International Youth Day in La Boca

Half of the world’s population is under 25 years old. Young people are a source of innovative ideas and committed defenders of justice and dignity in the world. This is why Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) celebrated International Youth Day on August 10, with emphasis on universal access to adequate housing.

International Youth Day was celebrated by all Habitat for Humanity offices in Latin America and the Caribbean. Young people older than 18  were invited to participate. In Argentina, a volunteer brigade worked on construction activities at the Assisted Rents project building located at Hernandarias 674, in the La Boca neighborhood. 

”Housing serves as a base from which to break out of the cycle of poverty. In the Boca neighborhood, as in many other places where we work, many families need a solution to their housing problem.   An adequate home improves the health of the family, empowers women heads of household, and provides an adequate environment for children to study”, stated Ana Cutts,  HPHA Executive Directo, during an introductory  chat with young volunteers.

Following Ana’s remarks, the volunteers were divided into four teams; one team for each floor of the building. Each group had a leader responsible for coordinating activities and materials availability.  

During the day, the volunteers plastered walls throughout the building under guidance from project masons who accompanied each team.

In late afternoon, following a lessons-learned evaluation session, one young volunteer stated emotionally: “It is very good to see that what we did helps needy families. They are the reason it was worth celebrating International Youth Day”