03 Mar Words to Live by on our East Africa: Youth in Action Program
Written by Julius Mswaki and Erin Bell, 2015 East Africa: Youth in Action program.
There’s only less than three months before we kick off our East Africa: Youth in Action program in Kenya and Tanzania (yes, we’ve got a countdown ready!). We’ve been busy designing an itinerary that’s sure to set us on the road less travelled and working with our partners to develop meaningful community service projects.
As we set our sights on the summer to come, we put together a few quotes that we want to live by as we travel to these countries, develop new friendships, and work in solidarity with local non-profits and communities.
“Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society’s margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.“
– Kofi Annan
This quote says it ALL! With this program we go on to explore what youth empowerment looks like in different geographical regions and cultures! We understand that youth are the future drivers of change, and we will work hand in hand with amazing organizations striving to empower the local youth in their communities.
“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”
― Lao Tzu
This is what we are all about and we strive for as a team! You will quickly learn to love the journey between getting from point A to point B. From piling into matatus, swerving through the towns on piki pikis, listening to the bumpin’ beats all night long on the overnight buses, and adjusting to the “East African” concept of time, you’ll soon realize it’s these little things in between that add up to one memorable experience!
“Unity is strength, division is weakness.”
– Swahili Proverb
Not only does this proverb originate from the local language you will be hearing (and speaking!) constantly throughout your travels around East Africa, but it also serves as one of our values on the Youth in Action team. Shortly after meeting your fellow backpacktivists, you will already feel a sense of family among the group. As we hike the bases of Mount Meru, bike a safari through Hell’s Gate National Park, and work in solidarity with our local youth empowerment partners, YCCM and Jifundishe, it will become quite evident that far more progress, fun, and enriched experiences arise through unity rather than division!
