Voice from the Field: Itzel Guadalupe Navarro Espinoza

Itzel Guadalupe is a member of a youth training group and the radio production workshop sponsored by Coffee Kids’ partner Self-Managed Development (AUGE) in Cosautlan, Veracruz, Mexico.

“I have been a part of the youth training group since 2006. I began by participating in a survey that we conducted in the area of Teocelo. The idea was to learn what the youth enjoyed and liked to do, to know what they thnk where they are from, what they study, what they see for their future, to learn why they emigrate or stop studying and other topics.

“After that, I got involved in other groups with the trainers including music, theater, painting and dance. I’m currently working in radio production and training. There I”ve had the opportunity to participate in the production of radio spots for a world campaign to prevent AIDS for which we won the UNICEF-OneWorld Radio Prize in 2006. We went to Mexico City to receive the prize.

“I have also participated in a Mesoamerican Network of Youth that they conduct every year on the national level. It was a wonderful experience and it’s interesting to participate in the workshops and meet other youth from other regions, states and countries that have similiar ideas and a different vision for the country. And it’s rewarding to meet other young people who not only think about having fun, but also think about the future.

“Another part of the work I do at my school. As a part of my social service, I spend time teaching women from the savings groups in my community to use computers. That way they can track their savings and loans using Excel int he computer that AUGE donated.

“I have enjoyed working with AUGE because from them we have learned and had many experiences that will serve us well in the future.”