By Linda Ndungu

Mombasa, Africa

The Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN) meeting wasn't just a meeting; it was a powerful experience that ignited a fire of hope and strength in all who attended. From the amazing acrobatics that kicked off the event to the heartwarming stories about the challenges facing opportunity youth, the entire event was filled with purpose and energy.

The main idea, “resilience, local solutions, and the power of place,” really hit home. It was inspiring to learn about the smart ways GOYN communities around the world were helping their neighborhoods. Hearing opportunity youth from different backgrounds talk about how to overcome difficult times with courage was a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to help young people succeed.

But the GOYN convening wasn't just about talks and workshops. It was also about making connections. As someone learning Spanish, I loved meeting GOYN members from Barranquilla, Bogotá, and Mexico City and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Networking with the GOYN MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) team, experts in measuring progress, was like a stroke of luck that will help me grow in my career.

Beyond work, the GOYN gathering was a celebration of different cultures. Monday night's cultural celebration was a dazzling display of colorful costumes, with the GOYN Mombasa team sharing their Kenyan pride through performances in Spanish and Hindi. These artistic expressions were beautiful reminders of our shared humanity and the beauty that comes from being different.

Upon leaving the convocation, I took with me lessons in cultural understanding, teamwork, and never giving up. The words of Penny Foley, one of GOYN's partners, stayed with me: "Every day you wake up and see a change in your community. Ask yourself, if we hadn't fought and won, would we be here?"

The fight against youth unemployment is not over, but the GOYN spirit has given us the tools and the unwavering belief that together we can build a better future for every young person. The flames we saw on that stage weren't just for show; they were a symbol of the hope that burns within us all, lighting the way to a world where young people can shine at every opportunity.

GOYN Global Convention: https://goyn.org/goyn2023convening/ 

Video summary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iotx02NHWI8

For me, the call was a moment of growth. I stepped out of my comfort zone to be the MC and ended up doing a great job! The positive feedback I received was incredible and made me want to explore this new talent even further.