Young people become assertive and creative
Young people live in a society that operates with rules and laws already established by people older than them. They are affected by decisions that others have made on their behalf. They suffer the consequences of past mistakes. At the same time, of course, young people have dreams and a vision for the future. They have the energy and willpower to change the world and make it better than the one passed on to them.
At ActionAid we believe in young people and strive to give them the tools and knowledge they need to claim the future they deserve. We encourage them to speak out, take initiatives and become active citizens who are mobilised, and who challenge and ultimately create the world they dream of, based on solidarity, respect and dignity.
Young people demand change
The revenue from taxes collected by the state should be spent on education and road maintenance, because when there are no roads there is nothing, no electricity, no water, everything is affected. So, when companies evade taxes, it is us who are deprived of things. We, young people, must stand up and claim our rights.
Miriam is a student living in Nigeria. She is also a member of Activista, ActionAid's youth group.
Young people demand change
We took this initiative to protect ourselves and the people around us. So, we go to the community and inform people about the measures against coronavirus, we show young children how to wash their hands properly, we prepare kits with masks, thermometers, disinfectants and distribute them to the people, especially those who live in isolated areas. At the same time, we help keep our community clean: we clean streets, yards, water sources.
18-year-old Janaki and 24 other young people from Nepal took the initiative to help prevent coronavirus, with our support.
Young people demand change
There are difficulties, when you are a volunteer, but I think it's the kind of difficulties that you can see as positive obstacles, I mean the kind of obstacles through which you can learn and once you overcome them, you will be ready to do more than before. Deep inside, I feel that volunteering is a very nice and special feeling of love.
Klelia is a volunteer for ActionAid, helping us with administrative tasks in our Athens office.
