Building Skills, Connections, and Impact Globally
World Youth Clubs events support our mission and strengthen youth development professionals worldwide. Through conferences, consultations and special recognition programs, WYC provides a platform for learning, networking, and celebrating impact. These events bring together experts, practitioners, and volunteers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to strengthen their programs and make a lasting difference in young lives. WYC events are more than gatherings - they’re a commitment to building a global community of dedicated leaders who are transforming youth development in their local communities.
The United For Youth Conference gathers global youth development professionals dedicated to empowering young people and creating lasting change. This event equips youth leaders with essential tools and inspiration to shape brighter futures.
The Annual United For Youth Conference seeks to empower youth development professionals and drive impactful change worldwide. Since launching in 2020, it has brought together leaders, mentors, and advocates from across the globe for two days of insightful sessions, networking, and inspiration.
Designed to strengthen the skills and vision of those who shape youth programs, the event provides essential resources and support to amplify the work of WYC Affiliates. This year, the conference included WYC’s Promise Awards program, celebrating exceptional individuals and their contributions to youth empowerment.
The Promise Awards honor outstanding youth development leaders and volunteers whose dedication, innovation, and impact inspire change, fostering a global culture of commitment to youth empowerment.
Presented annually at WYC’s United For Youth Conference, the Promise Awards honor youth professionals and volunteers whose work embodies the spirit and mission of WYC, and goes above and beyond to inspire, guide, and empower young people.
The Promise Awards celebrate excellence by highlighting inspiring stories and innovative approaches to youth development. This recognition boosts morale and provides a platform for sharing best practices, encouraging others in the field to pursue impactful initiatives. This program not only applauds outstanding achievements but also builds a network of role models, advancing youth empowerment on a global scale.
2024 Program of The Year
Teen Counseling Program
Club de Niños y Niñas de Nuevo León A.B.P. México
The Teen Counseling Program addresses adolescent struggles, particularly the lack of access to upper secondary education. This program has achieved remarkable success, despite facing obstacles such as a lack of economic resources in the community and pressure from organized crime.
One of the program’s most noteworthy strengths is its ability to adapt and respond to the changing needs of teenagers in difficult situations. This program provides a safe and confidential space where young people can express their concerns, receive emotional support, and learn important life skills like self-awareness, empathy, assertive communication, interpersonal relationships, decision-making, problem-solving, creative thinking, and critical thinking so they can be adequately prepared to face life’s challenges. The program not only focuses on teenagers but also involves their families to ensure that the youth have a solid support system during the personal development process. In the future, this program will focus on increasing its reach to more adolescents in the community through promotion and outreach in schools, community centers, and local media.
2024 Staff of The Year
Olga Ramos
United States of America
Ms. Olga Ramos, President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico, is a notable nominee for the Promise Award due to her outstanding leadership and commitment to growth. With over twenty-five years of experience as an accountant and lawyer, Ms. Ramos has made significant improvements to the organization since she became President in 2017. Under her leadership, revenue has doubled, and the range of services expanded to include both early childhood and adult programs. Despite facing challenges such as pandemics and natural disasters, she has led the organization to accomplish strategic goals while fostering a supportive environment for her staff.
Ms. Ramos is known for her approachable and caring leadership style. She’s also actively involved in all aspects of the organization, from visiting clubs to engaging directly with the youth and staff. She shows a strong commitment to professional development by actively creating growth opportunities and encouraging staff to get involved in community activities. By focusing, listening and practicing effective collaborative skills, she makes sure that the feedback from both participants and staff are included in shaping the organization’s programs and goals.
2024 Youth of the Year
Cruz Denzel Tabares Buentello
Club de Niños y Niñas de Nuevo León A.B.P. México
Since the age of six, Cruz has been an active member of the Club de Niños y Niñas de Nuevo León A.B.P, consistently excelling in all activities. He has motivated many peers to join and actively participate in the club’s activities. He is in his 6th semester at the College of Scientific and Technological Studies, focused on his goal of studying finance at Tecnologico de Monterrey. This academic focus demonstrates not only his strong intellectual abilities but also his long-term vision to positively impact his community.
When he is not studying in college, he is working on transformative environmental projects. One recent project he worked on is called “Plantatio Vitae,” a reforestation project that reflects his ability to turn ideas into tangible actions. His strong commitment to the environment and thirst for knowledge set him apart from others, as well as his consistent positive attitude and unrelenting determination. He is a true agent of change and a natural leader who is determined to generate a positive impact through his leadership and commitment to social and environmental well-being. He has shown an uncanny ability to lead community efforts, while inspiring other young people to get involved and become aware of the importance of sustainability. Cruz conducts his own workshop in which he educates other youth on topics such as reforestation, climate change, and individual steps that can contribute to bettering the environment, using interactive and practice methods.
2024 Volunteer of The Year
Seraphin Mutabazi Kamutera
Weaver School, DRC
Seraphin, a Congolese residing in Goma, D.R. Congo, has been instrumental in establishing the Weaver School, where he serves as the school’s advisor and counselor. Seraphin helps students with psychological barriers by holding counseling sessions with them. He has also helped to solve cultural issues at the school due to the multicultural environment with his effective conflict resolution and counseling skills, promoting a sense of togetherness. As a result of Seraphin’s efforts, he has fostered an environment of peace and friendship, where differences are respected.
The Weaver School has been a tremendous help for vulnerable children lacking formal education. Eight years ago, Seraphin facilitated the creation of schools so that underprivileged children could acquire the education they deserved. Without the use of financial aid, Seraphin has engaged local church members to support the school’s daily operations. The Weaver School began with eighty-five vulnerable children in 2016. This initiative has become an operation that hosts the most vulnerable children in Goma. Thanks to Seraphin’s leadership skills, the school has become a safer environment where students are pushed to excel in their classes and reach their full potential.
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