Santa Cruz Unveils "Distrito Joven" December Youth Program

The Santa Cruz City Council's Youth Department has put together a wide-ranging program called "Distrito Joven" for December. It aims to encourage young people to get involved, learn creatively, and come together as a community. These activities, which include training, healthy fun, and new technologies, will be held in different city locations to make them easily accessible to young people from all areas.

Santa Cruz Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasized that "the December program strengthens the City Council's dedication to the city's youth. It provides them with safe places, valuable activities, and resources to help them grow personally and professionally." He also noted that "Santa Cruz now offers more opportunities for its young people, and this program of traveling activities shows we are moving forward in that direction."

Charín González, the Councillor for Youth Affairs, commented that "Distrito Joven proves again that when we listen to young people and create activities that match their interests, more of them get involved, and we see positive results." She added that the goal is "to provide options for responsible fun, inclusion, creativity, and technology, catering to those who want to learn, express themselves, or simply spend time with other young people."

The program starts with a "Cybersecurity for Beginners" course. It will run every Tuesday and Thursday – specifically on December 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, and 30th – at the Mascareño Youth Center, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. During these sessions, young people will learn how to protect their privacy, identify threats like phishing and cyberbullying, and set up secure social media accounts using hands-on exercises and real-life examples.

Later in the month, "Distrito Talent" rehearsals will take place, allowing participants to perfect their acts for the competition's final show. These sessions are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th, at the 7 Islas Community Center. Additional sessions will be held on December 4th and 11th at the Nuevo Obrero Civic Center, all from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This activity provides a chance to improve stage presence, creativity, and confidence, with help from art professionals.

"Aula Rol" is also back in December, inviting young people to dive into creating characters and stories in a guided setting. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the Valleseco Community Center. Here, participants will explore the rules, materials, and interactions that make up a full role-playing game.

The schedule also features a special role-playing event on Friday, December 5th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in the Plaza de España. This outdoor gathering aims to offer a wider, more interactive role-playing experience for the youth community.

The Christmas spirit will be alive at the much-anticipated "Tardeo Joven Navideño" (Youth Christmas Afternoon Gathering). This community event will feature crafts, carols, board games, festive makeup, and the chance to decorate your own Christmas-themed pouch. Held at various locations based on internal schedules, this activity always focuses on creativity, participation, and festive fun.

A highlight of the month is the "Sendero Nocturno Navideño" (Christmas Night Trail) on Friday, December 12th, from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM. This adventure will take participants through different parts of central Santa Cruz. They will explore unexpected areas, solve clues, and visit famous spots lit up with Christmas lights, combining adventure, community, and urban exploration.

For those with a competitive streak, a Gaming Championship will be held on Saturday, December 27th, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Lázaro Silvito Youth Center. Young people can compete in four tournaments happening at the same time, both individually and in teams, encouraging strategy, teamwork, and respect among players.

December will wrap up with the Annual Christmas Fest Meeting at Espacio de la Recova on Friday, December 19th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This special event will feature surprise activities, performances, and games designed to end the year together as a community. It has become one of the program's most anticipated events and a key celebration for the youth of Santa Cruz.