October 2007 marked the kick-off of the first-ever Ecuador Trip Contest with Free The Children. The contest encouraged youth to participate in Adopt a Village campaigns for the chance to win a trip to see Free The Children’s development projects firsthand. We received hundreds of applications from amazing youth organizing innovative campaigns throughout schools and communities across North America. The field was narrowed to five finalists who demonstrated leadership, passion for global issues and commitment to taking action. Read their profiles below and learn how these five individuals have incorporated the Me to We philosophy into their everyday lives.

Contest Winners:

Niloofar Entezari, Toronto, ON
At 17, Niloofar exemplifies the meaning of Me to We. She is a wonderful example of the amazing youth who participate in Free The Children campaigns. In grade 11, she played a crucial role in her school’s Brick by Brick campaign, helping to raise more than $11,000 to build a school in Sierra Leone. As vice president of her student council, she is helping to raise an additional $3,000 to further her school’s commitment to their development project. A truly remarkable young person, Niloofar has shown that one person can make a world of difference.

Zachery Holder, Verona, WI Zachery Holder, 19, recognizes the potential that each person has to change the world, and is a shining example of how each of us can ‘Be the Change.’ With an extensive list of community volunteer experience, Zachery has participated in activities including large-scale art projects, food drives, special Olympics, mentorship programs, holiday toy drives, as well as creating a positive-messaging video campaign to encourage youth stay away from drugs and alcohol. After hearing a speech as part of the Take Action! Speaking Tour by Free The Children’s partner organization, Me to We (Leaders Today), Zachery fostered his passion for international issues and got involved by participating in Free The Children’s Vow of Silence campaign.

Gabriella Silano, Toronto, ON Gabriella Silano became involved with Free The Children programming at the age of 12, and has since become a champion of Free The Children. She has participated in a diverse range of Free The Children programs including Adopt a Village fundraising campaigns and leadership training through Free The Children’s partner organization, Me to We (Leaders Today). Currently, she is president of the largest club at school – the Free The Children club – and her school has almost adopted an entire village! Gaby felt that she became a more aware global citizen when she travelled to Arizona last year and volunteered in Mexico through a Me to We (Leaders Today) international leadership and volunteer trip. She is excited to further her passion in Ecuador. Gaby has dedicated herself to making positive change overseas, and is demonstrating that young people really are changing the world every day.

Honourable Mentions:

Amanda Giles, Toronto, ON
Five years ago, Amanda heard a speech by Free The Children that changed her life. Since then, she has taken action in many Free The Children campaigns such as Halloween for Hunger, Vow of Silence, Brick by Brick schoolbuilding and more. As head of her school’s Outreach Club, Amanda has motivated her peers and coordinated her school’s efforts to ensure that they are doing their part to take action in important social issues. From organizing toy drives and food drives to fundraising for numerous other non-profit organizations, Amanda is hoping to inspire others to take action, just as she was inspired years ago.

Alysha Li, Vancouver, BC
Alysha is a wonderful example of the power of youth to create social change. Taking a huge leadership role in both her school and community, Alysha has been an integral individual in numerous youth programs in the Vancouver area. Raising both awareness and funds for Free The Children programming, Alysha has helped to organize innovative and effective activities in her school. From selling ‘bricks’ in the cafeteria to water-carrying challenges and carnivals, Alysha has created school spirit while at the same time creating change. Her dedication to social issues and passion for youth empowerment has allowed her to represent her peers in Vancouver schools on the District Student Council, and has also given her the opportunity to present to students at an Interactive Innovations Conference. Alysha is an inspiring ambassador for change, both in Canada and abroad.