A regional webinar and networking session held on March 25, 2026 at the Foresee Foundation
office, brought together youth and nonprofit organizations from across the Caribbean to explore
practical strategies for strengthening youth engagement in community initiatives. The event, part
of a broader inter-island effort supported by Oranje Fonds and Stichting Kinderpostzegels,
combined virtual knowledge-sharing with in-person dialogue to bridge ideas and action.
Following the inter-island webinar entitled Engaging Youth in NGOs: Why, What and How, an
in-person local follow-up session was organized to translate the shared insights into the local St.
Maarten context. The session brought together a mixed group of youth (under 29) and
representatives from NGOs and community organizations, with the majority of participants
attending in an organizational capacity. The overall aim was to facilitate dialogue between youth
and organizations, reflect on the relevance of the webinar content, identify barriers to youth
engagement, and explore opportunities for collaboration and follow-up actions.
Through interactive discussions and activities, the participants discussed key topics under the
theme of youth volunteerism. For the core activity of the evening, youth and organizations were
split up into groups to discuss the barriers to youth volunteerism. From the perspectives of the
youth, they highlighted practical and motivational challenges, including long hours, lack of
recognition, limited structure, transportation issues, and conflicts with school schedules. These
insights underscored the need for flexible, meaningful, and well-organized volunteer
opportunities.
Organizations, on the other hand, reflected on internal constraints such as limited capacity, lack
of trained staff, unclear structures, and difficulty understanding youth needs. They recognized
that improving youth engagement requires stronger internal systems and better support
mechanisms.
When both groups reconvened, shared challenges emerged, including limited access to
schools, ineffective outreach channels, and participation barriers such as financial pressures,
transportation, and competing responsibilities. Participants suggested alternative strategies like
using peer outreach, influencers, and school-based programs to better connect with youth.
The final activity was a “marketplace” exercise that allowed youth and organizations to
exchange skills, needs, and opportunities using a structured matching activity. This resulted in
active networking and the formation of potential partnerships.
This webinar and networking session represents an important step toward facilitating dialogue
between youth and civil society, fostering meaningful connections and paving the way for a
more engaged and empowered generation of young changemakers.
