Leading by Example

Jahoska, 24, shakes her head as she describes what might have happened if she had missed what turned out to be a life-changing opportunity. “Where I live, there were many groups that encouraged young people to fall into bad habits such as drinking alcohol and using drugs; if I hadn’t been part of the Children Believe programs, I’m sure I would have taken one of those paths,” shares Jahoska.

However, she chose a different life.

At 14, sponsored by a Children Believe donor, she first attended a youth group called JUPAC, a Spanish acronym that translates to: “Youths United, Thinking and Acting.” There she received communication materials that taught youth like herself about violence prevention, women’s empowerment and making good decisions. When she joined, Jahoska did not like to talk, share or speak in public, but she developed confidence in herself and strengthened valuable life skills, leading to academic success. She achieved the grades needed to attend university, where she is currently attending weekend classes to earn a degree in marketing and advertising.

“I went from being a quiet girl to participating in different programs, representing other teenagers,” Jahoska shares.

Throughout her involvement, Jahoska learned the value of sisterhood and the benefits of fostering mutual help among women to support each other, something she values greatly. Together, they identify harmful practices and work through challenging life situations in a safe space. Thanks to the support of donors, JUPAC groups have also been responsible for awareness campaigns that help boys recognize their responsibility in teen pregnancies and they encourage parents to educate their children about sexual health. Creating and strengthening youth groups is especially important in communities where children are marginalized.

Harnessing youth potential

Jahoska is a role model for other young people, teenagers and children. She is using her experience and knowledge as a staff member working for INPRHU, a partner agency helping to provide care to children sponsored through Children Believe. She has impressed everyone as a facilitator, applying lessons learned in the youth group to promote digital empowerment, manage the group’s social media presence, and through workshops, raise awareness about gender-based violence.

As she engages with youth, Jahoska draws from her own experience: “If we are included from a young age, if we are given participation and heard, we are going to be great professionals and contribute a lot to our communities.”

Jahoska adds that she wants to inspire other teenagers to create a life plan and realize that, with effort, they can achieve their goals, too. At INPRHU staff point to Jahoska as an example of the Children Believe program’s success, one example among many who have excelled in life, thanks to their involvement.

“She went from being a reserved teenager to being an example and leader for other teenagers in her community,” says Martha Prieto, an INPRHU program coordinator. She became very interested in the protection of girls and together with other young people developed many initiatives to prevent violence in her community.

“If I had to say what is the change she had, for me it is that she is totally another teenager than the one we knew, the way she dedicated herself to learning and the interest she put into it is what has allowed her to reach her potential.”

Maria Isabel Lopez, Children Believe’s Regional Director for Latina America, says, “Jahoska’s story beautifully highlights the significance of fostering mutual help among youth, especially women. By working together and supporting one another, young people can overcome challenges, identify harmful practices, and create safe spaces for personal development. I encourage everyone to continue supporting organizations like Children Believe that make a remarkable difference in children’s and youth’s lives.”

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.