momento de partir cada delegación a su correspondiente Estado, pero con la firme promesa de reencontrarnos pronto.
Esta segunda parte del viaje, en Montana, representaba un desafió mucho mayor: ya no consistía en ver como turista a los Estados Unidos, sino VIVIR su cultura. Y qué mejor manera de hacerlo que conviviendo con una host family, interactuando con adolescentes de nuestra edad, asistiendo a un colegio… Esa es la mejor manera de aprender: VIVIENDO.
De eso se trata esta experiencia, de APRENDER, de VIVIR, de CONOCER, de AYUDAR. Porque la parte más importante de esta experiencia es que ahora sentimos que tenemos las herramientas para poder ayudar a nuestras comunidades. Sabemos cómo conseguir recursos. Sabemos cómo dividir tareas. Sabemos cómo organizarnos. Sabemos que unidos se puede. Todos esos proyectos que estaban en nuestras mentes, sentimos que ahora podemos hacer que dejen de ser sólo proyectos para que se transformen en realidad.
 
 
GRACIAS por permitirnos vivir esta maravillosa experiencia. GRACIAS por ayudarnos a ayudar.
 
Youth Ambassadors Argentina 2010

Surfing USA- Uruguayan YAs talk about their trip

The beginning of this dream was our departure from Uruguay. We were so excited about this trip and all the experiences that we could not wait for it to start.
We arrived to Washington DC airport on March 31^st. Melissa, Elizabeth, Lauren and Kate, Partners of the Americas’ staff, were waiting for us.  After that, they took us to the hotel, and there we met the other Youth Ambassadors from Paraguay, Argentina and Venezuela. In that moment the cultural exchange began.
Together we spent five wonderful days and we enjoyed orientations, where Elizabeth, Melissa and Lauren first gave us instructions for our stay in Washington DC, and then for our trip to Minnesota. Besides, we shared some workshops about how to use the photography in our projects and how to create and organize volunteer projects in our communities. These activities were very useful and enjoyable too. Then, at Kaboom we learned about a big volunteer organization, and how it works.
During all our outings around the city, we enjoyed wonderful views and took pictures of the beautiful cherry blossoms. We had a lot of important meetings, such as the one at the OAS, State Department or Uruguayan Embassy, where we learned a lot about international relationships and how to improve it. We also learned about the situation of our country in the international context. We saw a lot of different monuments, memorials and visited some of the Smithsonian museums, where we learned about American History and about some of its most significant leaders. We also learned about science, culture and art. For fun, Elizabeth, Melissa and Lauren invited us to go to a basketball game. The Wizards played against the Chicago Bulls. It was a completely new experience for us. We loved being in that huge indoor stadium, and had a lot of fun.
After a week in Washington D.C, we arrived to the Chicago airport. While we were waiting for our next flight, we spent the time doing some window shopping. Our plane took off at 11:45 and our destination was Minneapolis International Airport. We were anxious about meeting our host families and our coordinators in Minnesota. After an hour we arrived to Minneapolis where Patrick and Sue were waiting for us with a Uruguayan flag!!! Our trip from Minneapolis to Montevideo took two hours by car, and we arrived to Montevideo and immediately went to the CURE office where our host families were waiting for us. One of our most important wishes, being part of a traditional American family, was beginning.  But on the other hand, we had mixed feelings.  On one hand, we were happy for having been through that great experience in Washington DC with all the group, but on the other hand, we were also a little sad because we were not going to be together all the time in Minnesota. We were only going to see each other for some activities.
Once we were in our respective homes, we started to live the American way of life day by day. During our stay, we went to the Montevideo Senior High School, where we found a huge difference between our educational system and the American one. With Patrick Moore, we went through the history and culture of the region. For example, we visited South Dakota, home of the Dakota native people (most commonly known as the Sioux tribe) where we had a great opportunity of sharing a nice moment with Dr. Elden Lawrence, a Native American elder.
We also visited places like the Chippewa County Court House, the Circle Sentence (penitentiary system for minors) and the Montevideo City Hall, where we had the chance to learn more about the American Government.
Our visit to Montevideo also included recreational activities like kayaking and canoeing, helping in one of the community projects from CURE like the cleanup of the Minnesota River, sharing “asados” with our host families among many other things, all of which increased the affective bond with our host families.
Undoubtedly, the ten days we spent in Montevideo were one of the best experiences of the journey, where thanks to the hospitality and love of our families, we felt as if we were in our own homes and families. In that period of time we realized how similar Uruguay and Minnesota are.

