Tag Archives: Youth empowerment

A legacy of change

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Yahaira Chacon Masias in Stories

Ten years ago, families in impoverished communities in southern Peru like Cusipata were focused exclusively on agriculture and ways to earn money to survive. In their struggles against poverty, parents were distanced from their children, who became last in receiving attention and love. But thanks to World Vision’s work, this community has changed, and now parents put their hope in their children for sustainable development....

You’re gonna graduate in whatever you do

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Abby Metty in Stories

World Vision Photographer Abby Stalsbroten learned what it takes to change a life at the Children’s Defense Fund Conference last week. At the conference she met Anthony, a participant in World Vision’s Youth Empowerment Program. As a teenager, Anthony was headed down a destructive path. His father was in prison, and he joined a gang in middle school. Now at 23, Anthony is an inspirational speaker, and an example to young men in his community. Read on to learn what altered Anthony’s path. * * *...

International Youth Day: 6 youth changing our world

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Lindsey Talerico-Hedren in Advocacy, Causes

Change our world — that’s this year’s International Youth Day theme. It seems more than appropriate in a year of ongoing economic struggle, debt ceilings, radiation leaks and famines. And there are issues of injustice that fail to make headlines but distress so many people — child abuse, abduction and trafficking, school drop-outs because of forced labor or need for income, neglect of children and youth, and an apparent lack of youth voice. But there are youth out there advocating against such injustices, making real differences in their communities, and changing our world for good. This post is a reminder, on International Youth Day, that youth are to believed in because through them, great things are possible. Don’t let anyone...

The sound that changes everything [video]

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Josh Batchelder, WV videographer in Advocacy

The sound that changes everything | World Vision Blog

“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.” The words from this 80s pop song by Whitney Houston have been looping through my mind for the past five days. I’ve spent the past week looking through the viewfinder of my camera and seeing the faces of teenagers staring back at me — their eyes shining with hope and their mouths speaking words that will ignite change in their communities. World Vision’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) concluded their fifth annual summit last Friday in Washington, D.C. As the summit’s videographer, I witnessed teens from all over the country speak of their diverse struggles, unique cultural challenges, and the problems they face in bringing...

What makes an advocate?

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Laura Reinhardt in Advocacy, Stories

What does it mean to be an advocate? Dictionary.com defines advocate as “a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person, cause, etc.” For me, that definition feels impersonal. The 120 young people in Washington, D.C., this week for World Vision’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) summit bring personalization and breathe life into advocacy. Friday was Capitol Hill day for the fifth annual YEP Summit. Teenagers came from urban centers or rural hamlets across the United States. Many live in poverty or in areas plagued by violence and drug or alcohol abuse. Despite their troubles, they refuse to give up. They refuse to be beaten down. They stand up for their communities. They advocate....