“You have to know what you’re going to ask for”

“I had an opportunity to debate with other kids about the difference between participation and advocacy. We learned that it’s not just a matter of being there, but also of being heard”

“I like sports. I like to meet new people and make new friends.

One project that I’ve been looking for with my friends is support for sports and other healthy fun. As a member of the Desafíos organization, my story began in the first week September, when some girls invited us to a workshop on citizen participation and youth advocacy.

Twelve youths participated in the meeting. At first I wasn’t very interested. We’ve had some bad experiences with organizations that come and give us great ideas for projects, but whenever we have needs and turn to them for financing, they put up obstacles that we can’t surpass.

But I decided to continue anyway, hoping to obtain financing for farming and cultural projects.

In that first meeting, I had an opportunity to debate with other kids about the difference between participation and advocacy. We learned that it’s not just a matter of being there, but also of being heard and receiving a solution to the problems we identify.

I’ve participated in different training events imparted by UCA-San Ramón, on the topic of gender, for example. And I’ve discovered the importance of clarifying doubts, asking questions and talking with other kids.

One very significant change that has occurred within me is the ability to express myself in a group. That was a problem I had, but thanks to so many training events, talks and workshops, I’ve been able to overcome it. I know that being able to express myself is a very important way to wield influence over decision making.

I always shook with fear of talking in public. Now I feel freer. I have confidence in myself. I always try to answer the questions asked of me and, if not, I respond with another question. If you’re not afraid when you want to propose something, then it’s easier for people to hear you and want to help you. You have to know what you’re going to ask for and how to ask for it.

In the community, sometimes I have the opportunity to represent my father in cooperative meetings. He sends me with the right to speak and vote so that I can express my opinion. I try to determine the benefits and possible obstacles of projects. I try to ask questions so that other members are also more inquisitive and don’t just accept what people come to tell them. What’s the budget based on? Who are the beneficiaries?”