I’m in Venezuela, and I’m happy to witness the tangible results of our training program in person. It has been six weeks since our students started their classes, and I have already witnessed the immense potential they possess and the new skills they have acquired.

Recently, we organized our first formal debate, which was hosted by Community Ambassadors. We invited 150 students from 25 different schools, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team.

Over three days, our ambassadors engaged in debates with students from three different states in Venezuela. The discussions revolved around various topics, including LGBTQ Human Rights, education reform in Venezuela, and migration.

Our students conducted thorough research and proposed thoughtful solutions. They emphasized the importance of reinstating Venezuela’s participation in the PISA assessment, providing training and better salaries for teachers, recognizing egalitarian marriage, fostering economic opportunities, and creating jobs in host countries to facilitate the integration of Venezuelan migrants into local labor markets.

Additionally, we organized an NGO fair, where esteemed organizations such as International Amnesty, the Gandhi Foundation, and Fe y Alegria had the opportunity to showcase their work and the impact they are making in different communities across Venezuela. This event also facilitated meaningful connections between these organizations and our students, paving the way for potential internships and scholarships in the future.

I firmly believe that Model United Nations debates serve as safe spaces for creating, exchanging ideas, and learning from mistakes. In our complex and challenging world, we need courageous individuals like our community ambassadors who are willing to take risks, learn from their errors, and persist in the face of adversity.