There is a general lack of interest among people to participate as active citizens in democratic societies.

Discrimination, ignorance, lack of compromises also impede us from helping. When we only look at one's origins and refuse to listen to him, we are not helping him! If we make promises that we don't hold, it's the same as doing nothing.

Lack of information is a barrier.

Rumors and gossip can prevent you from participating.

Intimidation or embarrassment can keep you from being engaged.

Fear of saying something wrong or inappropriate is a barrier.

"Hatred and misunderstanding are obstacles that prevent a youth from reaching his/her full potential."

"Poverty is a major obstacle that is inter-linked to other problems which creates a vicious cycle making it difficult for youth to develop and expand intellectually. In our capitalist system, those who don't have money can't always get a good education. Everyone is aware that education is essential for personal development."

Your attitude is the key to success. Being optimistic will lead you a long way. Being pessimistic will make you fail.

"If I'm not healthy, I'm left with nothing. Health is a fundamental right. When you pay thousands of dollars to have a cut fixed or a tumor removed, where does all that money go?"
(Garvin Alexandre, 17 years old, Grenada)

Access is limited by many things; one must consider economic restrictions, remoteness of location, class structures and a host of other things when we approach a problem (i.e. education). Thus the key to beginning to deal with a problem is understanding all of its components.