Recovery of Puerto Rico through Youth Leadership

Our community youth leaders in training have been selected! We have eight diverse, energetic, curious, hopeful and committed youth who want to become community leaders. They represent communities located in the northeast area of Puerto Rico, including San Juan, Loíza, Juncos, Naguabo y Canóvanas. 

Our staff has developed a training plan which will guide participants through a series of topics and experiences allowing them to become leaders of change within their community. A major step in the project was choosing a name. With the guidance of one of the most recognized Puerto Rican historians, Dr. Jalil Sued Badillo, the participants chose the name TIBOCO: community youth leadership incubator.

The word tiboco means "nest" in the arahuaco indigenous language. The participants took ownership of the project and chose this name because they feel they are developing in a safe and nurturing place. Once they graduate they will each earn the title of irriri, the name for the woodpecker bird in arahuaco language. These birds were known to rebuild their nests collectively. The group agreed that the nest and the bird represent the ideals of the project, which are to develop as leaders who will leave the nest and work together to rebuild their communities.

Our participans are excited about growing as the leaders they have envisioned themselve to be: active, ethical, solidary and brave. They are confident in their endeavor and are committed to the recovery of Puerto Rico by becoming a resource within their communities. 

You can support our future community leaders by donating to our project. We greatly appreciate your contribution.