Which are the challenges, fields of action and priorities leading to the development of productive youth-inclusive projects in both the rural and the urban communities of the Americas ’ region? Could you mention an example where such a project has flourished in your country and indicate the ingredients of its success?
I think some of the priorities to a successful project are:
That the project be youth initiated. In this aspect youth are the most invested if they identified and initiated the response.
That the project be youth led with assistance from experienced mentors in the community. I use the word mentor because too many times I see youth ask for adult assistance and then are pushed aside by the adults. This is also a challenge since the ability to affect change in the community around the issue of choice relies on the knowledge that is available. Without knowledge about how to address the issue anyone(not just youth) would simply be too stunned and unable to react positively. This knowledge can either be sought through traditional routes, through school and books, or through mentor-ship and partnership with other organizations.
Both a challenge and priority would be the inclusivity of the project. And not only the inclusion of people of various outlooks on the project but also people of various age, gender, race and culture. It seems like we often forget the differences that exist within our own communities even when we all look alike. There are some many people with so many different experiences that if we only ask we shall find that beneath our uniform greetings there is a world of beauty within each of us. in rural areas as well as the urban people who speak different languages should also be included. A strong project is a diverse project just as a strong community is a diverse one.
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