Gadita’s journey from stagnation to success

It’s a cliché in North America that one’s early twenties are supposed to be their best years, full of hope and promise about the future. But in much of the world, the future is often less certain.

Hailing from Bolivia, Gadita’s early twenties were marked by a sense of stagnation, insecurity and fear. Now 26, recent participation in World Vision’s Youth Ready program, supported by the Barrett Family Foundation, has renewed Gadita’s determination to make a positive difference in her life and that of her community.

Developing the mindset to overcome hurdles

After her pastor recommended her, Gadita attended a series of Youth Ready workshops. These helped improve her mindset and build on her existing training as a kindergarten educator. She describes the program as “focused on working on the emotions and social skills of young people, providing them with the necessary tools to overcome obstacles and to find motivation in their lives.”

This was critical work because Gadita faced other pressures at the same time. She married young and had a daughter but, along with her husband, struggled to cover the family’s needs. Youth Ready leaders and other students stepped in to care for her daughter while she attended workshops.

Says Gadita, “That gave me confidence and made me overcome my insecurities and fears. I learned that no one can tell me that I cannot achieve something, because everything depends on me and what I want in life. Even though obstacles come my way, I learned that I can overcome them if I really want to.”

A business that gives back

Newly inspired, she’s gone a step further. “Today, I am starting my own business called Huellitas de Amor (Little Footprints of Love) that provides school support services to children and helps me cover basic expenses in my household,” she says.

Gadita says she intends to keep working with other Youth Ready graduates, World Vision and churches to create the kind of projects that can help motivate other young people and children in her community.

“I tell young people to never give up and that we can all change our history if we want, and that we must know how to make positive decisions in our lives,” says Gadita. “With determination and support, we can achieve our dreams and contribute to the future of our community and our country.”

Did you know? World Vision Canada’s youth training programs have unlocked over $6.4 million in future earnings for participants by keeping them in school and equipping them with practical skills.