For a long time I was thinking that there was nothing I could do as a teenager. The issues were too large, and the solutions seemed too distant. In a noisy place, I felt like I was the only voice. But, after that I discovered something that transformed my life: a group of young people who not only believed in change but were also motivated to effect it. Because we began collaborating to turn issues into solutions, we began to envision a better future for education, and more importantly: For us.
The Challenges in Transforming Education Education is frequently viewed as a ladder, but for many in nations such as Peru, or in Latin America the ladder is missing rungs. Millions of people are left behind due to access, quality, and equity issues, and with that, getting out of poverty or get ahead seems like something impossible. For a long time, I thought I couldn’t do anything about it. How could I —as a youth woman in Peru— make a difference in something complex? But what I didn’t understand is that the biggest power we have isn’t in solving problems alone—it’s in building communities that tackle them and growing up together, learning and supporting each other. Youth Networks as a Force for Change Youth networks are more than just spaces to share ideas or hangout; they are places for action. Bringing together voices, perspectives, values and skills to create solutions that would be impossible alone, even if we don't have the same ideas for solving a problem. For example, in the projects I've participated in, such as developing a STEAM magazine or delivering workshops about space medicine, I noticed how teamwork increases influence, and helps to connect with more future changemakers. These weren’t just achievements; they were proofs of what’s possible when we transform individual efforts into collective movements. In Peru, youth networks are redefining what it means to lead. They’re empowering young people to face educational challenges with innovation and resilience. These networks are built on trust, shared values, and a belief that every voice matters, making them powerful drivers of change. From Problems to Solutions: A Journey of Transformation One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that problems are not the end—they’re the beginning. Transforming education isn’t about waiting for solutions to come; it’s about creating them ourselves. When my team and I worked on a project about sexual harassment, it wasn’t easy. The topic was sensitive, and the impact felt personal. But instead of shying away, we turned those challenges into a podcast that reached over 1,000 listeners. That project didn’t just share stories; it inspired others to take action. Another example is the PDLE program by Enseña Perú. It taught me that solutions don’t always start with big ideas—they start with people willing to try. Through this program, I’ve seen how youth-led initiatives can empower communities and create lasting change. The Power of Connection What makes youth networks so special is not just their ability to solve problems but their ability to connect people. They remind us that we’re not alone, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. When I joined my first network, I realized something: leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the smartest. It’s about listening, collaborating, and lifting others as you climb. Networks give young people a place to belong, grow, and dream together.
Transforming education is difficult. It takes resilience, commitment, and the idea that change is possible, even when the odds are stacked against you. But it also demands something more fundamental: connection. Youth networks demonstrate that when we work together, we can transform challenges into power and ambitions into realities. They educate us that we don't have to do it alone, and that by working together, we can create a future in which education is a right rather than a privilege. To anyone reading this, keep in mind that the path is difficult yet rewarding. Find your people, create your network, and never lose faith in the power of collective action.
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