After the incredible experience in Montevideo MN, we were ready but a little anxious about the last stage of our journey, since we were going to meet a new host family in Stillwater.
As soon as we arrived here we had the feeling that it would be very different from our previous experience in Montevideo MN because we were immersed in a very different economic and social reality.
However, after three days living here we realized that despite the different realities and habits between these two cities, the relationship among family members, as well as their attention and dedication to us was the same. They were always trying to make us feel good and to share their culture with us as much as possible.
We would also like to point out the clear difference we could observe between the Montevideo MN students and those who attend the huge Stillwater High School. For example, while the first ones were a bit afraid of talking with us, here they were eager to welcome us and make us lots of questions.
It was wonderful to share these last days of our trip with them. We had the opportunity to contrast their lifestyle with ours as well as with other cities in the same country. Finally, we would like to thank Partners of the Americas, the Department of State, and the US Embassy in Uruguay for giving us the opportunity to participate in the Youth Ambassadors Program. It was an incredible learning experience that has changed our life and that we will never forget.

2010 Uruguayan YAs

2010 YAs from Bolivia

 Durante nuestra estadía en los Estados Unidos en la ciudad de Washington DC conocimos a personas muy importantes como Sarah  Holland, Aline Hommes, Javier Cusicanqui, Fabián C. y María Otero quien fue la persona que más nos inspiro y motivo a seguir adelante.  Debido a que actualmente ocupa un cargo muy importante en los Estados Unidos sin dejar atrás sus raíces bolivianas.
La Secretaria de Estado por la Democracia y Relaciones Internacionales, María Otero, es una persona culta muy dedicada a su trabajo ya que teniendo una agenda muy apretada nos ofreció un poco de su valioso tiempo para comentarnos un poco de la función que desempeña en el gobierno de los Estados Unidos.
Para nosotros fue una persona muy humilde, respetuosa y compresiva, nos quedamos muy admirados al ver el esfuerzo que hizo para llegar al importante cargo que ocupa hoy continuando con su sencillez, ella demostró  que todas las personas tenemos la capacidad de llegar al éxito solo con esfuerzo y voluntad.
En conclusión queremos agregar que ella es una persona muy ejemplar para todos, preocupándose por los diferentes problemas que existe en el mundo, en lo personal nosotros los bolivianos nos sentimos orgullosos de tener personas emprendedoras como ella.

Jóvenes Embajadores Bolivia 2010

2010 YA’s from Paraguay

During these days in the United States, we have been doing so many things and learning from them. Since the beginning we felt the “American way”, rushing from one place to another, being practical like eating and working at the same time, and best of all the importance of being on time for meetings.

In Washington D.C. we visited so many tourist  places; everything we saw on TV or in the internet was there for us to take pictures. Indeed, we were amazed at the beauty and greatness that historical buildings express, showing us the importance of them and also the beautiful cherry blossoms around the city.

In the capital city  we stayed at a hotel with people  from three different countries: Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela.  That was another way of cultural exchange. We had the chance to share a room and have some meals together. We found out that we have so many similarities among us and differences that make us unique in a wonderful way.  We also learned a lot about ourselves as a result of this experience.  By the way, we made great friends that we will be meeting in the future as part of  becoming friends and sharing the dream to be a Youth Ambassador.

We also had the opportunity to meet people who taught us about leadership and volunteerism, as well as gave us resources that can help us build our project in Paraguay. We are happy to share this information with our partners and choose the best way to work as leaders in our communities.

In Kansas, we are living with our host families, we are learning about their culture and their lifestyle, as well as we are sharing about our own experiences through Mrs. Gill’s classes. At first it felt like what we normally see on American movies, the lockers and their owners, the baseball team and game the very first day, the cafeteria with many students in it, and we also watched a musical which was awesome. 
We think that this experience is really enjoyable, pleasant, useful, fulfilling, interesting , and memorable, it is a great chance that will help us built our personalities and believe that we can make a better world to live in. This group is composed of Paraguayan students, and the people living here in the United States, so, both of us are learning a lot from each other as well.  

