Written by Ivonne Piedras, Communications Manager, Save the Children Mexico
Almost 200 children and adolescents participate in the Race for Survival in Mexico this August 12 on International Youth Day. The race took place in the city of Huixtla, state of Chiapas, located south of Mexico. Children created a request list and a very interesting proposal to the Huixtla Governement for taking action against inequality, sustainable cities, quality education, poverty, gender equality and peace. They recommend the creation of a monitoring mechanism and accountability in order for their proposals to be truly considered as done. The decision makers, who attended the race pledged to follow up the proposals of the young people. This is an scalable model on how young people can influence decision makers - we just need to create the appropiate space to make it happen. This is our job as Save the Children.
But, the Race isn’t just a good advocacy practice. These young people organised themselves in commitees to organise the race. They had athletic committees, communications and spokespeople. The athletic committee decided the format of the race - divided the tracks of the stadium, organised the heats, divided races according to age, made rehydration modules and guided younger participants. The communications committee distributed invitations to more children, made posters, took pictures and filmed the race. The spokespeople committee prepared the speeches, proposals and were the ones who delivered the demands to the attending government officials.
The race does not end here. Young people continue to work on improving their environment and fulfilling their rights. As Save the Children we will share these proposals with decision makers who are involved in the planning of the new sustainable development agenda.
Children have started organising for social action and mobilising public support to demand the fulfillment of their rights. As adults, it is our duty to listen and support the voice of children as they play their key role in shaping the future of the society.
