CAB Youth Reporter Finds Out More About US Embassy Youth Ambassadors Program

To celebrate International Children’s Day of Broadcasting this past weekend, the National Committee for Families and Children, N.C.F.C., facilitated an interview by a member of the Children’s Advisory Board with the Charge d’Affairs of the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan. During her session, I’munique [Eye-mun-eek] Ochoa asked for details about a program other Belizean high school students may be interested in applying for as they seek to be change makers in their community. Here is that interview courtesy of N.C.F.C. 

I’munique Ochoa, Children’s Advisory Council

“Hello, Charge, What is the Youth Ambassadors program?”

Leyla Moses-Ones, Charge d’Affairs, US Embassy

Leyla Moses-Ones

“The Youth Ambassadors Program is a very special youth exchange program that takes place in the United States. It was designed by Georgetown University and it is funded by the Department of State. It brings together high school youth to exchange ideas, and to network and to demonstrate leadership qualities, that they can then bring back to their communities to make a difference.”

I’munique Ochoa

“What kind of activities do the youth ambassadors engage in during the program?”

Leyla Moses-Ones

“So there is a lot of fun, a lot of networking, they get together with fellow members of their community, and design programs that they can bring back to their own communities, to make change happen.”

I'munique Ochoa

I’munique Ochoa

“Who is eligible to become a youth ambassador?”

Leyla Moses-Ones

“I believe that the program is open to Belizean high school students ages 15-18 and usually people who have not had a lot of exposure to the United States yet. And youth who have a demonstrated passion for leadership, and making a change in their community.”

I’munique Ochoa

“Why is this program important to the US Embassy?”

Leyla Moses-Ones

“We are so excited to bring the future leaders of Belize to the United States to network with our future leaders because now more than ever the custodians of democracy who are the youth have to bring these ideas forward. Our democracies will rely on innovative leadership by youth such as yourself.”

 I’munique Ochoa

“Do you have any words of encouragement to the young Belizeans who may consider applying for the next cohort?”

Leyla Moses-Ones

“I sure do. Get out that digital paper and pen so to speak and just apply. We are looking for people from all walks of life. We are looking for Belizeans from all over the country who represent passion and a desire to make change in their community.”

I’munique Ochoa

“Thank you Charge for sharing about the Youth Ambassadors Program.”

To fill out an application for the U.S. Youth Ambassador’s program you can go to the U.S. Embassy Belmopan’s website and find the youth programs page.