“Now I know I am capable of creating, leading, and taking advantage of opportunities to make an impact in my community.” — Merci Rodríguez, YGOR participant, YMCA Honduras

Merci Rodríguez, from Honduras, is part of YMCA Marcala and currently participates in the YGOR program, an experience that has transformed the way she sees herself and her role within her community.

Before joining the program, she felt she lacked tools and knowledge about key topics. “I didn’t know many things, even about the YMCA itself and how projects are developed,” she shares. That lack of knowledge limited her confidence to become actively involved.

Everything changed when she began her journey with YGOR.

Through the learning spaces, Merci started understanding fundamental concepts such as governance and youth leadership. Beyond the theory, these lessons awakened a new perspective in her: the ability to create, lead, and implement projects with social impact.

“These topics empower youth to feel capable,” she explains. For her, that internal transformation has been one of the greatest achievements. She went from doubting her own abilities to recognizing that she can actively contribute to the well-being of others.

The program also helped her understand the importance of opportunities. “Many times, we let them pass because of a lack of knowledge,” she reflects. Today, she feels prepared to identify and take advantage of them, with the confidence to navigate different spaces.

More than simply gaining knowledge, Merci experienced a process of personal growth. Thanks to the support of her facilitators and the learning environment, she now feels confident in her abilities and motivated to continue growing.

Her story reflects how access to training and development opportunities can unlock the potential of youth, empowering them to become agents of change within their communities.