Youth Ambassadors  Paraguay 2010

Han sido largas dias desde el terremoto….by Barbara Assor (YA 2009)

Mi nombre es Bárbara Assor, soy joven embajadora 2009 y vivo en Valdivia, Región de los ríos, Chile. Acá el primer terremoto alcanzo los 6,5 grados escala Richter, fue de noche, primero solo un vaivén suave (normal para nosotros) luego con violencia, y el sonido ensordecedor de la tierra hizo que el pánico se apoderara de vecinos, se cayeron las líneas telefónicas y se corto la luz en seguida, por tanto muchas de las familias separadas (entre ellas la mía) no podía saber como estaban sus parientes, luego,  en menos de dos horas, vino el segundo gran temblor que alcanzo 6,3 grados y termino de botar las cosas que estaban a medio caer. Al día siguiente el miedo seguía, así como las replicas; quienes viven en la costa, salieron de sus casas en la noche a refugiarse en el cementerio que esta en el cerro, ya que Valdivia la cruza un hermoso río y  esta rodeada por el mar. Nos enteramos que la Región de la Araucanía y la Región del Bio Bio estaban prácticamente en el piso, que la isla Juan  Fernández y toda la costa de las regiones afectadas fueron inundadas por grandes olas, que se llevaron a mas de 100 personas al mar, y dimos gracias al Señor  porque no corrimos la misma suerte; había que hacer algo,  las personas que se salvaron de las olas estaban en los cerros, las veíamos por la tele diciendo que lo habían perdido todo, pero que estaban con vida y eso era lo importante, imágenes conmovedoras de personas escarbando el fango para ver si recuperaban algo, luego los saqueos, y el hambre.

 Sabiendo todo eso empezamos campañas solidarias, en conjunto con la municipalidad, y organizaciones como Un Techo Para Chile, la Cruz Roja Internacional, el Hogar de Cristo, la Asociación de Guías y Scouts de Chile, la Federación de Estudiantes de la Universidad Austral de Chile y  los Alumnos de colegios de enseñanza media, empezamos haciendo puerta a puerta, pidiendo colaboración en el centro y en los supermercados, y la gente (mi gente valdiviana) no tuvo miedo de colaborar; preguntaban que podían darnos y se ofrecían para ayudarnos en lo que pudiesen, nuestro trabajo fue arduo, y aun seguimos trabajando, haciendo canastas familiares de acuerdo a  los requisitos pedidos por la cruz roja, clasificando ropa, para que puedan entregarla mas fácilmente, para finalmente llenar camiones y enviarlos a las zonas mas afectadas, así como apoyo de estudiantes de la universidad que preste un servicio tanto psicológico, como también para hacer llegar la ayuda donde aun no ha llegado el gobierno.

  A la fecha se han mandado cerca de 20 de camiones con las cosas recolectadas en conjunto a las instituciones antes nombradas, pero empresas independientes han hecho llegar su ayuda directamente y eso hace difícil saber cuanta ayuda hemos hecho llegar como ciudad.

 Dicen que solo en los extremos vemos quienes son realmente las personas, y en este caso Chile y su gente demostró que aunque nos azotó tanta desgracia (muerte es una palabra muy fuerte, aunque es cierto)  y pérdida, apoyados unos a otros, de a poco podemos levantarnos. Nuestro piso se mueve muchas veces al día, pero nuestro temple no lo bota nadie y seguiremos dispuestos a ayudar en lo que podamos, como jóvenes y como victimas de un terremoto, y es ahora cuando al ver la ayuda brindada por nuestros hermanos latinoamericanos, me doy cuenta que las fronteras son solo líneas marcadas por el hombre, el espíritu de servicio es uno solo, que compartimos todos los latinos.

Barbara Assor

YA 2009

Chile

Global Changemakers and YAs helping Chile…by David Riveros Garcia (YA 2009)

Please visit the Facebook group page AYUDA PARA CHILE, sponsored by Youth Ambassadors and Global Changemakers to raise funds and awareness to help the people of Chile. Read on to hear the story of David Riveros Garcia, a changemaker who is leading the effort to help Chile, together with fellow YAs from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay.

When you have fought barriers upon yourself for almost your whole life, it becomes a way of living.  You see everything you’ve suffered and you just don’t want other people to go through the same thing.  You commit to help, change, inspire and lead to make that difference.  You become a Youth Ambassador.

