February 27 marked a significant milestone in the closing ceremony of the Training Program of the Mesoamerican School of Leadership. Eighty young individuals, participants in this structured educational process comprising four phases: Personal and Collective Identity, High Group Empathy, Community for Learning and Inquiry, and Practices for Entrepreneurship, celebrated the culmination of their journey.

At this moment, it is worth noting that these young individuals, hailing from various organizations affiliated with the Association of Forest Communities of Petén (ACOFOP), possess an in-depth understanding of their communities and organizations, destined to become the leaders of tomorrow.

In the words of Moisés Sosa, a program participant: "Young people, it was possible! Some made sacrifices, but let it not end here. What comes after the closing ceremony? The closure is just the moment when we demonstrate our potential. What comes next and how we get involved? It depends on us."

Carolina Alvarado, the program facilitator, shares: "I have observed how young people have become interested in participating in other processes; the use of drones, technologies, communication. Young people, thanks to the school's process, have wanted to participate more."

Dairy Lopez, a participant, urges with conviction: "I encourage you to get involved in these processes. Because as young people, we are the future of our country. In this program, we have learned to be young leaders and to trust in ourselves."

Manuel Martínez, focusing on the importance of the process for ACOFOP, shares: "The aim is to train young people with critical and self-critical opinions. The process is very important for ACOFOP, to have a pool of leaders who will advocate for collective and community development."

We want to extend our sincere appreciation to the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests, as well as the Association of Forest Communities of Petén (ACOFOP), whose fundamental support has been essential for the success of this significant educational journey. Their support has been an essential pillar in the construction of this solid educational foundation.

Now, equipped with the necessary tools, the young people of Petén embark on the ongoing mission of leading with courage and commitment. They assume the responsibility of being agents of change in their communities, applying with wisdom and determination the knowledge acquired to address current and future challenges.

Under the title "Community Forest Youth of Petén," this event highlights the commitment and dedication of the participants. We celebrate this comprehensive training cycle and look forward with optimism to the future, where these young individuals become protagonists of their development and the well-being of their communities.

With hearts brimming with gratitude and minds focused on the future, we solemnly close this chapter, eager to explore the new doors that open towards even more enriching opportunities.