In an effort to consolidate the transversal pillars of its mission, the regional Gender Equity and Youth teams of Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean held an in-person meeting from January 19 to 22. The event took place at the Cáritas Honduras Training Center, in Siguatepeque, and functioned not only as an instance of technical planning, but as a space for fraternal exchange based on self-care and synodal spirituality.

Strategic priorities and gender focus

The Gender Equality team, led by its coordinator Conchita Reyes (Cáritas Guatemala), took advantage of these days to review its lines of action. priority work. With the participation of representatives from the Southern Cone, the Bolivarian region and Central America, the group focused its efforts on key dimensions such as mainstreaming, the systematization of experiences and the prevention of violence.

Reyes highlighted the importance of generational collaboration: "We are thinking about how we can influence together with young people so that the issue of youth and gender equity can truly be mainstreamed throughout the work of Caritas," he said, highlighting that the challenges of the agenda They are strongly projected towards the year 2031.

Voices of all for a synodal and participatory Church

For her part, Daniela Joya Valbuena, from Cáritas Colombiana and recent member of the team, valued the meeting as an opportunity to share the realities of the national Cáritas and build paths of transformation. “The meeting opened perspectives to think about a synodal Church that is strengthened through the participation of women and young people in the social dimension of evangelization,” he stressed.

In line with this, the Youth team focused its agenda on the comprehensive formation of its leaders. Given the current challenges in the region, workshops on mental health and psychological first aid were prioritized, tools considered essential for effective support in the communities.

Technical and spiritual strengthening of youth

Aníbal Martínez (Cáritas Honduras), regional leader of the team, highlighted the depth of the approach: "Something important that nourishes us is the topic of synodal spirituality. This strengthens us and helps us continue consolidating the team to project ourselves in a better way in the region.” Martínez also thanked the headquarters for its hospitality, which provided an atmosphere of fraternity and respect for the development of the activities.

For the young Darío Herrera, from Cáritas Panamá, the experience was deeply gratifying. "Entering this community and seeing that throughout our region we come together to work for youth is hopeful. I am left with a new family and the feeling that, although there is much to do, I am not alone," he said.

Paola Oviedo (Cáritas Mexicana), also a member of the team, described the meeting as a time of grace and discernment. "Within the framework of the 70 years of Cáritas LAC, we gratefully recognized the path traveled and the steps we take today with hope under the light of synodality," he stated. Likewise, he highlighted that the dialogue with the Gender Equity team made it possible to build agreements and project common work, confirming that the mission is renewed through listening, mutual care and the creation of safe spaces.

Our mission is renewed and becomes a living testimony of fraternity and solidarity.

Horizon 2027: The road to Brazil

A fundamental point of convergence for both teams was the preparation for the Cáritas Regional Congress, to be held in Brazil in 2027. This meeting in Honduras made it possible to align visions to ensure that gender equality and youth protagonism —cross-cutting themes in the regional strategic framework— are fully integrated into this ecclesial milestone.

The event concluded with a spirit of gratitude and renewal of social commitment, reaffirming that equity and youth participation are not isolated issues, but rather the heart of a Church that seeks to be a "safe space" and solidarity for all.