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We are proud to introduce you to HundrED's Youth Committee! HundrED's Youth Ambassador Programme, developed in collaboration with IBO, is enriched by the ideas and opinions by a core team of 12 Youth Committee members - all of them Youth Ambassador alumni. We asked them to tell us something about themselves and to share some advice to the new cohort of Youth Ambassadors to make the most out of the programme.
Yashika
My name is Yashika Garg, and I am a 16-year-old IB student from India. I'm a young advocate and a change-maker with an aim to contribute towards the improvement of the world, and that's why I joined the Youth Ambassador Program at the start of 2023. I have always been drawn to art since I was a child, which is why I participate in any initiatives related to visual arts or music since I find art to be an extremely powerful tool for expressing myself.
My major advice to the Youth Ambassadors is to not be afraid of expressing your ideas and views, as it is an inclusive platform that will help you connect with like-minded people. Through this program, you will be able to understand the essence of being a true change-maker.
Taroub
Hi HundrED Youth Ambassadors! My name is Taroub Mounla, and I'm a 14 year old girl from Lebanon, living in Saudi Arabia. I like to consider myself an opinionated leader, who strives to make the community around her (and maybe even the world) a better place. I've always been passionate about the Sustainable Development Goals, and I never turn down a chance to learn more about them. When I heard about the Youth Ambassador Program, I grabbed the opportunity straight away. That was probably one of the best decisions I have ever taken in my life.
As a former Youth Ambassador, and one of the youngest in cohort 1, I know how it feels to get lost in all of the excitement and information the Youth Ambassador Program provides us with. At the beginning, it was really difficult for me to manage school and try to attend all YA workshops and pop-in sessions. My advice in order not to become overwhelmed would be time management. Set reminders for schoolwork and HundrED deadlines. If something happens and you miss a HundrED deadline, don't worry! Ms. Anna and Ms. Meghan are very understanding, and will probably come up with a compromise for you, since they know how tricky it is to balance all of your tasks. Finally, just be yourself! Age is just a number, and I think I speak for all of the YAs (Youth Ambassadors) when I say that it doesn't matter. You might be 12 and you might be 19. The Youth Ambassador Programme is just about collaborating with one another to help achieve the SDGs!
Mahmut
I am Mahmut. I'm a senior year high school student, change-maker, Youth Ambassador, and HundrED Academy member from Türkiye. Swimming, learning languages, watching football and basketball games are some of my passions. If a Youth Ambassador is attempting to get the most out of the program, the main must-do is "being active and present" in it. Since we are able to connect via Discord, you should spend at least a few minutes reading posts, other young people's opinions on the topics discussed and anything shared. Not just reading but expressing your own opinion to interact is crucial, as well.
Annie
I am a Taiwanese DP1 student living in Brisbane, Australia! Outside of schoolwork, I enjoy reading, trying new food with my friends, playing with my two adorable border collies, playing the flute, and taking walks in nature I also love meeting new people and learning about/ with them to become a more well-rounded and better person.
As a youth ambassador from the previous cohort, the best advice that I could give is to actively engage with the other youth ambassadors and not be afraid to take the initiative to initiate conversations and discussions, either during the sessions or on Discord! The programme was a very enriching experience for me and I hope that it will be for you too.
Binara
My name is Binara, and I am a social activist, an award winning singer and public speaker. I was selected years ago as the youngest youth ambassador, later emergent leader and currently Youth Committee member. I am also the founder of the Green Heart foundation where we aim to prepare youth and children to help create a sustainable future world while protecting our environment and encouraging eco-friendly innovations. I always love to create creations using my abilities to combat social and global issues around the world, to help spread an inspiring message to others around the world.
An advice that I would give to my fellow youth ambassadors in Cohort 2, would be to jump on board with new opportunities, to use the amazing resources and events we get to go to through HundrED and to meet new and inspiring people with similar interests and goals. If everyone is working together towards a goal, we can all definitely make the future generations and our world a more peaceful, and sustainable place.
