Calling All Young Leaders and Change Makers!

As 2013 draws to a close OYE is more than happy to turn its attention to the future, and this means selecting new scholars and planning for the 2014 year. This past weekend the process of preparing for 2014 kicked off in earnest as we interviewed potential OYE Scholars. With board members settled to arrive at the end of this week the tumultuous agenda preparing for next year shows no sign of slowing down. Board members, beneficiaries, and staff will participate in both long and short term planning sessions.

Program Coordinator, Dunia Perdomo, Introduces the first exercise.

This past weekend the organization hosted its first round of interviews for 2014 OYE scholars. In addition to returning OYE scholars, approximately 30 local youth were invited to participate in both

OYE Volunteers Morgan and Alex
observe new applicants with board mem-
ber Walter Molinari (Black t-shirt).

group and individual interviews. For the first time, OYE implemented a dynamic Group element, allowing a diverse committee to evaluate how applicants interacted among their peers. Divided into groups of youth with like ages, the applicants were given challenges and the committee assessed who took leadership roles, who was a good listener, who demonstrated rational thinking or deduction, and what was the general group dynamic. This was the first time that OYE has used such tactics to gain a deeper understanding of how applicants think, function, and transact with their peers.

First time applicants work together

In addition to being a great observational tool, the dynamics gave the applicants a chance to accommodate themselves and gain some confidence before entering the individual interviews. The individual interviews give the applicants an opportunity to express their hopes and aspirations and convey things that one cannot see during a dynamic group activity. As Walter Molinari pointed out, the personal interviews are essential to finding youth with leadership potential, as opposed to those who have already developed a strong sense of leadership and voice. At OYE we are seeking youth with positive attitudes and a desire to make their community a better place, a clear distinction from a competitive drive and take-charge attitude. Walter lauded the individual interviews as a great tool, identifying some of OYE’s greatest leaders like Gerald and Sandra who never would have come across in a group interview.

Activity #1, Applicants collaborate to build
unique model homes

The next phase of the process involves home visits. This allows OYE staff to know where the scholars live and meet their families. Vice versa the families of OYE scholars have the chance to meet OYE staff. Both sides arrive to a better understanding of the other. Information is confirmed and OYE has the chance to develop a personal relationship with its community. (This is by far my favorite part of the process.)

All in all the process is evolving and offers a well-rounded perspective on aspiring OYE scholars. The applicants this year have been inspiring. It is so hard to select the ones that

Applicants work as pitch team, selling
their model home to OYE

will receive OYE scholarships, but as our programs expand  we can realistically offer each and every applicant the chance to benefit from OYE’s Leadership and Capacity Building classes and participate in OYE youth-led community outreach programs.

Magda Reyes Graduates Suma Cum Laude!

Congrats to Magda Reyes for graduating from the National Autonomous University of Honduras Suma Cum Laude and as the valedictorian of her class! Check out what she had to say to OYE in response to her miraculous achievements.

MAGDA REYES

Dear OYE:

I write this with the warmest regards and to thank you all for having taken part in the culmination of my degree in PEDOGOGY AND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES WITH AN ADMINISTRATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL PLANNING FOCUS, as you were one of the key pieces to my completing my education. I also want to thank you with all of my heart for the support you provided, which helped my raise my self-esteem day after day. I will never cease to be grateful and hope that you continue demonstrating to young people that they are the present of our country. You also taught me to discover the potential I have as a leader. Keep doing all you can for the youth of our country and, especially, our city.

These four years as a member of the OYE family and my experience working with young people have served me to better value my children and understand their needs.

Thanking you from the bottom of my heart, I leave OYE saying thank you and thank you again, one thousand times more. Keep moving forward.

Sincerely,

Patricia Magda Reyes Martinez

Apreciado OYE:

Reciban un cordial saludo de mi parte, el motivo de la presente es para saludarlos y al mismo tiempo agradecerles el haber participado en la culminación de mi carrera como: LICENCIADA PEDAGOGÍA Y CIENCIAS DE LA EDUCACIÓN CON ORIENTACIÓN EN ADMINISTRACIÓN Y PLANEAMIENTO DE LA EDUCACIÓN, ya que ustedes fueron una de las piezas clave para poder terminarla. También quiero agradecerles de todo corazón la ayuda que mi brindaron para poder levantar día a día con mi autoestima. Nunca dejaré de estarles agradecida y deseo que sigan demostrando que los jóvenes son el presente de nuestro país; además me enseñaron a descubrir el potencial que tengo como líder. Sigan demostrando lo mucho que pueden hacer por los jóvenes de nuestro país y sobre todo nuestra ciudad.

Estos cuatro años que pertenecí a la familia de OYE me sirvieron muchísimo la experiencia con los jóvenes y me sirve más para poder valorar a mis hijos y comprenderlos.

Agradeciéndoles de todo corazón, me despido diciéndoles gracias y mil gracias. Sigan adelante.

Atentamente,

Magda Patricia Reyes Martínez