By Adriana Irizarry | Staff member
Dear friend:
This year the initial phase of our pilot project titled TIBOCO: Community Youth Leaders Incubator concluded with the graduation of eleven new community leaders. We are excited to feature the story of one of these young, brave and dedicated youths, Wesley.
Wesley is a resident of the coastal municipality of Loíza. This community is well known for its strong African cultural heritage, amazing people, beautiful beaches and palm trees. However, it is also stricken with poverty and violence. Wesley completed our mentorship program which supported his efforts to graduate from high school and to start his bachelor’s degree in the University of Puerto Rico. Soon after, he joined the youth leadership incubator program with the goal of gaining knowledge and skills which he could use for the betterment of his community.
Given his hard work and commitment, Wesley was invited to deliver a welcoming statement at the 2019 Tina Hills Annual Award ceremony. The Ángel Ramos Foundation recognizes non-for-profit organizations for their contribution to quality of life, volunteering, sustainability, leadership and innovation. This awards ceremony is one of the most prestigious philanthropy events in Puerto Rico. Wesley had the honor of participating in this important event as a distinguished youth. His words reflect the growth of a true leader and we share them as a testament of the results of the project made possible by our donors:
“Today we thank and celebrate the love that extends beyond our family and immediate surroundings. Today, I Wesley Polish, neighbor of the town of Loíza and student of the UPR, appreciate the love in the form of support that I have received from the different organizations that have impacted my life. These have allowed me to expand my vision of life and have provided me the opportunity to give other people the love and support I have received so far. They sowed in me the sense of responsibility, both with myself and with my community. Today, when so many look to the future with pessimism, we ask for strength and wisdom to continue turning love into service, especially to the most needy and to our troubled planet.”
Thank you for your continued support.
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