Formando Líderes Desde la Adolescencia: Reflexiones Sobre la Participación Social Juvenil

Adolescence is a crucial period in the development of character, as well as in the acquisition of essential skills for social life. In this sense, youth leadership becomes relevant by promoting social participation and civic engagement among young people. When examining their social involvement, both opportunities and challenges arise that young people may face in the process of becoming influential leaders and agents of transformation in their school and community environments. This article arises from the need to reflect on the role of educational institutions in the formation of youth leadership. These institutions have the responsibility to develop critical, aware, and transformative youth leaders. Through rigorous analysis and the review of concrete experiences, it is argued that youth participation not only represents a right but also an essential condition for the strengthening of democratic, equitable, and resilient societies from the early stages of personal development. Additionally, the barriers that restrict the exercise of youth leadership are recognized, and specific proposals are made to overcome them, strengthening the empowerment of adolescents as leaders in their various contexts and communities.