Global Changemakers

From April 14-18, five Global Changemakers ( Amu, Scott, Karapet, Charlotta and Lubna) accompanied with Louise and Katherine participated in Clinton Global Initiative. During CGIU we had an opportunity to meet and share experience with over 1600 participants from all 50 US States and more than 86 nations. Before the opening session and ceremony, we had trainings and workshops with Katherine and Louise.

The workshops helped us to effectively introduce our commitment at the sessions as well as introduce Global Changemakers program to the participants. On the first day, we participated in Commitments Networking Session, where the participants met each other and discussed their commitments and their future actions. We met with young activist from all over the world, people who are committed to catalyzing positive social change in their communities. During the course of the day plenary session and student welcome reception took place.

On the second day, each of the participants went to working sessions and skills workshops they had signed for beforehand. The workshops covered different aspects of youth work ranging from education to peace and conflict resolution. Also, we had chance to meet and talk with different social activists, well known experts in their relevant fields. Office hours were available for participants who would like to ask question and meet with CGIU speakers and special guests. The last plenary session was ” Moving forward in Haiti” where three Haitian youth activists shared a panel with President Clinton and NPR (National Public Radio) host Michele Norris.

On the last day of CGIU, participants with President Clinton did a Service Project at the Homeless Trust’s Homestead Complex in Miami. Participants were split up in different groups designed for different projects. I with other member of my group made a soccer field for the complex residents. We cleaned up the field, painted the grass and made goals (with nets) for playing soccer. In the end, participants got in the buses and left for their homes.

All in all, participating in CGIU was a terrific opportunity for me as well as for other Global Changemakers. It helped us to socialize and create networks with new changemakers and ultimately strengthen the family ties the Global Changemakers have. I was blessed to have a chance to meet Scott, Lubna, Charlotta, Louise, Katherine and Amu. Thus, from all of us, I would like to thank British Council for helping young people to make their voices heard around the globe.

With love,

Karapet.