Youth Ambassadors Caribbean 2025: Building Leadership and Friendship Across the Americas
In August 2025, 30 young leaders from across the Caribbean traveled to the United States to participate in the Youth Ambassadors (YA) Caribbean exchange, a 14-day program designed to strengthen leadership skills, deepen civic engagement, and cultivate cross-cultural connections. Funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and implemented by CIED/Georgetown University, the exchange welcomed participants from The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Suriname.
Washington, D.C. – Immersed in Civic Leadership
The program launched with three action-packed days in Washington, D.C., placing youth at the heart of U.S. history and democracy. Participants explored the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, reflecting on African American history, identity, and the broader African diaspora. One Jamaican youth shared, “Seeing a museum properly capture the spectrum of identities…made me feel at home.” The museum visit sparked deep conversations about resilience, cultural heritage, and the global connections between the Caribbean and the United States.
At the U.S. Capitol, participants examined the foundations of American democracy, connecting civic principles to their own community initiatives. The highlight of the D.C. experience came at the U.S. Department of State, where participants met with members of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and engaged in a diplomatic simulation. In teams, they negotiated responses to a global health crisis scenario, learning to balance competing interests while building consensus. One Guyanese participant reflected, “The premise was not to argue but to resolve with unity…compromising and negotiation was something informative.” These experiences emphasized negotiation, collaboration, and the power of youth voices in international affairs.
Charlottesville, VA – Civic Engagement and Cultural Immersion
Half of the cohort traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia, where they were warmly welcomed by host families, giving them a window into daily U.S. life. Participants shared meals, family routines, and local traditions, building bonds that became an integral part of their cultural learning. One youth from Antigua noted, “The highlight of my day was meeting my host parents; it feels like I have two little brothers I can hang out with. I’m really excited for the next ten days with them.”
Charlottesville activities combined civic learning with historical reflection. At Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, participants examined both the ideals of democracy and the realities of slavery, connecting history to ongoing discussions about leadership and civic responsibility. Ambassador Tarlie Francis of Grenada hosted a session on youth civic engagement, inspiring participants to see themselves as active leaders both locally and regionally.
The program also featured peer learning with two 2023 YA alumni, Chidindu Ohaegbulam (Antigua & Barbuda) and Damien Kerseborn (Suriname). Through workshops and interactive sessions, alumni shared lessons from their own projects and college experiences, highlighting the practical impact of youth-led initiatives. One Charlottesville participant reflected, “Hearing alumni share their experiences made me realize that my project back home can have real regional and even international connections.” Another commented, “I now see that civic activism is not just about protest—it’s also about creating solutions and spaces for dialogue.”
Additional Charlottesville activities included team-building at Poplar Ridge, where youth learned to communicate, collaborate, and trust one another through ropes courses, and evening reflection sessions with host families that reinforced cross-cultural understanding. Participants left Charlottesville with a deeper appreciation for U.S. civic systems, the complexity of history, and the transformative power of living within a new culture.
Raleigh, NC – Civic Leadership in Action and Community Connection
The other half of the cohort spent 10 days in Raleigh, North Carolina, where host families provided immersive cultural experiences, from sharing meals to participating in everyday family routines. Participants reflected on the value of these relationships for understanding American culture on a personal level. One youth from Jamaica noted, “Our host family made me feel welcome instantly. Sharing meals and talking about our daily lives helped me understand how life here compares to home.”
Raleigh programming emphasized civic engagement and hands-on learning. Participants visited the North Carolina Legislative Building, where they engaged directly with lawmakers to understand state-level policy and its effects on local communities. They also participated in service projects with peers, exploring how volunteerism strengthens community ties. Local youth leaders shared their experiences, providing Caribbean participants practical models for launching projects in their own schools and neighborhoods.
Evenings with host families and informal activities, such as cooking together, exploring the community, and attending local cultural events, enriched participants’ understanding of American life beyond the classroom. Participants reflected on the lessons learned, with one stating, “Seeing how youth here start projects in their schools made me think—I don’t need to wait for someone else to begin change.” Another commented, “The Legislative visit showed me that laws aren’t distant—they’re made by people who are willing to listen if we speak up.”
Lifelong Impact and Intercultural Learning
By the program’s conclusion on August 19, participants left with more than memories, they returned home with practical leadership tools, strengthened cross-cultural relationships, and an enriched perspective on civic engagement. The combination of intensive workshops, hands-on projects, historical exploration, and host family immersion created a holistic learning environment that emphasized both personal growth and community responsibility.
The YA Caribbean 2025 exchange demonstrates the lasting impact of international experiences: it equips young leaders to return home empowered, with inspiration from alumni, peers, and mentors, ready to implement civic projects, foster cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to regional and global dialogue.