In July 2024, the International and Canadian Child Rights Partnership (ICCRP) held its Partnership and Engagement Event in Canada, bringing together passionate advocates and young leaders to advance child rights through intergenerational dialogue. Among the outstanding participants were Gabriela Perez and Juan Angel del Castillo from Bolivia, who proudly represented the Learning for Well-being Foundation and Act2gether Bolivia. Both young leaders, members of the Intergenerational Advisory Committee (IAC), joined peers and mentors worldwide to discuss the power of child participation in shaping policies that impact young lives.
Reflecting on her experience, Gabriela Perez shared her initial excitement and apprehension about attending. “The journey to Canada was thrilling and daunting,” she said. “I felt a mix of anticipation and questions about what awaited me, but meeting people passionate about activism filled me with hope and determination.” Despite facing language barriers, Gabriela felt empowered by the collaborative environment fostered by her mentors and peers. She noted, “I learned that you don’t need an impressive title to be an activist; you simply need the will to make a difference.”
Gabriela and Juan Angel’s participation was part of a larger ICCRP initiative focused on how intergenerational partnerships can strengthen child rights. The event highlighted critical discussions on the value of intergenerational collaboration. “Intergenerational relationships are vital,” Gabriela observed, “because the experiences of older generations and the energy of youth together make any project more complete and impactful.” This approach aligns with the foundation’s commitment to fostering collaborative spaces where young people can share their perspectives and lead change.
Creating spaces for authentic youth voices
At the conference, Gabriela and Juan Angel presented an infographic showcasing child participation rights in Bolivia, detailing both achievements and challenges. Gabriela explained, “We highlighted Bolivia’s progress with youth committees and spaces for public participation, but we also addressed barriers like adult centrism, where adults hold most decision-making power.” The infographic sparked interest among international attendees, underscoring the global relevance of Bolivia’s journey in amplifying youth voices. “There was a sense of empathy and recognition from other countries,” Gabriela added. “We realized that adult centrism isn’t unique to Bolivia; it’s a shared challenge that requires collective action.”
Juan Angel emphasized the conference’s impact on his understanding of leadership and collaboration. “Meeting people with vast knowledge and experience reshaped how I see my future,” he remarked. “I learned that true leadership is about listening and staying open to growth, regardless of age or position.” Juan Angel reflected on the importance of these gatherings in fostering deeper mutual respect and shared purpose among different generations.
Embracing global perspectives and expanding horizons
For Gabriela, participating in an international forum was a transformative experience, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives. “I met people from all over – Africa, Brazil, Scotland – each with unique insights into child rights,” she recalled. “It expanded my view of what’s possible in Bolivia, from adopting multicultural approaches to including indigenous languages in public policies.”
Juan Angel’s experience echoed this sense of global connection. He shared, “Bolivia’s unique recognition of youth committees was admired by others, especially our model for democratic selection and our ability to provide feedback to higher authorities.” The experience reinforced his pride in Bolivia’s contributions to child participation and his desire to advocate further.
A vision for the future
Gabriela and Juan Angel’s time at the ICCRP event inspired and motivated them to continue advocating for change in Bolivia. Reflecting on the power of intergenerational dialogue, Gabriela noted, “If we create spaces for mutual respect—not just respect based on age but as equal partners—we can make a real difference.” Juan Angel echoed her sentiment, adding that these relationships bridge generational gaps, allowing fresh ideas to address long-standing challenges in child rights.
As the Learning for Well-being Foundation and Act2gether Bolivia look forward to ongoing collaborations, Gabriela and Juan Angel’s journey serves as a testament to the power of young voices in shaping a fairer, more inclusive world. Their experiences remind us that advancing child rights isn’t only a responsibility for the future but a shared mission today.
