Our voice matters, Brazilian youth tell leaders in Rio

Rio De Janeiro, BRAZIL (June 19, 2012) — As negotiators continue to battle for agreement over the outcomes of Rio, one group of civic-minded youth from the city’s favelas (slums) took their concerns to Brazil’s leaders Monday.

“It’s time leaders started listening to their younger constituents,” said Edgleison, 19, one of the youth who met with municipal authorities to present the findings of a World Vision youth survey. “It is necessary that we make changes now so that future generations can live in quality.”

Young people across Brazil have spent months in the lead up to the Rio +20 Conference on Sustainable Development, talking to others in their favelas and communities, to gather opinions — and proposed solutions — about issues that affect their daily lives.

“Their perspective is too valuable to ignore,” says World Vision’s Maria Carolina Silva. “We know youth often have a better understanding of poverty and development issues than we give them credit for, which we’ve seen once again. Our survey shows they offer solutions and ideas as well.”

World Vision’s survey was conducted by youth of other children and youth in their communities. Among the findings:

• Nearly two thirds (61.6 percent) of young people surveyed said climate change affects their daily life.
• More than two thirds (66.7 percent) say governments aren’t doing enough about climate change.
• Almost all (96 per cent) of the participants in the World Vision survey emphasized the importance of youth participation in discussions about sustainable development, and the need to ensure that this participation significantly contributes to improving quality of life.
• More than half, 52.8 percent, say public health services are disconnected from their social reality. Health services are outdated, meaning messages – particularly those of life-saving prevention – are not reaching those who need to hear them the most.

- END -

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews