As we celebrate International Youth Day, we also take a moment to express our deep gratitude and bid farewell to three of our longstanding advisors—Ankica, Yazid, and Ezekiel. These remarkable individuals have been with the Iris Project since its inception, playing a pivotal role in guiding and supporting two cohorts of Iris Prize winners with their wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
We asked them a couple of parting questions and wanted to share their answers with you.
What does International Youth Day mean to you?
Ankica
For me, IYD is a reminder that we are present, we matter, and we will keep fighting for the future we deserve.
Yazid
Internation Youth Day means a day to celebrate the pockets of the incredible works young people are leading to change the narrative across their communities.
Ezekiel
International Youth Day means a lot to me. It’s a day to reflect on my journey as change maker. Celebrating my little achievement and the incredible work of youth across the world.
If you could change one thing about the youth funding space, what would it be?
Ankica
I would trust the youth more. Imagine how many issues we could’ve solved by now, if we put a little bit more trust in the youth. How many solutions have been put on hold just because the people behind them are deemed too young?
Yazid
I would change the bureaucratic process (power dynamic in funding) stopping or restricting young people from accessing funds.
Ezekiel
If I would change one thing about the youth funding space, it would be to restructure the funding mechanism and adopt a trust-based approach to accessing funds. Also, to limit the bureaucracy involved in providing funds for youth.
What was the highlight of your time at the Iris Project
Ankica
Too many to choose from. I would say my two biggest highlights were having the opportunity to work with such a resourceful, talented and diverse team, and the privilege to witness the journeys of two amazing projects and the bright future ahead of them.
Yazid
The meetings with the advisors, the mentorship sessions with my mentees through the years, the beautiful application reviews, and representing the advisory board in international conferences.
Ezekiel
My highlight at the Iris Project is comprised of my interactions with fellow youth advisors and mentoring prize winners. During these times, I was privileged to learn about the incredible solutions implemented by youths across the world.
Farewell & parting words- would you like to share your experience about being an advisor?
Ankica
I can’t believe it’s been three years since the Iris Project started. This was my first advisory role and it will always have a special place in my heart. I joined the board ready to share my experience, perspectives and opinions, and learn from the others. But my expectations were surpassed. Not only did I always feel heard and valued as part of the board, I was also given a space to develop my ideas, and transform them into something tangible, real. That is how every young person should feel, especially during that confusing period when we are transitioning from a structured, “formal education”-oriented life into young adulthood. With this experience behind me, I can dive into the next one with more confidence, fully aware of what it means to be respected and heard as a young person. And now, although a bittersweet goodbye for me, it is time for the next group of young passionate advisors to become part of this incredible experience.
Yazid
We have come a long way in leading trust-based participatory grantmaking for young people, let us continue to do more and inspire others to “Enable young people to protect and restore nature.”
Ezekiel
My experience about being an advisor is the reviewing and scoring applications. Also, listening to diverse reviews of advisors and the capacity I have built over the years.
Thank you, Ankica, Yazid, and Ezekiel, for everything you’ve given to the Iris Project. We’ll miss you!