Basel
I’m Basel, from Egypt, and I just had my first experience as Chair in Model United Nations. I've been a delegate multiple times, but never chair. It was really fun seeing everything from another view! I would personally tell the upcoming Youth Ambassadors to not feel pressured in any way, shape or form to start their own Social Impact Project. When I first became a youth ambassador I felt pressured seeing all these youth that have already accomplished great projects, but always remember that everyone moves at their own pace and that you are doing enough!
Miguel
My name is Miguel. I’m a rising junior taking the AP courses. As a person passionate in STEM, I’ve dedicated my youth years in creating or innovating technologies and I’m planning to major in computer engineer. Here’s a bit of fun fact: I was a Youth Ambassador in the first cohort and the program helped me to make my social impact project idea into reality. The project is called River Rebirth, currently participated by 50+ students across two great schools in Jakarta. This project focuses on cleaning up the rivers in Jakarta by installing floating barriers technology handcrafted by our service partner and students. We also work in cleaning events, as well as educating Jakartans on leading a sustainable life. Here, we are working to solve the problem starting from its roots to ensure a greater future for our community and home city.
For the new cohort of Youth Ambassadors, try to be active in the pop-in sessions or workshops that HundrED has provided. It will provide great insights and perspectives that can help you prepare to embark on your initiative.
Oliver
Hi Everyone! My name is Oliver and I am 17 years old. Some of my hobbies are crafting (using almost any kind of material), meeting my friends, and going for walks along the coast or in nature. I was born in Hungary, raised in Spain, and educated in the American system, and I'm currently starting university in Rotterdam. Ever since I moved to the Canary Islands with my mom, I have been amazed by the ocean. This is one of the main reasons why I started my own project this year about preventing glass pollution.
My advice to all the aspiring Youth Ambassadors is to join as many of the sessions and events as you can. And when joining discussions try to talk to and get to know as many people as you can. Most importantly, enjoy the program!
Rishita
Hello, I am 17 years old and live in the US. I currently am the president of my a tutoring program at my school which provides free mentoring to K-6. In my free time you can find me reading or dancing!
My biggest advice to new youth ambassadors is take advantage of the networks that you create. Try reaching out to people and getting yourself known within the community! You have people from all over the world: various socioeconomic standards, various political, climates, and hundreds of cultures. Try interacting and creating a connection with others. This will not only be eye-opening for you, but will give you more opportunities to get involved!
Mayte
Hi, I'm Mayte, I'm 16 years old, I'm about to be 17, and I love being able to help others in whatever they need and always being open to meeting new people. That's why I decided to found an Interact Club together with the Rotary International organization to be able to give young people and space to develop their skills and projects to help their community and at the same time they can meet new people who contribute to their idea and vice versa, therefore I love being surrounded by creative and different people since everyone can contribute in their own way, I am a very dedicated person and open to new experiences and challenges, therefore some information about me is that I love science and being able to do experiments and also be very adventurous and try any activity and sport.
As a member of the youth committee last term, the advice I can give you to make the most of this opportunity is to be open to everything, to be able to talk with others, to listen to new ideas and to contribute together with other people, to be very active and cooperative. In order to appreciate all the new co-workers or friends that you can find in this program and together be able to give each other positive feedback that will lead you and others to grow, the best advice is to always be open to be able to support and guide others, but also to listen and make incredible connections.
Alina
My name is Alina Rivero Cuevas, I'm a 14 year old IB student from Mexico. My favorite things to do are playing sports, reading and watching series or movies. My favorite genres are drama and science-fiction, and I like learning new things.
The advice that I will give is that start thinking about what SDGs you are passionate about, start ideating your project, work better to create your project, find people to create the team, and share ideas. You might find someone who has the same ideas, and if you want your project to be known, to create social media for it. And enjoy the program!
Fardeen
I am Fardeen Blaq. I am 15 years old. I’m a Global Citizen, Diana Award Recipient, Kids' rights changemaker, and, more importantly, the Co-Founder of Kikao Cultures. I educate my peers about the 17 Global Goals. I am an advocate for Goal 17 Partnerships for the goals. Apart from that I love sports like Basketball, Hockey, and Swimming.
To all the youth who have innovative ideas and solutions to tackling the issues they face in their day to day lives: do not be scared to share and implement your idea no matter how big or small. As young people we have the power to change the world!