International Youth Day: Building a Future of Hope

Today, 12 August, we celebrate young people and recognise their contribution, potential and important role in shaping our communities

Every year, International Youth Day offers an opportunity to listen to young people, recognise the challenges they face and celebrate the energy, creativity and new perspectives they bring to society.

For Sisters Hospitallers, supporting young people is also part of our commitment to building communities where every person has the opportunity to participate, develop their abilities and feel valued.

Across our English Delegation, from our centres in England to our communities in Ghana and Liberia, we see the importance of creating opportunities for younger generations to learn, grow and contribute. This includes supporting young professionals within our teams, encouraging education and development, and accompanying young people as they make decisions about their future.

This commitment is also reflected in our Youth and Vocational Ministry. Recently, Sr Cecilia Eshum, Second Councillor of our English Delegation, travelled to Malawi alongside Sr Martiene Ngo Mahend from the Province of Portugal, where they met young women interested in learning more about the Congregation and the Hospitaller way of life.

International Youth Day reminds us that young people are not only the future; they are already an important part of our communities today. Listening to their voices, encouraging their talents and creating opportunities for participation allows us to grow together and build a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Today, we celebrate young people everywhere and the hope, ideas and possibilities they bring to our shared future.