Voices of change: Young Leader Deyna shares her experience at the Summit
“From the very first moment, this experience transformed me”
I had the incredible opportunity to spend five unforgettable days in Mexico, taking part in an event organised by Street Child United, an experience that truly transformed me from the very first moment.
Breaking the ice
On the first day, I was tasked with breaking the ice – quite literally! I led the very first icebreaker activity of the event. I remember feeling nervous but also full of excitement. Thankfully, everything went wonderfully, setting the tone for what turned out to be an inspiring week. That same day, we met the Team Leaders from the different participating countries, an inspiring encounter filled with energy, wisdom, and connection. Each person had so much to share with the world.
Learning, Sharing, Growing
Over the following days, we took part in unforgettable sessions and workshops on vital topics: gender campaigns, sponsorship, event organisation, football rules, art, media, volunteer roles, and youth leadership. Every space offered a chance to learn, share, and grow, both personally and collectively.
One of the highlights for me was visiting Oaxtepec, the future host of the next Street Child United event. It’s a magical place, and I’m sure next year’s experience will be just as, if not even more, extraordinary. We also explored Mexico City, a vibrant hub of culture, traditions, food, and warm, welcoming people. I was deeply moved by the city’s spirit and generosity.
Connection
What touched me most was connecting with people from so many different countries. Listening to their stories, learning about their realities, and realising how much we share in common was incredibly powerful.
These exchanges strengthened me and reignited my passion for leading, inspiring, and driving change in my community. I truly believe that spaces like this allow us to dream of and build a better world together.
This was, without a doubt, a magical experience that continues to shape my life and worldview. I’ll always be deeply grateful to have met such an extraordinary organisation, and it’s an honour to remain part of this movement, helping to empower new leaders around the world.
