Horyzon at Radio YMCA Colombia

Isabelle:
Hello everyone, many greetings from Switzerland. I am very happy to be here with you today.

Interviewer:
Hello Isabelle, I hope you are very well. Thank you very much for letting us interview you. Now tell us, what is your work?

Isabelle:
I am a project coordinator at Horyzon, a Swiss NGO which, together with various YMCA and YWCA, runs projects with young people for young people in 5 countries around the world.

Interviewer:
Isabelle, what are your hobbies?

Isabelle:
I like to spend my free time with my family, especially with my two nephews. In summer I like to go hiking in the mountains, and in winter I like to ski in the mountains.

Interviewer:
Why do you think international cooperation is important, and why is it especially important in countries like Colombia?

Isabelle:
For me, international cooperation means that we have to tackle the problems of the world in cooperation. I also think that we have to get away from this thinking in nation states and stop building walls at our borders. After all, I think we are all brothers and sisters, and we must support each other so that there are less inequalities and injustices in this world. The cooperation between Horyzon and YMCA in Colombia is also characterized by this way of thinking. The cooperation is based on mutual understanding, so that the different strengths and capacities of the two organizations complement each other. The decades of internal conflicts in Colombia have called a hugde solidarity in Switzerland and this was the beginning of the partnership between Horyzon and YMCA Colombia. This partnership has existed for more than 30 years. Even after the adoption of the peace agreement, many of the challenges in Colombia were still not solved, so it was clear to Horyzon and YMCA Colombia that the partnership between the two organizations should continue. The challenges for young people growing up in conflicts and difficult contexts are still enormous. For this reason, projects like Paza la Paz are very important to accompany these young people on their way and to strengthen their potential.

Interviewer:
Thank you very much for the thoughts you have shared with us. Now the last question Isabelle. How do you think solidarity is lived in Horyzon and in the YMCA movement?

Isabelle:
For me personally, solidarity means being an active part of the world society and fighting for more justice and equality in the world. For Horyzon as part of the international YMCA movement, international solidarity means to support each other within the movement and to create meaningful and effective partnerships that help to improve the economic, social and political situation of young people all over the world. In particular, I experience daily how solidarity is lived when I am in contact with my partners. I notice that the project teams are deeply committed to the well-being of young people and cannot be stopped by pandemics, conflicts or violence. For me this is the core of solidarity.

Interviewer:
Isabelle, that was all for today's interview. Thank you very much for the exchange with us and your participation.