Lucia's story

Lucia was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia. She became involved in the YMCA through a call for young people to be trained as peer educators. Now she is dedicated to helping empower young people through the YMCA’s youth projects.

Lucia, who’s 24, has been involved with the YMCA for a year. She has been trained as a peer educator and is now a volunteer.

“What’s been most useful has been learning the strategies for reaching young people. I’ve learnt to think about others and contribute to their personal development.”

Lucia believes that every young person is the protagonist for his/her own change. “The staff at the YMCA are capable of guiding young people in the search for their goal in life. They help others without concern for themselves.”

Lucia has been involved in the HIV/AIDS prevention project, working on a radio production project which helped raise awareness of the issue. She says: “These are issues that affect our lives but are rarely spoken about or heard of in the media”.

“I will definitely continue to participate in YMCA activities, particularly activities in the area of youth and communications. I want to help the YMCA to strengthen and empower young people.”