Four sponsored teens from around the world each summed up a chance to attend the 5th Annual Youth Conference in New York in one word:
“Magic!” said Jiyaul.
“Incredible!” said Rocío.
“Fantastic!” said Lara.
“Unreal!” said Charday.
But the trip was very real and an honor for each of them, and they knew it. So how do you summarize an opportunity to leave their communities, see the world, learn about other teens their own age, and, best of all, present their achievements to 700 of their peers at the United Nations?
The best way is to describe the highlights of the trip that has truly changed these teens’ lives forever.
On the first day when the group set foot on the grounds of the United Nations, they were silent and awestruck by the beauty of the building and solemnity of the country’s flags that laced the fence. They attended the opening ceremony, which included speakers like
Dr. Elaine Valdov, Secretary General and co-founder of the Youth Assembly, who directed the youth to realize their dreams and the hope they pose for the future.
Day two, possibly the most overwhelming day of all, two of the four teens received Youth Achievement Awards for their work to improve the environment on a local level. One youth, |
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Jiyaul from West Bengal, India, is from a very poor, rural village, and had only been in a big city when he received his monthly benefits from Children International and to apply for his visa at the United States Embassy in Calcutta the week before. Lara, who had taken a 24-hour plane ride from her island in Tabaco, Philippines, was now shaking hands with both Kathy Ireland, former fashion model, and Olympic swimmer, Craig Beardsley.
Jiyaul and Lara were invited to a private luncheon with Dr. Valdov and a small contingency of United Nations dignitaries. The day was a long way from poverty – the only distinction between them and other attendees.
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On that same day, with the precision of a surgeon, the four youth led a workshop with a series of PowerPoint presentations explaining their work with the Youth Empowerment Fund. Their preparation and execution was far better than most teenagers, and better than many professionals could hope to achieve.
It’s true their lives are changed forever. They have tasted life beyond poverty. Collectively they agree that while they may never leave their countries again, they take with them a renewed determination that nations around the world believe in their passion to change the world one child at a time. |
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