It is amazing how dreams become true when you never give up.  Yes, to lead and serve is mostly equal to suffer (but someone really important thousands of years ago, said that’s the path to be followed if you really want to change lives).

I became a Youth Ambassador for my beloved country in 2009 and had the amazing opportunity of visting the U.S. for a couple weeks.  Such an experience cannot be contained in words; to do that would be an insult to everything we lived there.  The same year, and nobody would have ever thought this could happen; I became a Global Changemaker for the British Council.  I had the honour of representing Youth Ambassadors in such an important event like the Global Youth Summit in London.

Well, after that most people would come and tell me, David “you are the best”, as it probably happened with most of the Youth Ambassadors in each country.  However, being a YA and a GCM only made me realize how far I am of being the so called “best”.  My trip with Partners was very unique, three countries were together in Washington, DC (Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay).  I met tremendous leaders, people I look up to till this very second and mentors that would help me grow in many aspects personally.  I can’t even compare myself to them although I can say they made me a better leader and a better person, they are role models of leadership and the prove for people that lost hope and thinking that “youth isn’t concerned about changing and developing their countries”.  That was in Washington DC.

 I also visited another capital of the World, London. There I met 60 of the most outstanding young people on earth; I consider them my family just like the Youth Ambassadors.  That was one of those times when as a leader, you don’t feel alone, you can see there are a lot of crazy people like you trying to change the world, sacrificing everything to improve their people life conditions.  Finally, I come to the conclusion of “the best leaders”.

They’re not us, the recognized ones, the ones blessed to travel around the world and meet important people and learn from them.  The best leaders are out there, in rural areas, in the communities, those people that work mostly alone, no funds, no Embassy to count on, no Council to provide attention.  They are those who under the appallingly bad conditions struggle to help their families and communities.  They are those who make the impossible become possible and their hearts know nothing but love.  They consider others as the most important thing.  Therefore, I came with this answer to everyone telling me I’m the best: “I’m only someone who’s been given a chance.  People look for their one single shot for a lifetime.  I got mine, and God knows I’m going to try and make my opportunity become that one single shot for everyone I can help.  Till that moment I’m just another one trying to follow the example of the best leaders hidden among us”.

Now, I can tell I have a family around the world.  That is precisely why I started, with the help other YAs and GCMs from Latin America, a group to work towards helping Chile.  I know they would have done the same for my country (that’s how family works, we support each other).  I think it is important to help people whenever you can, even more important if they’re close to you.  Basically, we are going to start collecting money in determined places working with volunteers to do that and then deposit everything we collected to the Red Cross bank account created for Chile.  Even though that’s not the only thing that will be done, YAs and GCMs are recognized by their creativity.  I can only talk vaguely about the most basic of the examples.

Family is a much broader concept for me now.  If we want progress, change and development, we must work together to achieve it, not only like inhabitants of a particular nation but as members of a much bigger international family.  Our efforts to relief just a little bit the problems in Chile will give this example.  Youth united breaking borders to help.  I couldn’t be more proud of being part of this family, being accepted by you as a member was one of the biggest honours I had.

A couple days ago, I was selected by the British Council to represent them at the World Economic Forum – Latin America, taking place in Cartagena, Colombia (April 6-8).  I’m not only representing them or my country.  I will be representing this big family made of dreamers and heroes.  I will do my utmost to represent you all like you deserve it.  I will tell them what this family is all about and deliver youth message to world leaders.  I want to showcase this family with no borders, flags or ideologies; a young family that will set the example to follow for the next generation with nothing but good intentions where our desire of making this a better world will lead us to development and change.

I realized from my experiences that a country is big because of their people, not because of their government.  Therefore, with great people like the Youth Ambassadors and the Global Changemakers, I’m sure we have a better future waiting for all us and I can state that our brother nation, Chile, will raise better than ever.

 Let us, Youth Ambassadors become the opportunity for one more laugh, one more hope and let us receive the best pay I can recall as a leader; to see the bright shine in the eyes of someone who had achieved his dream. Let’s change this world with our family.  Let’s make it happen.

 

David Riveros García.

Youth Ambassador  2009.

Global Changemaker.

Paraguay

Youth to Help their Haitian neighbors

January 28th, 2010

Relief efforts for Haiti continue. In Argentina Damiana Mesias (2008 YA) recounts her efforts to help Haiti from her hometown of Sunchales.

