By Randal Marquez

Youth Advisory Group 

GOYN Barranquilla, Colombia

In recent years, society has witnessed the growing recognition of groups or movements that have been labelled as minorities. This has emerged as a consequence of significant events that have captured attention and become trends, which have generated new narratives of change. Some of these trends have had a positive impact on society, while others have sparked feelings of hatred, resentment and stigmatisation, thus creating gaps that have become entrenched as a systemic problem that negatively affects all sectors of society, especially the youth. For these reasons, I consider it not only pertinent but crucial to address this issue.

The term “ninis” refers to young people who are disconnected from both the educational and the labour market, that is, they neither study nor work. This situation is due to various social gaps and structural barriers present in any society. However, this label renders these young people invisible, reducing them to four letters and simple numbers, without a name, face or identity. Their dreams and goals are limited by the stigma associated with this category, which deeply impacts all aspects of their lives.

Globally, millions of young people are disconnected from education and formal employment, despite possessing exceptional skills that are being wasted due to lack of effective opportunities and proper guidance, among other associated factors. Addressing this issue in a relevant manner in the spheres and places of power is crucial, as it is a systemic problem that requires a collaborative and communicative approach to counteract it.

I would like to pause to share a reflection with you. The sunrises in Mombasa, overlooking the Indian Ocean, are truly beautiful for those of us who get up early to witness them.

The fact that others do not get up early to appreciate them does not in any way diminish their beauty. Similarly, we young people who get up early to help other young people, neighbours, friends or even strangers, giving them guidance and support in their studies, work or ventures, should do so without worrying about whether we are seen or recognised. This does not in the least diminish the value and satisfaction of our efforts. These were the words with which I began one of my speeches to representatives from various countries at the GOYN Global Convention in Mombasa, Africa, experiencing a mixture of emotions and feeling fulfilled by being able to share what I am most passionate about.

It was an inexplicable feeling. I was struck by how many of those present, despite not understanding my language, took off their translation devices, but were able to perceive the message I was transmitting. However, what really surprised me was that after the speech, which was in Spanish, many attendees approached me, along with Brandon Hernandez (GOYN Barranquilla youth engagement leader who helped me with the translation), and they came to the same conclusion: although they did not understand my language, they could understand the message I was transmitting. At this, I was left speechless to respond.

This significant moment was possible thanks to GOYN, the acronym for the Global Opportunity Youth Network, and its international allies and partners. In Colombia, thanks to the support of the Corona Foundation, the GOYN Barraquilla staff, its board of directors, its work team, its youth advisory group and especially Lilian Urueta, Coordinator of GOYN Barraquilla, I had the opportunity to represent my city Barraquilla alongside Angie Romero in Mombasa, Kenya.

Last November, the experience in Mombasa, during GOYN’s Annual Global Convening, in partnership with GOYN Mombasa’s local community partner, Swahilipot Hub Foundation, was eye-opening.

The 2023 call for proposals theme, “Accelerating inclusive pathways to economic resilience,” highlighted impactful stories, practices, and learnings that contribute to building social and economic resilience within our network, with a focus on the voice of young people and opportunity.

Over four days, with over 350 attendees and 158 presenters participating in plenary sessions, breakout groups and presentations, the global network shared their learnings and unique perspectives on the power of collaboration. They highlighted how to harness the resilience and innovative spirit of each individual to build and accelerate sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for youth around the world.

Throughout the convocation, the presence of youth leadership and influence could be felt through youth-led performances and plenary speaking moments that captured the true spirit of youth power and the vibrant energy of Mombasa’s young leaders.

It is noteworthy that approximately 65% of the total GOYN participants were young leaders, many of whom traveled from around the world to gather in community and put youth voice and leadership at the center of the international convention. For many of them, this was their first experience traveling outside of their local communities to participate in a global platform; they shared that this experience was truly transformative and meaningful in their development as young leaders.

I would like to highlight the lessons learned from the experience of network collaboration:

Building a Movement of Resilience Movements for the Future: the fundamental role of young people in social transformation was highlighted, recognizing them as agents of change and providing tools to contribute to the construction of an innovative society with equitable opportunities, considering them as fundamental actors in society.
Learning and collaboration across networks: The importance of communication and collaborative work to achieve collective impact and address issues affecting young people was emphasized. It is crucial that young people are active participants in the process of building and implementing solutions, treating them as equals and recognizing the importance of the local context in development.
Using data and technology for positive change: The importance of using data and technology to effect positive and measurable change was highlighted. It is essential that the presence and contributions of young people are placed at the centre of all processes, promoting social ownership of goals, actions and tools for community development.
Finally, I would like to share the most striking part of my experience on the trip. After 30 minutes of smiling exchanges and conversations in different languages, the young people present boarded a ferry bound for Likoni. Upon arrival, we were greeted with dances and drums, an authentic cultural display that resonated deeply with my being and my African roots. At that moment, I felt a special connection, as if I had been there at another time. It was inevitable to join the celebration. During the gathering, they told us how the young people in that area faced their challenges through sports and culture. I understood that, despite being far from my country, Colombia, our similarities were remarkable. I was pleasantly surprised by their joy, their smiles and the impressive energy they radiated. 

This encounter inspired me to keep going, regardless of the limitations or barriers that might arise in my path. Likoni revealed itself as a place full of joy, art and culture, where music stands as a language expressed with passion: the language of young people of opportunity.