My experience during the International Youth Day conference was to say the least overwhelming. With every sponsored youth’s arrival there was a new feeling of excitement and amazement. I can’t tell you how many times I heard the phrase, “I can’t believe I’m here!” These delegates are a delight to be around. They are so smart, sensitive, determined, caring and without a doubt will achieve every goal they put their mind to. There was no language barrier on this trip; you wouldn’t believe the bonds made by all!
Monday afternoon, after I had the last group in the taxi, we took the subway and made our way to meet the rest of the group at Coney Island. All the kids wanted to do was walk on the sand barefoot!
Tuesday we started our tour early. They were in amazement gazing at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Rockefeller Center. Everyone really enjoyed the lights and excitement of Times Square! Of course we took in souvenir shopping every chance we could, visited Chinatown and Little Italy and took lots of photos!
Wednesday came with great anticipation, the first day of conferences and workshops at the United Nations. I’m sure I was only one of the many that felt so proud of our youth during the workshop presentations given by Melvin from Manila, LaToya from Little Rock and Jazmin from Guayaquil on Youth Leadership Training. This workshop was so well-received, and the delegates were given an enormous amount of positive feedback by those in attendance. Later that same afternoon our delegate from Honduras, Karen, was selected to speak as president of her youth council during the plenary session. What a tremendous opportunity to speak before the entire assembly!
Thursday and Friday were filled with subway rides, conferences at the UN and always, smiles and laughter. We got a big smile out of our delegate from Guatemala, Virginia, too when she won the award for Outstanding Youth Achievement for her community projects. Quite an accomplishment, drawing from a group of 700 kids from around the globe! She was even invited to a special luncheon event at the UN that afternoon.
Friday evening the kids wanted a pajama party. What a great evening! We ordered pizza and bought junk food, a Twister® game - they really bonded. We swapped stories of our most memorable experiences along with who had the most blisters on their feet. Near the end of the evening the tears came, translated goodbyes and long hugs.
I feel lucky to be given the opportunity to be involved in such a special event. Our youth shined - I can’t say that enough. I am so proud to be a part of our organization. It’s hard to express all of the little details in written words; I will never forget these delegates: Chengo, José Adriana, LaToya, Melvin, Ana, Jazmin, Karen, Ranjit, Valeria and Virginia.
Blog by Cheri Watson, Administrative Coordinator for Children International’s Program Services Department. Photo by Vong Hamilton.
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