Es algo desesperante, una tratando de que las cosas trabajen con la mayor rapidez posible y aquí me tienen aún, esperando la bendita autorización municipal; la promesa de ‘enseguida la tenés’ de la mujer de asuntos públicos empieza a quedar en el olvido. Aún así, el grupo de voluntarios ansiosos de trabajar, cada día crece más (no parece pero… qué cantidad de gente que hay en Sunchales y la región!!) y los medios de comunicación, empresas y organizaciones están al tanto y ya colaboran, en especial ofreciéndose a hacer viajes a Bs.As. para dejar lo recolectado en la Embajada de Haití. Hoy a la tarde la gente de ‘Canal 4 de Sunchales’ me invitó a hacer una nota, y además de decirme que van a intentar que lo de la Municipalidad se agilice, me dijeron que cuando iniciemos la campaña ‘casa por casa’ los contacte para que hagan una pequeña filmación con el fin de mostrar que se está trabajando en serio.
Por otra parte (y ya que lo mencionas) te cuento que el contacto con mi familia de Montana no se ha perdido a lo largo de estos 2 años, y los mantengo al tanto de todo lo que hacemos. Me llena de alegría saber que el vínculo que creamos es muy estrecho, al punto de que se ofrecen a ayudarme por si me interesa ir a estudiar a US o simplemente hacer algún tipo de programa de intercambio o visita. Aún no he podido contarles con detalle sobre el movimiento que causamos con la ‘Campaña Haití’, pero ya les escribiré con tiempo.
Si hay algo más que pueda hacer para seguir ayudando, no duden en decirme!
Un gran abrazo y saludos desde Sunchales!

 
Dami

 

Youth Ambassadors from across Argentina have been networking to help make a difference in Haiti. Learn more about these remarkable YA’s and their efforts:

http://www.nuevodiarioweb.com.ar/nota/153052/Locales/Diversas_cruzadas_solidarias_Hait%C3%AD.html

http://www.laopinion-rafaela.com.ar/opinion/2010/01/21/d012115.php 

http://www.diariopanorama.com/diario/noticias/2010/01/21/a-55518.html 

http://www.diariodecuyo.com.ar/home/new_noticia.php?noticia_id=382246 

http://www.sunchaleshoy.com.ar/2010/01/22/campana-para-ayudar-a-haiti-desde-sunchales/

Haiti will need our help for a long time so it’s never too late to start helping change lives. Visit the Partners website www.partners.net and join fellow youth alumni on their facebook page “Colecta para Haiti” to learn what you can do!

 

January 18th, 2010

Partners of the Americas Youth Ambassadors throughout Latin America are launching relief efforts for the people of Haiti following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that took place on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. One example tells of the Argentine YAs who have taken quick action to work with the Embassy of Haiti in Buenos Aires and other local organizations to collect donations that can go towards aid in Haiti. Check out the article written about one YAs efforts in Argentina’s online newspaper El Liberal - http://www.elliberal.com.ar/secciones.php?nombre=home&file=ver&id_noticia=1001176G6&buscador=Jovenes%20embajadores. They have also created a page on Facebook called “Colecta para Haiti” which already has 145 members, and youth from all over the hemisphere are exchanging ideas and sharing information on what they are doing in their countries to support the Haitian people.

Partners of the Americas has also been in touch with volunteers and staff in country and is monitoring the situation and finding ways to help the relief efforts.  Click on www.partners.net to give now! (specify Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund).  Partners will in turn donate these funds where they are most urgently needed. 

Our thoughts and steadfast support are with the people of Haiti during the difficult days and months ahead. Please join Partners of the Americas and the Youth Ambassadors in helping provide relief to the Haitian people! Thank you!

Youth Columbian Leaders

Los jóvenes embajadores del capítulo de Partners of the Americas del sur occidente Colombiano unimos nuestros esfuerzos para crear el grupo de Youth Colombian Leaders,  con el cual,  buscamos promover el liderazgo e interés en los jóvenes para trabajar en proyectos y actividades que ayuden a mejorar nuestras comunidades.

 En noviembre de 2009 los integrantes de nuestro grupo (Angélica, Paola O, Camilo, Lucy, Alejandro, Vanessa, Carolina, Salomé, Daniela, Nathaly y otros jóvenes más) junto con miembros del capítulo de Parners de South Carolina, terminamos la elaboración de un libro de cocina en el cual se ve reflejada la cultura Americana y Colombiana. Este libro lo hicimos con el propósito de dar a conocer los aspectos culturales de nuestros países y al mismo tiempo, poder recolectar fondos para los programas de Partners.

