Memories from Youth Ambassadors

In August, FIUTS hosted the third year of the Youth Ambassadors Program with the Caribbean. This program is coordinated in partnership with World Learning and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Twelve incredible young people ages 15-17 and two adult mentors came from the Bahamas, Dominica, St. Lucia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Jamaica. During their time with FIUTS they learned about youth engagement and social transformation, and prepared to develop and lead community action projects once they return home. At the end of the program, they had some reflections to share:

What was the most valuable thing you learned?

"Independence." -Modesty (Suriname)

"I learnt that in order to understand an issue, you need to volunteer and interact with persons who are experiencing that problem." -Gabriella (Trinidad and Tobago)

Students volunteering at the ACRS Food Bank

"I've learned leadership and team building skills that I can implement in my project and also my life. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience." -Ashley (Jamaica)

"The most valuable thing I learned here was the critical/vital role of human agency. Every single site visit or workshop truly illustrated that humans are ultimately the captain of their own seas, but collaboration makes us go so much further." -Vishy (Guyana)

"I learned that social issues are complicated! There is no easy solution that will satisfy all parties involved, and it is about progress when serving your community, not perfection." -Latrell (Bahamas)

How do you want to change your community or the world for the better?

Ruqayyah and Jacqueline share their hopes for the world at the Gates Foundation Visitors Center

"I would like to stop deforestation and climate change (global warming) and fight to stop poaching and animal abuse and save all the animals I can." -Clive (Bahamas)

"I want to change my community by connecting everyone with each other and let them cooperate with each other in any difficulty there is." -Zakkur (Suriname)

What was your most memorable moment?

"My most memorable moment was going to the Bainbridge Performing Arts Theatre for the 10-minute play festival. It was my first time watching live theatre." -Wynter (Bahamas)

"My most memorable moment was visiting the Space Needle and the MoPop." -Alex (Jamaica)

Meeting with King County Councilmember Larry Gossett

"My most memorable moment was meeting with King County Council Member Larry Gossett. I was inspired about his path in the civil rights movement, hence meeting him was a dream come true and I was in total awe of his presence. It was an honor." -Ruqayyah (Trinidad and Tobago)

Thank you to all of this year's Youth Ambassadors for such a wonderful program and for being a part of the FIUTS family! We can't wait to see what you do next.