IMPAKTA: Empowering Scouts for National Impact in Chile
IMPAKTA is an innovative project designed to empower young people and inspire them to address the local challenges they face in their communities. Through the provision of seed capital and necessary support, IMPAKTA has catalyzed more than 27 youth-led projects, ranging from the creation of community gardens to the translation of materials into braille for the visually impaired, as well as youth empowerment camps and training in youth advocacy.
جميع الحقوق محفوظة
World Scout Bureau
With the support of the Messengers of Peace Fund, this project was created to bring visibility and to catalyse the service actions carried out within The Girl Guides and Scouts of Chile. It also seeks to recognize those anonymous heroes who are making a difference in key areas of Chilean society, such as the environment, diversity and inclusion, youth participation, equity, and human rights.
One of the initial challenges that IMPAKTA faced was ensuring that projects were truly led by young people under the age of 20. To achieve this, a camp was organized in October 2022, where at least 2 young people per region were trained in project management. The highlight of this effort was the Projects Fair, an event that inspired and multiplied ideas into concrete actions throughout the country.
Various initiatives emerged from this Projects Fair, such as:
- The implementation of a medicinal garden aimed at protecting and preserving natural resources with healing properties while preserving traditional herbal knowledge, and providing educational and health services to the community. This project trained more than 56 young people in the Quilamapu district of Santiago, Chile.
- The restoration of green areas through the planting of vegetation in the Santiago nearby forest areas, involving more than 86 young people.
- Trash collection in the vicinity of the Claro River in the Curico district of Maule, involving more than 140 young people after the peak tourist season.
- The establishment of a vegetable garden to support healthy and organic nutrition at a residence for seniors in Michimalonco, Valparaiso. The 12 young participants also made several visits to provide company to the elderly residents and learn about their life stories.
These are just a few examples among more than 50 projects that have come to life thanks to IMPAKTA. It has had a significant impact on communities and has instilled the idea that young people can dream as big as they want and achieve it. Collaboration with municipalities, schools, and community members has been essential in supporting young people in generating positive impact.
جميع الحقوق محفوظة
World Scout Bureau
Our troop's project transformed an abandoned garden at the school into a functional vegetable garden. This experience was important to me because we studied at that school and carried out our scout activities there. It was gratifying to see how a place that was once filled with trash became a space where we grow food.
Matías
Youth Participant
Applying for funds from this project was a straightforward process. The first step was to set the project goals, main activities, and outcomes through a dedicated link. The second step was organizing an interview with each of the young participants to gain a better understanding of the project. The third step was providing support and disbursing the agreed-upon amount according to the participants who will be involved in the activity.
جميع الحقوق محفوظة
World Scout Bureau
"Our group celebrated its 50th anniversary with a camp, attended by more than 90 people, including children, their parents, and active participants from the community where the group conducts its activities. The camp provided us with a unique experience, and it was beneficial to interact and communicate with members from different communities while celebrating the anniversary, making our group more visible in several surrounding communities. During the camp, we played games, held ceremonies, interacted with attendees, and took the opportunity to teach about Scouting” - Agatha, Rover Scout from Santiago
In summary, IMPAKTA has benefited more than 3,600 individuals from various communities, including students, neighbourhood associations, and elderly citizens. It has contributed to the creation of green spaces, the revitalization of public areas, and the raising of awareness on topics such as violence and respect for the elderly. This initiative has demonstrated the immense potential of young people in developing projects that have a positive impact on their communities.
Are you doing something great in your community? Tell us about it on the Scouts for SDGs hub!
