SIGNIS ALC (SIGNIS Latin American and the Caribbean) has partnered with the Latin American Center for Media Education and Citizenship (CELAEC) to launch an ambitious new initiative targeting young people across Latin America.
The “Young Innovators for Transformative Fraternity” project was officially launched at the Catholic University of Argentina in Buenos Aires to empower young people from Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile through education and communication technology.
Project Vision
“The orientation of this project is based on fraternity and social transformation,” explained Carlos Ferraro, President of SIGNIS ALC. “What’s interesting is that participation comes from cultural diversity, as we’re considering four countries to carry out a large number of social collaboration projects that can propose different initiatives to do good in society.”
The program aims to help young people develop innovative projects that generate real impact in their communities, emphasizing social innovation and collaborative solutions.
Program Structure
Applications for the program will be open from May 22 to July 22, targeting individuals aged 18-30 who demonstrate interest in social innovation, community development, and educommunication. Participants will have access to:
- Virtual and in-person training sessions
- Specialized mentorship
- Education in digital technologies and social innovation
- Support to transform ideas into viable projects
Timeline
The comprehensive program spans nearly two years:
- Applications: May 22 – July 22
- Project Selection: February 1 – March 30, 2026
- Virtual Training: August 12 – November 12
- In-person Workshops: December 1 – January 30, 2026
- Pilot Project Implementation: April 1 – September 30, 2026
- Evaluation and Closure: October 1 – November 30, 2026
Jaime Carrill, director of CELAEC, emphasized the program’s forward-looking approach: “This program stems from the idea that young people have a leading role, especially in the future, so we want them to start thinking about how they can transform our society to make it more just and supportive.”
The initiative represents a significant investment in Latin American youth, providing them with the tools and support needed to become agents of positive social change in their communities.