Introducing World Vision Youth

As an 8-year-old, I remember seeing a helicopter going in and out of the white building across the road from where we lived in Bangladesh. It was always exciting for me as a young boy to see such a thumping big helicopter! At that time, the building belonged to World Vision. The helicopter was an integral part of relief programs, delivering food to flood victims. This was my first impression and earliest memory of World Vision. It is a memory I have carried with me of people who found themselves in a tough situation and needed external help to enable their survival.

Years later, I found myself applying for a role with World Vision: a role in Australia that helped engage young people in fighting poverty and injustice. Eleven years have passed and I am blessed to continue working with young people around the world. I am more inspired than ever by the young people of this generation, who are being empowered by believing in the possibility of a full life for all people. World Vision is instrumental in facilitating such change globally and I am proud to be a small part of the change-making journey.

My current role enables me to engage with young people around the world who are embarking on a global movement to bring life in all its fullness for all children. I have had the opportunity to meet with and visit youth in communities around the globe, who are working to make a change in the midst of some tough realities. Politically, economically, environmentally – the reasons for these tough situations are endless. However, young people are innovative and proactive in bringing about a change to their world. Some youth are creating businesses for kids in Armenia to sell the crafts they, while others in Colombia are working to promote a culture of peace in their community.

There is an enthusiasm and passion to improve what is being done, to be more effective, and to achieve maximum. This is why World Vision is looking to connect you and share your stories – because we believe through hearing each other’s stories, we can help you make a larger difference in your own community. So please engage, share, ask questions, and comment. Together we can make a greater difference in the world.

Visit the new World Vision Youth page on WVI.org to learn more.

By Paul Newnham, Global Youth Engagement Director for World Vision International