By Randal Marquez 

Youth Advisory Group, GOYN Barranquilla

Barranquilla, known for its rich culture and festive spirit, is experiencing a significant change driven by the active participation of the young opportunityThis coastal city, bathed by the waters of the Caribbean, is becoming a center of innovation and development led by a generation that seeks to leave its mark on history.

Barranquilla: The City of Youthful Dreams

Young people from Barranquilla have a clear vision of the city they want to live in. They dream of vibrant streets, full of art and culture, where creativity is expressed on every corner. They visualize well-kept green spaces, where they can connect with nature and enjoy moments of leisure. In addition, they imagine a modern city, with cutting-edge infrastructure that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.

This bold vision not only drives the  young opportunity not only inspires them to dream big, but also motivates them to act. Increasingly, young people are getting involved in initiatives and projects that transform their environment. From revitalizing public spaces to creating innovative educational programs, young people from Barranquilla are leading the change and proving that they are active agents in the construction of their city.

Young people from Barranquilla are leading an urban revolution, transforming public spaces into vibrant places full of life. Their vision goes beyond simply beautifying the city; they are creating spaces that foster creativity, inclusion and well-being for all citizens.

One of the most prominent examples of this transformation is the intervention of abandoned spaces to turn them into cultural and recreational centers. Former warehouses and factories have been transformed into art studios, galleries and coworking spaces, where  young opportunity They can express their creativity and collaborate on innovative projects.

In addition, young people are leading initiatives to revitalize parks and green areas in the city. They are planting trees, creating community gardens and organizing outdoor activities to encourage contact with nature and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The vision of young people from Barranquilla goes beyond physical infrastructure; it also includes the development of a more inclusive and supportive community. They are creating mentoring programs for young people in vulnerable situations, organizing cultural and sporting events that promote diversity and inclusion, and working on projects that address social problems such as violence and discrimination.

In short, young people from Barranquilla are leading a profound transformation in their city, creating a place where creativity, inclusion and innovation are the pillars of urban life. Their bold vision and determination are making Barranquilla a model to follow in youth participation and sustainable urban development.

 We continue to promote collaborative work and common goals

Youth participation in Barranquilla is characterized by its focus on collaborative work and the pursuit of common goals. Young people are organizing themselves into collectives, groups and organizations that share similar interests and values. Through collaboration, they are developing projects and programs that have a positive impact on the community.

Youth participation in Barranquilla is distinguished by the way young people come together around common goals, driving meaningful change in the city. This focus on collaborative work not only strengthens cohesion among young people, but also amplifies the impact of their actions in the community.

A notable example of this collaborative work is the revitalization project of parks and public spaces.  young opportunity They organize into teams to identify areas that need attention and then develop plans to improve them. From cleaning and beautification to organizing community activities, these projects not only physically transform spaces, but also foster a sense of belonging and pride in the community.

Another example is the development of mentoring programs for at-risk children and youth. Youth leaders in Barranquilla recognize the importance of supporting younger generations and work together to create programs that help them reach their full potential. Through mentoring sessions, recreational activities, and educational workshops, these programs not only provide support to at-risk youth, but also strengthen community ties and foster a culture of collaboration and empathy.

Additionally, young people in Barranquilla are organizing cultural and sporting events that promote inclusion and diversity. These events not only celebrate the city’s rich diversity, but also create spaces where young people can connect, share their talents, and learn from each other.

In summary, youth participation in Barranquilla is characterized by its focus on collaborative work and the pursuit of common goals. Through innovative projects and programs, young people are demonstrating their ability to lead and generate a positive impact in their community.

Breaking Down Narratives to Build Trust

Despite progress, youth participation in Barranquilla faces challenges. One of the most important barriers is the existence of negative narratives that stigmatize young people and limit their participation in society. To address this problem, programs and campaigns are being implemented that seek to change these perceptions and highlight the positive contributions of young people to the community.

Overcoming negative narratives is a crucial challenge for full participation of  young opportunity in Barranquilla. These narratives, often based on stereotypes and prejudices, can have a significant impact on young people's self-esteem and perception of themselves, as well as on how they are perceived by society at large.

To address this issue, programs and campaigns are being implemented that seek to change these perceptions and highlight the positive contributions of young people to the community. For example, success stories of young entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders who are making a difference in Barranquilla are being promoted. These stories not only help counter negative stereotypes, but also inspire other young people to follow in their footsteps and believe in their own capabilities.

In addition, spaces for dialogue and collaboration between young people and local authorities are being created so that they can work together to solve problems and make decisions that affect the city. These spaces not only promote the active participation of young people, but also promote the participation of local authorities in the city. young opportunity in public life, but also provide them with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of the community and to contribute their unique ideas and skills.

In short, breaking down negative narratives is critical to building trust among the youth population and encouraging their full participation in society. Through programs and campaigns that highlight the positive contributions of young people and provide them with opportunities to actively participate in public life, Barranquilla is laying the groundwork for a future in which young people are recognized and valued as agents of positive change in their community.

Youth participation in Barranquilla is on the rise, driving positive change in the city and society at large. With their energy, creativity and commitment, young people are building the city they dream of, a city that is a model of sustainable, inclusive and participatory development.

Our present reality is the inevitable result of the decisions we made in the past, the actions we take in the present and those we plan for the future; we are an amalgam of past experiences, current choices and future aspirations that intertwine to shape our ever-evolving being.