Young co-operators from across El Salvador met with youth representative of the International Co-operative Alliance for the Americas this month to strengthen integration within the regional Co-operative Movement.
At the meeting on 8 May they looked at potential areas of co-operation between young Salvadoran co-operators and regional Youth Committee. In 2008 the Federation of Saving and Credit Co-operative Associations (FEDECACES) approved a policy that aimed to promote young people within the movement to managerial positions.
The event brought together some of the young people who now hold leadership roles who shared their experience, highlighting the impact of the policy and the implementation process.
On this occasion, the Alliance’s regional youth board also hosted its board meeting, where they discussed amending the bylaws of the Youth Committee as well as on the 6th Video Conference of youth from across the region, which will take place on 12 July.
In a separate forum, representatives from three Salvadoran credit unions shared their experience related to the implementation of the Youth Policy of FEDECACES. They came from Nuevo Siglo Financial Cooperative (ACAYCCOMAC de R.L), the Central Financial Co-operative (ACOPACC DE R.L.) and the Co-operative Financial Union (ACACU DE R.L.).]
Members from across the Americas region took part in the event, including Carlos Medrano (Dominican Republic), president of the regional youth committee of Co-operatives of the Americas; Mylenne Bruno (Canada), secretary of the regional youth committee; Ernesto Guavara (Mexico), member of the regional youth committee and Gabriela Buffa (Argentina), youth representative on the board of the International Co-operative Alliance. Honduras was also represented at the event by Karen Alvarado and Gabriela Núñez.
Carlos Medrano said: “The aim of the event was to see how the youth of El Salvador was doing and what the Committee could to support FEDECACES. Apart from this, we also spoke about the committee and its history, as well as its role within Co-operatives of the Americas.
“Whenever the youth committee visits a country it gains new experience and in this case the public speaking workshop hosted by FEDECACES, drew our attention.” The seminar was designed to help young people improve their oratory skills and become better leaders.
El Salvador also plans to hold its first Youth Congress this year, while the country’s young co-operators will also participate in the first regional seminar of the leaders of the Americas region, which will take part in the Dominican Republic on 18-20 July.
Photo: Carlos Medrano receiving a prize at the event.
