Listen to young people's voices. Learn how travel can be a force for good.

We believe tourism can offer new perspectives and offers young people ways to change their lives and their communities. And we want young people's voices to be heard, because it is only by working together with the next generation that we can build a brighter future for all of us.

Listen to what young members of the communities we support have to say about how travel can be a force for good.

Carlos co-founded Caguan Expeditions, an organization that allows victims of the armed conflict in Colombia to build a future through active tourism. In this interview, he gives some insight into his day-to-day life, as well as describing what motivates him. 

Jeicoth grew up in a neighborhood where the opportunities for young people were crime, jail, or the cemetery. The local attitude towards tourism changed when they saw how it could be an instrument for good.

"My name is Jeicoth, and I am the leader of Parchese a los Populares, a project aimed at destigmatizing our neighborhood and reducing internal conflict through tourism and art. By interacting with groups in neighboring districts, we are trying to break down invisible barriers that often speacefully that oftentimes separate us and cause conflicts.

I got involved in tourism to showcase the true essence of my neighborhood, hoping to generate employment and boost the local economy while changing perceptions about Bogotá. My daily routine involves preparing my daughters for school, painting graffiti and pictures, attending project appointments, and spending time with my family.

Parchese a los Populares has been through a lot, especially during challenging times like COVID. Many affiliates suffered from food shortages, but kind-hearted people came forward, providing us with invaluable support. From police interventions to guiding young individuals away from harmful activities, our project has brought positive transformations to the community."

"When I look towards my future, the first thing I wish for is to finish high school and have a stable job in order to have a more peaceful life. Currently, I work in a pharmacy. I usually get up at 7 in the morning to go to work, come home and have lunch with my partner, and then in the afternoon I have more free time. For example, we can watch a movie, and then go for a walk with the dog. Then my mum comes, and we have dinner together. 

During my spare time, especially when a tour is scheduled, I actively coordinate the visitor groups. Generally, on each tour we divide the tasks as there are several of us. I am often responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the dining area.  I found out about the initiative at Isla Maciel from my partner, Agustin. He was already involved in the project and one day asked me if I wanted to join. From there, I went to a meeting with the guys and I've been involved ever since, for over a year now.

What fills me with pride as a participant in this project is our capacity to alter the perspective of every tourist who steps foot on the island. Through our tours, we endeavor to reshape preconceptions and foster an appreciation for the locale, ensuring visitors leave with a newfound respect. The transformation we bring about with each visit is a testament to the impact of our efforts.

What the organization at Isla Maciel opened for me was possibility. It gave me my first work experience, so that my curriculum vitae wasn't empty, and that's helped me a lot."

Cesar lives in Ciudad Bolivar, a Colombian city south of Bogotá that has faced social challenges. She became a member of Exito Verde, an organization giving young people in the area a safe place to learn, as well as an economic opportunity. 

"Thanks to the foundation Exito Verde, I was able to accompany the tours they organize in the neighborhood. Little by little, I got more involved and gained new skills along the way.

Now, I am an assistant guide. I explain the places we visit on the tour and answer as many questions as possible.

There have been occasions when, as I began to speak to our guests, I could tell by the way they looked at me that they were genuinely interested in what I was sharing with them and even in the way I was sharing it with them.

Engaging with visitors and guiding tours helps me have more confidence in myself. I want to continue with this, to see whether it helps me to achieve a simple life, a life without stress."