More than 70 young people from 14 countries are participating in the training that focuses on youth protagonism in the fight against human trafficking 

In a gesture of synodality and faith in youth protagonism, the Talitha Kum Network in Latin America and the Caribbean began, on Saturday, May 17, the third edition of the Talitha Kum Youth Ambassadors Training Program. The inaugural meeting, held virtually, had a continental reach and brought together more than 70 young people from 14 countries: Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

The initiative is established as a training space of excellence, while mobilizing young people for a concrete commitment: preventing and confronting human trafficking in their communities. With a methodological proposal that unites theory and practice, the program consists of eight training meetings, addressing topics such as spirituality, human rights, new masculinities, digital media, and the development of local advocacy projects.

Spirituality that drives the mission

The first module focused on Talitha Kum's spirituality, and Sister Carmen Ugarte García, representative of the Network in Latin America, was the facilitator. With depth and sensitivity, the facilitator presented the three spiritual pillars that support Talitha Kum's action: the Word of God, consecration lived through faith and prophetic hope, and the magisterium of the Church, with an emphasis on Social Doctrine.

The biblical expression that gives the network its name — Talitha Kum, "Little girl, rise up" — was recalled as a symbol of the hope, compassion and mercy that characterize Talitha Kum's mission: "It has the transforming power of hope, compassion and mercy, reminding us that only God can transform even the most desperate situations and resurrect what seems dead,"  said Sister Carmen.

The facilitator also reinforced that "to be Talitha Kum is to be a direct collaborator with God to restore dignity to the trafficked person," and highlighted the figure of St. Josephine Bakhita as a model of hope and symbol of resistance to victims of human trafficking.

Spiritual and synodal leadership

The formation also reflected on the leadership style proposed by Talitha Kum: a synodal, spiritual, collective, and servant leadership. "You can't do anything alone, especially working in complex realities. In this model of leadership, there is everything that Jesus did. This is a call of hope that God has given us," said Sister Carmen, sensitizing young people with a call to community action and evangelical commitment.

An international community of hope and courage

The opening of the course also included a message from Sister Abby Avelino, international coordinator of the Talitha Kum Network. In a fraternal and hopeful tone, she exalted the importance of the third edition of the program, encouraging the participants:

“This training is more than a learning opportunity. It is a space to grow, connect with other people who share the same values, and become stronger in the fight against human trafficking. The fact that you have chosen to be here says a lot about your heart and interest, and that fills me with hope.” 

Sister Abby also referred to the passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, reminding the youth that the mission lives on:

"We continue in that same spirit: spreading peace, protecting the vulnerable, and defending the dignity of every person. I hope you will be part of this important time, carrying out this mission with faith and courage. Remember, you are not alone. You are part of something bigger—a community full of hope, courage, and love."

Ongoing training: young protagonists of transformation

The Talitha Kum Youth Ambassadors Training Program continues its meetings, deepening the content and promoting the network and articulation among young people. In a continent marked by inequalities, Talitha Kum counts on young people as Sowers of life, promoters of human dignity and builders of peace, for a world where no one is ever sold, bought or silenced.

By Magnus Regis, journalist and communications officer for the Um Grito Pela Vida network, Brazil