In a world where migration is often linked to hardship, some young leaders, like Luisa Fernanda Cambino Palacios, choose to make a difference. Through her role with the United Nations Online Volunteering service to the Twenty-First Century African Youth Movement (AYM), Luisa passionately advocates for migrant youth, providing hope and solutions for those facing migration challenges. Her work bridges communities and uplifts young migrants by connecting them with education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Luisa’s journey into migrant advocacy shapes her mission: she has firsthand experience with the complexities and uncertainties that young migrants face. With this insight, Luisa empowers others by leading initiatives that help migrant youth adapt and thrive. Her approach emphasizes the power of local action, allowing her to reach youth globally, from Colombia’s northern Cauca region to communities in Sierra Leone, where AMY’s focus on agriculture and ecotourism has created life-changing opportunities.
In Colombia’s Cauca region, where migration due to violence and conflict is widespread, Luisa collaborates with local organizations to empower young people. These efforts encourage education and community leadership while boosting local economies through agriculture. Her organization supports programs that teach young people vital skills, from farming bananas and avocados to building entrepreneurial and leadership abilities. These efforts nurture the spirit of Cauca’s young residents, helping them preserve their cultural heritage and build sustainable futures in their homeland.
On an international scale, Luisa’s work with AYM in Sierra Leone follows a similar model. AYM founder Abu-Hassan Koroma developed the initiative to support youth affected by Sierra Leone’s civil war. By offering paths to self-sufficiency through tech and ecotourism, AYM inspires thousands of young people to stay and contribute to their communities instead of migrating.
Luisa’s work shows that migration does not have to mean leaving everything behind. By fostering resilience and creating chances for youth to grow, she leads by example, showing the world that migration can spark positive change for individuals and communities.
Conclusion
Migration impacts millions worldwide, yet leaders like Luisa Fernanda Cambino Palacios help make this journey one of empowerment. Through her work in Colombia and Sierra Leone, Luisa has supported thousands of young people, helping them embrace their roots while building skills and stability. As Luisa’s story illustrates, migration’s challenges can become an opportunity for growth and transformation with the right support.