AFS Intercultural Programs reposted this
Wow! The AFS Youth Assembly just wrapped -- and I'm so energized and inspired by the 700 passionate, talented, empathetic and dedicated young leaders and changemakers from 80 countries around the world who participated this year. A few highlights: - The AFS Award for Young Global Citizens has been awarded to Diego F. Irrazabal, a 19-year old trailblazer from Paraguay who will receive $10,000 and mentorship to scale up his impactful project on making safe drinking water accessible to remote communities with a portable solar-powered device in Paraguay. - We recognized Nadia Sarkis Rojas as an Outstanding Youth Delegate from Costa Rica for her achievements in providing medical care and legal advice to vulnerable groups including migrants affected by crises - We launched the Youth Assembly Alumni Network to provide young people with opportunities to create and grow their impact through mentorship, seed funding, skills development, a space for meaningful collaboration with like-minded changemakers within their region and recognition of their work globally. Thank you to all the speakers and partners: In taking part, you have played a key role in helping The Youth Assembly delegates prepare to take on the world’s greatest challenges. Thanks to the support of sponsors, we were able to provide over 150 scholarships to delegates from around the world: DHL bp Sanofi AstraZeneca TOEFL Schwarzman Scholars Global Gateway Advisors AKCG - Public Relations Counselors, the Dr Stanley Ho Foundation and the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation. Thanks to all the amazing AFS Intercultural Programs volunteers who support and participated! And to young delegates: As you return home, I hope you carry with you not just the lessons learned, but the sense of purpose that has been so palpable this past weekend. You are the architects of our shared future, and the world needs your leadership now more than ever. Thank you for your unwavering commitment, for your voices, and for your vision of a more just, equitable, and peaceful world.