Global YMCA stands with the young people of Colombia

Date: 11 May 2021

Global YMCA stands with the young people of Colombia

 

The World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations and the Latin America & Caribbean Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations join their friends and colleagues in YMCA Colombia in expressing deep concern at the deaths and injuries which have accompanied recent protests in Colombia.  We extend our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost family and friends.

 

As a worldwide volunteer organisation which stands with all young people and their power to inspire and mobilise, and which seeks to amplify their voice on the issues that matter most to them, the global YMCA movement underlines the right to peaceful protest, which must be met with peaceful response.

 

“We look at the current crisis in Colombia through the eyes of the young people we serve,” said World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee.  “Their concerns are for justice, equity and peace, coupled with opportunity to better themselves, their communities and their world. We call on all people in Colombia – and on Government in its function as representative of those people – to work collectively towards these goals.”

 

YMCA Colombia has served the young people and the communities of Colombia for  57 years. Its 9 branches nationwide reach 66,000 people directly every year. The work of the YMCA of Colombia emphasizes youth empowerment as protagonists of development in their territories, taking into account the social gaps, inequity and exclusion they face. Likewise, it is based on a rights-based approach, seeking to improve the living conditions, equity and peace building of young people, especially in terms of employment, peace and quality of life.

 

Its programs for young people include: leadership training, peace building, citizenship and participation and entrepreneurship