# Youth in Action

Jóvenes en Acción was established in 2010 and it is an initiative that fosters youth leadership, social change and links between Mexican youth and American culture. It is aimed at public high school students of Mexico and offers the opportunity to study in the United States and develop their leadership in Mexico by implementing projects focused on social change. It is a joint initiative between the United States Department of State and the Secretariat of Public Education of Mexico, in collaboration with the business community and institutions such as Fomento Educacional..

##### Summary:

##### Date Granted: 2016

##### Website: www.usembassy.gov

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Entrevista

Since 2011, Fomento Educacional, A.C. has supported the program Jóvenes en Acción, an initiative established in 2010, which seeks to enrich the intercultural links between the United Stated and Mexico through empowerment of young Mexicans.

The program sponsors and trains groups of young students across the country, fostering their leadership and teamwork skills, and supporting the civic project every group develops.

Valerie Cárdenas Dugal is the former coordinator of the program Jóvenes en Acción at the Secretariat of Public Education. In this interview she shares some details about her experience supporting the program.

Could you tell us about the program Jóvenes en Acción and what were the results?

This is a very valuable program for the bilateral relationship, and especially for young people. The program strengthens or develops the leadership skills of young participants and fosters the group and generation conscience, motivating them to use social networks for their communication and support. In addressing topics of interest in the community and giving them a space to contribute to the solution or prevention, creates an effect of confidence in young people, of self-empowerment before the situation in their community, and the ability to contribute. It drives them to become real agents of change. It also makes them realize, from an early age, concepts such as team work, solidarity, commitment and responsibility.

How would you describe your experience coordinating the program?

It is a very fulfilling experience. As a public official it’s very motivating to know that there are spaces where you can contribute in a positive way, that young people are interested, that authorities are willing and that it’s possible to find support in society in order to carry out plans and actions that create opportunities, and sometimes change, in the life perspective of young people.

Their personal growth is impressive, as well as their performance and development, everything after only 10 months. When they arrive they are shy, speak very quietly and don’t ask questions. At the end they walk upright, interact, offer their opinions, contribute and project their voices. It’s very impressive.

What has been the feedback of the people involved in the program?

It’s a program with a positive impact for all parties, from the ones who organize, fund, teach and benefit from it.

As a program, it is the perfect example of public-private participation, where the result is a win-win situation for everyone.

Which other organizations are supporting the program?

Those who believe in the potential of young people in Mexico, in the commitment of both governments to work together in developing the human capital that will become a leader in the bilateral relationship; those organizations that, given their purpose, are interested in contributing to Mexico’s progress, so that technology gets involved in the way and a cultural transformation is achieved that will foster exchange and a dialog between both countries and their societies.

Organizations that bet on the best Mexico has to offer, its people.

How long and how has Fomento Educacional, A.C. supported the program Jóvenes en Acción?

Since the second edition in 2011 they have not only been active sponsors of the program, regarding funds for its operation, but also active participants regarding young people, especially the teams in Guanajuato, the State of Mexico, and Jalisco who they have offered a precise follow-up, which has contributed to strengthening the projects of young people and particularly reinforcing their potential.

They have believed in them, advised them, visited them.

Fomento Educacional is a very committed “ally”, and it’s a great privilege to have their active participation.

What has been your experience working with Fomento Educacional?

It has been very positive. I think there are a lot of common values, principles and goals that allow the relationship with the program to be seamless, and the experience of working together to be enriching for everyone in order to creatively strengthen and develop collaboration opportunities, all based on an understanding and respect of the invested effort for the success of Jóvenes en Acción. Also, the joint work actively contributes to the building of bridges of dialogue and bilateral exchange.

Is there anything else you would like to share with me?

I want to express my sincere thanks for believing in the initiative, and I would like to acknowledge their bet on Mexican youth and their commitment to help this youth become part of the bilateral understanding.

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