This past month, Nathanael Mekasha, Youth Coordinator at Kinbridge Community Association, took part in the Intergenerational All Member Meeting hosted by the Children and Youth Planning Table.
The meeting brought together organizations, non profits, community groups, and neighbourhood associations from across Waterloo Region. Young people and adults worked together to review over six hundred youth ideas gathered from the Youth Impact Survey, Sense Making Sessions, and the Impact and Action Youth Summit. Together, they shaped these ideas into actionable steps to improve child and youth well-being throughout the region.
Nathanael was one of several panelists who shared their perspectives on the importance of youth engagement and collaboration between young people and adults. The panel focused on ways to share power and support youth leadership in decision making.
Joining Nathanael on the panel were experts from across the region, including:
Fidelia Ukueje from Nigerians In the Region of Waterloo
Melissa Schiedel from Camino Wellbeing and Mental Health
Hibatullahi Umar from Adventure4Change Waterloo
The meeting included collaborative brainstorming and discussions that highlighted the potential when youth are given meaningful space to lead. The future is not something to wait for. It is something we build together.
Photo credit: Children and Youth Planning Table