Durante este año también, logramos recolectar alrededor de 1000 pares de zapatos y 1600 dulces donadas por  empresas de Santiago de Cali. Que fueron  entregadas en época de navidad a cientos de niños y ancianos de diversas instituciones de nuestra ciudad.

Igualmente, hemos realizado campañas de cultura ciudadana con niños y jóvenes de diversas edades, para promover el cuidado y la preservación del medio ambiente. Les enseñamos a los niños, la importancia de luchar para mejorar nuestro único hogar “La Tierra” y  preservar nuestro planeta a través de actividades como el reciclaje.

Los frutos de este trabajo conjunto, han sido de mucho beneficio para las personas de nuestra comunidad. En el 2009 iniciamos nuestros primeros pasos, y tenemos la certeza que para este 2010 y futuros años, lograremos dejar grandes huellas, que harán que muchas personas más, ejerzan  ese espíritu de solidaridad que tanto necesitamos en nuestra sociedad. 

Es de gran satisfacción para nosotros ver todo lo que podemos lograr cuando tanto jóvenes como adultos unimos nuestros esfuerzos para ayudar a los demás.  Porque joven, no es  sólo aquel  de poca edad, sino también aquel que conserva su espíritu lleno de energía y vitalidad. Por ello, los Youth Colombian Leaders agradecemos a todos aquellos jóvenes  que se han unido  a aportar su granito de arena para ayudar a aquellos que más lo necesitan. 

Nathaly Rivera Victoria

Colombian Youth Ambassador 2008

News from Peru’s First Annual Partners of the Americas Youth Conference

Peru Youth Leaders & Youth Ambassadors Alumni (2008-2009)

Last month, from December 4th to the 6th, the first annual Partners of the Americas Peru Youth Conference was held in Lima, Peru.  28 alumnus of Peru youth exchanges program met with past trip advisors as well as Partners staff, and representatives of the United States Embassy.  The goal of the conference was to reconvene past youth alumnus in order to share experiences and determine the strengths and weaknesses of the youth exchange program.  Youth also brainstormed ideas for improving youth outreach and resources within Peru.

Most significantly, the decision was made to establish a youth association for Peru.  Independent of Partners of the Americas, this group was established for the purposes of designing and implementing local, youth-led projects.  Youth leaders from the Northern, Central, and Southern Regions were elected along with a national president.  Jeanette Montoya (North), Melva Yalta (Center) and Matilde Lozada (South), with Pedro Chirinos from Lima as the national leader will represent the new youth association and collaborate with local youth to design projects.  The new youth association has establish a blog, which can be accessed at: http://lideresenaccionperu.wordpress.com/

Participants at the conference successfully mapped out three national projects.  The first project, tentatively titled “Forming Leaders, Molding the Future” was designed for students aged 8-12, and 15-17.   The purpose is to create a nucleus of young leaders who will generate socio-economic projects for improving their communities. The two best participants would be selected to participate in a future Youth Ambassadors program.

The second group focused on the development of entrepreneurial and leadership capacities under the title of “Building Peru.” It would involve students in 3^rd to 5^th grades of secondary school (ages 14-17). Young participants would identify productive activities in their communities and then select local inhabitants with small business experience to provide workshops to young people in high school. The purpose is to provide young people with training to initiate their own small businesses as an alternative to leaving their communities for unknown possibilities in the capital city.

The third group focused on diminishing the impact of natural disasters on the Peruvian population under the title of “Impacting Peru.” Young people in 3^rd to 5^th grades of secondary school (ages 14-17) would be sensitized to the nature and seriousness of natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, landslides) and preventive measures to deal with them. This training would be undertaken by the Civil Defense, the Red Cross, firemen, etc. and by supported by Texas disaster assistance teams. These trained young people would be organized into Disaster Brigades that would, in turn, provide information and training to other young people in their school and communities.

Conference attendees left with great energy and enthusiasm.  All conference goals were successfully met, and the formation of a new youth association will greatly bolster the efforts to raise youth involvement in local chapters.

Change Reaction would like to thank Harry Wing for his reporting at the conference.