15 August 2024, Armenia. – In Armenia, Colombia, a group of passionate young minds is transforming their community—one pixel at a time. From July 30th to August 4th, 2024, the Young Gamechangers (YGs) embarked on a mission to reshape their environment using the digital power of Minecraft. Guided by experts from UN-Habitat and Hill, these young visionaries dove into a week of creativity, collaboration, and community building.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The first day began with excitement and anticipation. The team gathered at the Vive Lab computer laboratory, a youth centre in the heart of Armenia that will serve as a dedicated space for Young Gamechangers to learn and exchange, ensuring that all the technical aspects were in place. Computers were checked, software was installed, and the energy was palpable. The mission was clear: equip the YGs with the skills they needed to bring their ideas to life.
Day 2: Sparking Interest
On the second day, the YGs ventured into the digital world of Minecraft for the first time. The group was a dynamic mix of school students and University of Quindio attendees, blending practical expertise in Minecraft mechanics with academic knowledge. This diverse combination fostered a rich exchange of ideas, bridging different perspectives and enhancing the overall learning experience.
But before the blocks were laid, they engaged with the community through interviews and a podcast – Eugenio Gastelum and Florentino Márquez discussed how urban challenges could be addressed through youth digital empowerment. These communications are being broadcasted on the University’s weekly show, igniting interest in the project across Armenia.
In the afternoon, the YGs delved into presentations on public space and the Block-by-Block methodology, laying the groundwork for their creative journey. With a few hours of practice, they started mastering the Minecraft controls, showing promising progress.
Day 3: Building Skills, Building Dreams
On the third day, the YGs were introduced to the advanced tools of their trade — Minecraft Mods and advanced building techniques. For many, this was their first experience with Minecraft, and though the initial learning curve was steep, they pushed through. By the end of the day, they were building confidently, supported by their diverse backgrounds and the collaborative spirit that flourished among them.
Day 4: Mastering the Craft
As the workshop continued, the YGs honed their skills, practicing advanced building techniques and reviewing everything they had learned. By the close of the fourth day, their confidence had soared. They were ready to take the reins, eager to continue their work independently and fully grasping the responsibilities they would carry forward.
Mission Outcomes: Crafting the Future
By the end of the week, the YGs had achieved remarkable milestones. They had gained a strong understanding of Minecraft building, with many of them able to set up and install mods with minimal assistance. They produced test models of their school, a local park, and the municipal building—visual representations of the future they envision for their community.
The Vive Lab was left ready and waiting for the next phase of their journey. The participants, now equipped with the skills and confidence to forge ahead, are set to select a site, build a model, and organize participatory workshops with their community. A Discord server was established, offering them a space to collaborate, share, and receive continued support.
Next Steps: A Digital Transformative Action
The journey doesn’t end here. The YGs will continue to transform their ideas into digital reality, with the support of tools, knowledge, and community engagement.
The true challenge for the Young Gamechangers of Armenia lies ahead: assessing the more than 140 public spaces within the city’s boundaries, guided by Hill’s urban sustainability experts and supported by Universidad del Quindio and local government officials As they move forward, they carry with them the seeds of change, ready to grow and blossom into a brighter, more inclusive future for Armenia.
From pixels to opportunities, these Young Gamechangers are not just building in Minecraft—they’re building a better tomorrow. Read more about the Young Gamechangers Initiative here.
