Learning from young people and from our own experiences in Barrio San Jorge

Abstract

This paper brings together the perceptions of three youths from Barrio San Jorge, a low-income settlement located in the municipality of San Fernando in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, and the more technical views of three adult researchers working in the same barrio with the Instituto Internacional de Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo—América Latina (IIED—AL). It highlights youth’s perceptions and aspirations within a context of neighbourhood upgrading and transformation, and discusses some ideas on how best to approach and work with youth, addressing the challenges of integration, participation and commitment.