latin american youth culture

Latin American

Youth

“We know that humankind always pursues thefuture with hope. And the most illuminated window

that moves us forward is the youth.“ — Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

RealityLatin America and the Caribbean have achieved significant progress toward the establishment of democratic regimes in the region due to the mobilization of civil society, local governments, organizations and young people, who are leading the way toward a more participatory and inclusive society. The stability of many of these democracies remains fragile due to the increasing social problems that plague the region, including the rising poverty levels, the increased prevalence of HIV/AIDS, especially among people in the 25 - 44 age group, along with unemployment, drug trafficking and the eruption of internal violence. Some emergent challenges are; environmental degradation and pollution, as well as persistent problems including gender, racial and socioeconomic inequality.

StatisticsAfter Africa, Latin America is home to the largest population of young people in the world.

In Latin America by the year 2012 more than 70% of the population will be under the age of 25.

The unemployment rate in Latin America is twice the overall rate.

Youth account for over 50% of all unemployed workers in Latin America.

New jobs are of lower quality, more unstable, more insecure and lower paying.

Unemployment problems are connected to the rise in social violence, family violence and substance abuses.

Life struggles

Problems with Parents Who will love me? Dating

No one understands me

Getting a job

Getting an education

Wha

t is

my

purp

ose

in li

fe?

Too many unwed mothersStruggling with

worldly vices

I want to be accepted!

Family

obligations

“The young always have the same problem - how to rebel and conform at the same time. They have now solved this by defying their parents and copying one another.” - Quentin Crisp

Christian Life struggles

Growing spiritually

Not fall into temptation

Be a good testimony and example even in times of

adversityPrioritize my time and activities

Knowing God’s will for my life?

Be disciplined in my devotions and prayer life

Have good friendships with Christians and non- Christians

Follow God’s will for my life

Serve God well

“Don't laugh at a youth for his affectations; he's only trying on one face after another till he finds his own.”

– Logan Pearsall Smith

Struggling to be a youth in the Latin Society

Fighting for a good jobStruggling to be a professional

Lacking opportunities to advance

Be honest and not corrupt

Be creative and not a conformist

Live by God’s principles and not by the world's morals

Be a solution and not part of the problem

I am not accepted because I am young and inexperienced.

Be a responsible, model citizen

Use my gifts to serve

Choose faithful friends and be a faithful friend

Live in peace. Don’t hate.

Struggling to be a professional

Will I be able to work in my profession?

Will I finish my studies or be held back due to a lack of finances, corruption or discrimination?

Will I find a good paying job?

Will there be opportunities for me to advance in life?

Will I be able to attain the career that I dream about?

Will I be an honest student or employee or will I be corrupt like the rest?

How do I express myself?

Through ChatThrough facebook

Through e-mails

With my friends

In my social groupsBy talking to older, experienced people

Sometimes I feel like…

my hands are tied and I have no future.

Sometimes I feel like…

I am free to be all I can be.

Sometimes I feel like…

life is just a big game.

Sometimes I feel like…

life is just dumping on me.

Sometimes I feel like…

all my dreams can come true.

Angela’s struggle

Angela is 26 years old. She works in the central market selling hats. Her dream is to be a seamstress and learn to make her own hats and have her own store. She wants to take classes but doesn’t have the money. The courses she needs are only offered in another city. Apart from working full time, she helps take care of her widowed brother’s two children. She is also very active in her local church teaching Sunday school and helping with the youth group. A while ago, she decided to take a night course in business administration at the university. Her Pastor discouraged her saying that it would take her away from the Lord’s work and that she didn’t need to study because soon she would be married and would need to take care of her family. This really discouraged her because she is already 26 and feels like time is running out to have a family and her dream store. “Why is it so hard and frustrating to make your dreams come true?” she asks herself daily.

Javier’s struggle

Javier is 22 years old. Since graduating high school he has been helping in his family’s truck repair business. He loves the business and wants to become a mechanic. His family wants him to work and not go to school. He is saving up his own money to make his dream come true. For the past three years Javier has been dating Raquel. They are in love and want to get married. She is studying to be a secretary. They want to wait until both have finished their studies and have saved enough money to get an apartment, which would be in another three years. Javier’s parents want them to get married now and move in with them. Javier feels torn between what his family wants and his own dreams of a better future.

The biggest challenges in Christian life

To do God’s will

To grow in my spiritual life

To live out my faith on a daily bases

To be a bold witness in word and deed

To allow God to change my character and be more Christ like

To share my faith with my family members

To not fall into temptationTo serve the Lord faithfully

The biggest challenges in the church

To be salt and light to the worldTo love the people and be at peace with each other. No back biting or judging.

To serve one anotherA lack of trained leaders

Maintain a good testimony

Not sin Serve the community

As a youth to be respected by the other church members

To mature spiritually together

To have a heart for the lostTo follow Christ’s example

To have a voice and a place to serve

Pray for us