A MISSION OF HOPE ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: TURNING MOMENTS OF STRUGGLE INTO MEMORIES OF HOPE

International Youth Day is a time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities faced by young people across the globe. It is a day that shines a spotlight on their potential, their struggles, and the vital role they play in shaping the future. As Christians, we are called to embody values like faith, integrity, creativity, and compassion in our daily lives, striving to make a positive impact on those around us. Today, I want to share a personal journey that has been deeply rooted in these values, with

a mission to turn moments of despair into lasting memories of hope and transformation.

 

A Mission Born from Loss and Love

In response to the growing number of young people who feel marginalised at school or at home, I became part of a non-profit organisation that is close to my heart: the Ariana Bailey Kids Foundation. This foundation was established in honour of my niece, Ariana, who tragically passed away at the tender age of thirteen. Ariana was full of life, creativity, and passion, and her sudden departure left a void that words cannot express. Yet, amid this loss, we found a mission - one that seeks to empower young people and provide them with the support they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Through personal relationships, the Ariana Bailey Kids Foundation strives to empower young persons to make positive changes in their lives. We offer them a strong support system, one that not only helps them avoid the risks that can derail their lives but also encourages them to reach their God-ordained potential. In doing so, we honour Ariana's memory by turning moments of despair into memories of hope and inspiration.

Cherish the journey of young people, capturing their important milestones, achievements, and personal growth. Use our personalised keepsakes as meaningful symbols of this journey.

 A Journey into Justice

One of the most profound experiences I have had through this mission was witnessing the intricacies of the legal system. I attended a hearing that spanned from trial to sentencing, observing both the prosecution and defence teams in action. This experience led me to research the professionals involved in the case, particularly those surrounding the young defendant. What I found was alarming: incompetence and weaknesses that threatened the very fabric of justice.

The Youth Offending Team’s report, produced for the courts before sentencing, was riddled with inaccuracies, likely due to a lack of understanding of the young person involved. Despite overwhelming evidence, including video footage and witness testimonies, injustice was served with a conviction that did not reflect the truth of the situation.

This experience ignited a fire within me, a passion for justice and a desire to tackle the issues of inequality, discrimination, incompetence, and human rights. I am now equipping myself with legal knowledge and skills to create opportunities for change.

My goal is to impact human lives positively, particularly the lives of young people, by removing the barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in society with pride and accomplishment. 

 

The Challenges We Face

The challenges that young people face today are daunting. Insufficient funds in school budgets, teacher shortages, and a lack of professional support in certain areas are just a few of the issues that threaten the next generation's future. These challenges are not just systemic; they are deeply personal.

They affect the lives of real people, real children, who deserve the chance to thrive.

As Christians, we are called to respond with creativity and passion, quality and excellence, empathy and compassion. We are called to be a family and community to those who feel alone. And we are called to turn these moments of challenge into opportunities for growth, support, and empowerment.

 

Creating the Change We Want to See

Life is ever-changing, and with it, the rules and standards by which we live.

There are always questions to be answered, decisions to be made, and lines to be drawn between right and wrong.

My passion is to stand in the gap for young people, to give them a voice in a world that often overlooks them, and to help them see and fulfil their God-given potential.

My chosen form of protest is not one of anger or violence, but of action.

By creating the change, I want to see in the world, I can serve justice in its many forms. I can offer hope to those who feel hopeless and help turn their moments of struggle into memories of triumph.

 

Conclusion

On this International Youth Day, let us remember the power we hold to impact the lives of young people. Let us use our faith, integrity, creativity, and compassion to build a better future for them - a future where they can thrive, succeed, and fulfil their potential. Let us turn moments into memories, not just for ourselves, but for every young person who crosses our path.

In doing so, we honour the memory of those we have lost and build a legacy of love, justice, and hope for generations to come.