Training program for young activists, an initiative of VeneActiva in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Andean Countries.
Veneactiva, in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Andenländer, is excited to celebrate the resounding success of the Active Youth program. This innovative initiative brought together more than 40 young activists from different communities and provided them with comprehensive training in areas such as mental health, cyberactivism, leadership and communication.
During the program, participating youth had the opportunity to develop important skills to become purposeful leaders and agents of change in their respective communities. The program’s multidisciplinary approach included intensive workshops and interactive sessions that promote dynamic and practical learning.
Promoting initiatives such as Active Youth, which train young leaders, is crucial as it supports the development of open and free societies. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for the Andean Countries aims to train community leaders in principles such as individual freedom and equal opportunities so that future generations are prepared to face global challenges with an innovative and responsible approach.
Niome Hüneke-Brown – Director FNF Andean Countries
Hüneke-Brown adds: “We are convinced that these young Peruvians and Venezuelans, who participated with great commitment and motivation in workshops such as those on integration policy, have been equipped with leadership qualities and critical thinking skills and will be able to face current and future challenges with creative and inclusive solutions.”
The young activists received training in:
Mental health: Strategies for self-care, psychological first aid and community support, which are crucial in times of global challenges; this module was led by psychologists Loredana Hernandez and Nurys Morín.
Cyberactivism: Using digital tools to promote social causes, storytelling techniques, crisis management on social networks, personal branding and how to amplify your voice on online platforms; led by digital marketing specialist Wilfran Ovalle.
Communication and leadership: Techniques for confident communication, effective leadership, and more; led by Carlos Gilson.
Image and communication: Effective techniques for communicating messages and reaching different audiences, led by Nancy Arellano, President of VeneActiva.
Politics and Migration: Module on the role of youth in Latin America, the role of activists, hate speech and more, led by activists Verónica Acosta and Eduardo Liendo.
Commitment and goal
The goal of Active Youth is to provide young people with the knowledge and tools they need to become successful leaders and agents of change. The training enables them to approach local issues from a global perspective and promote initiatives that will have a lasting and meaningful impact on their communities.
“In a world where young people’s voices matter more than ever, it is critical to provide them with the tools and support they need to be heard and create meaningful change in their communities,” said Verónica Acosta, a young activist and program leader. She added, “We are delighted with the success of the Active Youth program and are excited to see how participants apply what they have learned to create a positive and lasting impact.”
What ambitious young people say about the program
“It was a very rewarding and enriching experience. I was able to exchange ideas with people from different professions who in some ways complemented each other on the same topic and we agreed on the goals we have for society as a whole.” – Alexandra Montenegro (young activist and program participant)
“I learned a lot about leadership and communication. Since I am applying to Peru’s diplomatic service, this program helps me improve my public speaking skills and has helped me see other perspectives that I didn’t have before and that I worked on during the program.” – Daniel Díaz (young activist and program participant).
A lasting impact
The success of the program is reflected in the passion and commitment of the young activists. VeneActiva and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for the Andean Countries are proud to have created a space for growth and learning, reaffirming their commitment to the development of young people and the well-being of the community.
“VeneActiva is an organization led by Venezuelan women. We lived through a lot of conflict growing up and saw opportunities for growth and influence blocked. So our responsibility is to ensure that the new generations do not lose these opportunities.” – Comment by Nancy Arellano, President of VeneActiva.
Graduation ceremony and certificate award ceremony
On June 8, at the San Antonio Deluxe Hotel in Lima, certificates were awarded to over 40 young activists who successfully completed the “Active Youth” training program. The event included emotional speeches by Veneactiva Vice President Nurys Morin and Niome Hüneke-Brown (Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Andean Countries), who spoke about the importance of creating such spaces for the Andean countries of the FNF.
Two outstanding program fellows, Katherin Méndez and Daniel Díaz, also offered inspiring words, sharing their experiences and insights and highlighting the positive impact the program has had on their lives and work as activists.
About Veneactiva
Veneactiva is an organization dedicated to promoting social development and empowering youth in Venezuela. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation Andean Countries, which has long promoted democracy promotion and political education, supports this mission with valuable resources and expertise.
For more information about Active Youth and future initiatives, visit www.veneactiva.org.
